September 1, 2025
By Jodi Miller Gruhn, Wholesome MN Program Director
When I first started planning the Let’s Beat Breast Cancer Rally for 2025, I challenged myself to make the event bolder and more impactful than ever before. My goal was to offer Twin Cities Veg Fest attendees something that would not only build awareness about breast cancer prevention strategies, but create an unforgettable experience that moves people to action.
That’s exactly what’s happening at Twin Cities Veg Fest this year. Once again the festival will be at Harriet Island Park in St. Paul from 10 am- 4 pm on September 21.
You Won’t Miss Us!
If you’re attending Twin Cities Veg Fest between 11:30am and 1pm, you won’t be able to miss us. We’re creating a multisensory experience that starts the moment you arrive. High school marching bands will parade through the festival grounds, building energy and excitement as they make their way to the main stage.
Once there, you’ll experience the thunderous power of taiko drumming from Taiko Arts– a combination of music, dance, and pure adrenaline, alongside the rich rhythmic sounds of cajón drumming from Empowered Percussion, delivering the full impact of percussion without requiring a complete drum kit.
But this rally engages more than just your ears. You’ll taste cancer-fighting foods during a live cooking demonstration, proving that healthy food can be absolutely delicious. You’ll meet the Dragon Divas, fierce breast cancer survivors who demonstrate that a diagnosis doesn’t define your limitations. And you’ll hear from Mayo Clinic Oncology Instructor Lisa Ellsworth, MHS, PA-C, as she shares science-backed strategies that could save lives. We are pleased that we will have attending: Rebecca Noecker, City Council member, and Huldah Hiltsley, State Representative & a sponsor of Plant Based School Meal option bill.
Breast Cancer Statistics That Started It All
The numbers are sobering: 1 in 8 women will face breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer remains the most common invasive cancer diagnosed in women across every racial and ethnic group in Minnesota.
What’s even more striking? Many breast cancer deaths could be prevented through lifestyle choices — yet most people remain unaware of this powerful connection.
That’s why we’re here. That’s why we’re making noise. That’s why we’re building awareness that leads to action.
Four Simple Steps That Could Change Everything
What’s the secret weapon to fight against breast cancer? Lifestyle choices.
- Eat more plants (and discover how delicious they can be)
- Get moving (dragon boat racing, anyone?)
- Limit alcohol (your body will thank you)
- Maintain a healthy weight (it’s more achievable than you think)
At the rally, we’ll share practical strategies to help make these changes sustainable and enjoyable.
Join Us at the Let’s Beat Breast Cancer Rally
Mark your calendars and bring your energy. Invite your mothers, sisters, aunts, and friends — let’s make some noise to reduce the cancer risk for the women we love.
Rally Details: Twin Cities Veg Fest, Harriet Island, St. Paul
High school bands parade through the festival grounds, building excitement as they head to the Compassionate Action for Animals Music & Activities Stage
11:30am March to the beat
Grab a sign and be part of this powerful moment with us at the main stage as we capture it with a group photo
11:45am- 12:00pm Celebrate with a snapshot
12:00-1pm → Game changing talks, drum performances, and a live cooking demo
Featured Speakers & Performers:
- Dr. Lisa Ellsworth (Mayo Clinic Breast Oncologist) shares science-backed strategies that could slash your cancer risk
- Dragon Diva Lisa Lynch demonstrates how exercise becomes your superpower against cancer
- Jodi Gruhn (Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine Certified Food For Life Instructor) emcees the rally and shows you how to make a delicious cancer-fighting dish
- Taiko Arts
- Hopkins High School
- Edison High School
Organized by: Jodi Gruhn, Founder of Borealle, with support from Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
Want to help make the rally even more impactful? Volunteer!
Sign up to volunteer at the rally! (scroll to end of page)
We look forward to seeing you at the Rally!
The Let’s Beat Breast Cancer Rally is organized by Borealle, with support from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM). Visit the Borealle Booth and the Wholesome Minnesota Ask a Dietician Booth for information about ways to fight breast cancer, plant-based cooking classes and more!
We hope to see you there, joining us in the fight against breast cancer!
Bios and more information
Lisa Ellsworth, MHS, PA-C,
Lisa Ellsworth, an Instructor of Oncology, has been caring for patients in an Oncology setting since graduating from Physician’s Assistant school in 2001. Early in her practice, she realized that she could not answer her patient’s questions about nutrition and supplements. Then, she stumbled on an environmental medicine course through the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine. She explored other course offerings until she heard of an NIH-sponsored Integrative Oncology Fellowship through the University of Michigan. When she was not accepted, she knew this was her sign to dive fully into her passion. She graduated from the University of Arizona, Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine Fellowship in the Fall of 2021.
As luck would have it, the final cohort of the University of Michigan Integrative Oncology Scholars program was recruiting its last cohort as she was graduating. One year dedicated to Integrative Oncology solidified her training. This led her to re-evaluate what she wanted to do with the rest of her career in Oncology. Having worked in Connecticut, Texas, and Colorado her journey took her to Mayo Clinic in Minnesota in October 2022. There was an opportunity to work both in Breast and Integrative Oncology.
As lifestyle is the basis of Integrative Medicine, she was board-certified in Lifestyle Medicine through the American College of Lifestyle Medicine in December 2023. In July 2024, she moved to a full-time Integrative Medicine position to help grow the Cancer Survivorship program at Mayo Clinic. She is a member of various professional groups including, but not limited to, the Society for Integrative Oncology, the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, and the Integrative Oncology Working Group. She represents the Mayo Clinic as a member of the Health Systems Council of ACLM and is faculty for the Lifestyle Medicine Residency Curriculum.
In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her husband, walking her dogs, gardening, and reading.
Lisa Lynch
Lisa Lynch is a two-time breast cancer survivor, single mom, and passionate survivorship advocate and speaker. First diagnosed in her late 30s, Lisa faced a recurrence of stage 4 breast cancer last year — and today she has no evidence of disease.
She’s a proud member of the Dragon Divas, a breast cancer survivor dragon boat team support group that celebrates strength, movement, and community as a dragon boat team. Scientific studies show that exercise is important in preventing cancer recurrence, and dragon boating, specifically, is beneficial to breast cancer survivors. Lisa shares her story to inspire hope, resilience, and the power of living fully after cancer.
Jodi Gruhn, Borealle
Jodi is a catalyst for wellness transformation, bringing her many years of experience to inspire and educate audiences about the power of the plant-based plate. She is a Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach certified in plant-based nutrition and is a licensed Food For Life Instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.
As the Director of Wholesome Minnesota, she fiercely advocates for plant-based options in Minnesota schools. She partnersing with nutrition leaders, parents, students and teachers so they canto championbe the change in their organizations. Her small business, Borealle, helps people find and+ align with their health, with the added benefit of building better environmental practices.
Musical Entertainment
Edison High School
The Edison High School Band will entertain and motivate us with their performance.
Hopkins Public Schools Band
The Hopkins Public School Band will get us up and moving with their performance.
Taiko Arts
New to Twin Cities Veg Fest -Taiko! Taiko is the Japanese word for drum and refers to the modern style of playing these drums. Wadaiko (in Japan) and kumi daiko (in North America) is movement infused, heart-pounding, dynamic group drumming. Think of it as a high energy performance art that combines music, dance, martial arts, athletics, and culture.
Check out Taiko in action in this award winning documentary about a female taiko drummer preparing for a performance in Minnesota.
More to Explore at Twin Cities Veg Fest 2025
Twin Cities Veg Fest 2025 isn’t just about food and music — it’s also about sparking conversation, learning new skills, and connecting with community. This year’s Meet the Speakers blog introduces festival highlights like Austin Frerick, an expert on food systems and corporate power, and Sierra Carter, a wellness leader focused on healing communities through plant-based living and cultural connection. Their talks will explore how food choices intersect with justice, health, and inclusivity, giving festival-goers powerful insights to take home.
If you’re hungry for hands-on inspiration, head to the American Vegetarian Association Tent for live cooking demos previewed in our Cooking Demos blog. Local cookbook author Beth Dooley and chef Margaret Telfer will be sharing a bright, flavorful Curried Chickpea Salad, while Food on the Fly will showcase their bold creativity with Pulled “Pork” Tacos topped with Banana BBQ Sauce. These demos are designed to be both fun and practical—proof that plant-based cooking can be exciting, approachable, and absolutely delicious.
Don’t Miss the Fun!
From drumming and dancing to yoga, cooking, and inspiring talks, Twin Cities Veg Fest 2025 is a full day of celebrating community, creativity, and joy. With nearly 100 vendors, family activities like a bouncy house, and plenty of opportunities to connect, it’s the perfect place to explore compassion in action.
📅 Mark Your Calendar: September 21, 2025, at Harriet Island Regional Park
Come ready to move, connect, and celebrate plant-based living!
About Twin Cities Veg Fest
Twin Cities Veg Fest is the Midwest’s largest celebration of plant-based living, hosted by Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA), a local nonprofit founded in 1998. At CAA, we encourage people to cultivate empathy for animals. This year’s 13th anniversary festival theme is Cultivating Compassion, Harvesting Change — a reflection of how individual choices can add up to a healthier, more compassionate world and help move toward a plant-based diet.
What You’ll Find at Twin Cities Veg Fest:
- Around 100 exhibitors with vegan food, products, and information
- Cooking demonstrations from top local chefs
- Inspiring speakers from across the country
- A family area with activities for kids including a bouncy house, playground, and more
- Live music and entertainment throughout the day
Everyone is welcome — whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just curious. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged! Entry is sliding scale, with a suggested donation of $5 per adult and $2 per child. No one will be turned away due to inability to pay. With over 5,000 people expected, it’s the perfect place to eat amazing food, meet new friends, and learn more about plant-based living.
Stay tuned for updates at Twin Cities Veg Fest and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news, mouth-watering previews, and behind-the-scenes fun.
