OUR MISSION
The Virginia
Breast Cancer Foundation (VBCF), founded in 1991, is a nonprofit 501(c)3
organization committed to the eradication of breast cancer through education
and advocacy. Our goals are to establish the end of breast cancer as a state
and national priority, to advocate for the collective needs of people affected
by breast cancer and to educate all Virginians on the truth
about breast cancer.
OUR HISTORY
The Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation (VBCF) was founded because no other organization existed in Virginia that was devoted solely to representing the needs of individuals and their families affected by breast cancer. In February 1991, five women met in a support group.
Stunned by the lack of research and progress in breast cancer treatment, they planned a Mother’s Day Rally at the State Capitol to bring attention to this devastating disease. Over 50 friends and family members attended, and the resulting media coverage confirmed that the activist seeds of the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation (VBCF) were sown that day.
VBCF was incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in October 1992. Today the VBCF, headquartered in Richmond and supporting four area chapters, has three full-time staff positions and reaches over 4000 individuals and organizations throughout the state.
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Conferences/Educational
Events
State and regional conferences, seminars, and teleconferences provide individuals
with up-to-date information on breast cancer issues.
Local
Chapters
Chapter members have the opportunity to make a difference in their communities
through a variety of volunteer efforts.
Website
Our website www.vbcf.org furnishes VBCF supporters with updates on advocacy
issues, the voting records of Virginia politicians, past newsletters, resources
and events.
Newsletter
The VBCF newsletter One Voice contains educational articles, chapter news,
upcoming events, and advocacy updates.
Speakers
Bureau
Our Speakers Bureau Presentation, Stay Abreast, has over 70 committed volunteers
who speak throughout the state.
Breast
Cancer License Plate
This is a great awareness tool visible throughout the state and can be purchased
through your local DMV.
State
and Federal Lobby Days
Volunteers from around the state gather twice a year to meet their legislators
and lobby for support of breast cancer issues.
Advocacy
Awareness
Trained volunteers and staff provide assistance to the public in responding
to legislative issues during sessions of Congress and the General Assembly.
Virginia
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Calendar
This calendar, distributed free of charge, contains information on October
events and programs sponsored by a variety of organizations.
Newly
Diagnosed Packets
These are a compilation of information regarding resources and issues pertinent
to those newly diagnosed with breast cancer.
Pink
Ribbon Campaign
Each year we distribute and average of 50,000 pink ribbons attached to a card
with information on breast health.
Health
Fairs and other community events
VBCF volunteers distribute breast cancer information in local communities
throughout the state – in malls, religious organizations, conferences,
etc.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
•
Successfully advocated for Medicaid coverage for mammography
• Preserved threatened funding for the Virginia Tumor Registry
• Successfully advocated for state legislation to prohibit health insurers
from discrimination based upon a family history of breast cancer
• Successfully advocated for statewide legislation to ensure coverage
for breast reconstruction and a 48-hour hospital stay following a mastectomy
• Founded the National Breast Cancer Coalition with other grassroots
organizations
• Participated in the development and initial implementation of the
National Action Plan on Breast Cancer
• Testified before the Office of Research on Women’s Health regarding
access to clinical trials and before the Food and Drug Administration on silicone
breast implants and drug therapy research
• Participated in the creation of the national exhibit Faces of Breast
Cancer: A Photographic Essay
• Presented testimony before the President’s Cancer Panel and
the National Cancer Advisory Board
• Assisted the National Breast Cancer Coalition in raising over $1.7
billon for the Department of Defense peer-reviewed Breast Cancer Research
Program
ACTIONS
•
Encourage the public and policy makers to adopt the eradication of breast
cancer as a healthcare priority
• Educate Virginians about the epidemic of breast cancer and the need
for research into causes, prevention, detection, treatment, and cure of this
disease
• Provide information and referral regarding local and state resources
• Promote the accessibility of quality healthcare for all women
• Advocate for the inclusion of consumers in determining the direction
of breast cancer research
• Work collaboratively with other organizations to obtain adequate funding
for the continuation of breast cancer research and to promote legislation
that improves the treatment and quality of life
of people affected by breast cancer.
• Unite all Virginians in the fight against breast cancer.
