Fighting Cancer with a Smile: Alumna Launches Brighter Magazine to Serve Women With Hope

When DBU alumna Helen Bowles ('99) crossed the stage to receive her degree in graphic design and visual communications, she never imagined that one day she would launch a national lifestyle magazine for women affected by cancer. Yet, in God's perfect timing, He was preparing her for something far greater than she could have planned.

Brighter Magazine didn't begin with a business plan; it started with prayer. For three years, Helen and her Bible study group asked the Lord to be used for something more. While working as a personal trainer at the time, Helen felt a stirring that God had a different purpose ahead. "It's definitely a huge story of faith," she reflects, "but what I can say is that God is amazing, and He truly does have an incredible sense of humor."

The vision for Brighter came into focus when a dear friend was diagnosed with cancer. As she navigated her own journey, she confided that mainstream lifestyle magazines felt isolating and even discouraging, lacking the kind of light, encouragement, and realism she needed. That conversation ignited something in Helen's heart: the desire to create a resource that could walk alongside women from diagnosis through survivorship with empathy, inspiration, and practical tools. Her own experience with skin cancer and the loss of her mother to pancreatic cancer only deepened her passion to love women well, with strength, honesty, and the love of Christ.

Today, Brighter Magazine stands as the only lifestyle publication specifically designed for women affected by cancer. Its bold, yet simple mission is to benefit the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of women navigating one of life's most difficult roads. While many cancer publications focus heavily on medical content, Brighter takes a different approach, offering warmth, community, and practical insight. "We fight cancer with a smile, not a fist," Helen explains with a grin.

Each issue of Brighter is carefully curated with contributions from volunteer writers, experts, and survivors. Topics range from how to prepare for treatment to how and when to shave your head, with articles written in a tone that feels more like a trusted friend than a formal publication. Although it is not labeled a Christian magazine, Brighter still carries the light of Christ in every detail. "We felt God clearly told us that this wasn't to be a Christian publication," Helen shares. "But He also showed me that I didn't have to make it overtly faith-based for Him to use it for His glory." Instead, faith gently infuses the publication through layout choices, subtle messaging, and space for women to share faith-filled stories in a thoughtful and inviting way.

As Brighter grew, so did the team. In a full-circle moment, Helen turned to her DBU community, hiring current and former students to help bring the magazine to life. Ashton Mitchell ('23) became Brighter's first official graphic designer, followed by Caitlin Sweany ('24), who serves as Managing Editor. The team later welcomed Graci Henard-Smith ('24) as Program Manager.

The Graphic Design and Visual Communication program has grown and evolved significantly since Helen's time on campus, and that growth is reflected in former team members like Ashton Mitchell. Graduating with the same degree, Ashton brought a fresh perspective and up-to-date design expertise that gives Brighter Magazine a relevant and modern edge. "Ashton's talent and insight kept us thoughtful in how we design for this audience," Helen shares.

Helen credits DBU Communications Professor Jim Hutchinson and English Professor Dr. Jodi Grimes for helping her connect with students like Ashton, Caitlin, and Graci, and sees mentoring young creatives as a meaningful investment. "Recent graduates bring fresh perspective and incredible critical thinking skills. It's a win-win." Brighter continues to grow, with the hope that it will one day become a household name and a trusted companion for women and families walking through cancer. Beyond the magazine itself, Brighter hosts programs, community events, and even an annual pickleball tournament to raise funds and awareness.

In her spare time, Helen enjoys swimming, biking, water sports, and spending time in the Word. She is married to Ryan Bowles, and they have two children, Xander and Gavin. She is also a proud dog mom to Gidget.

Her advice to DBU students dreaming of launching their own creative ventures? "Surround yourself with smart people, do your research, and always look for the win-win."

For more information, visit the Brighter Magazine website.