Category: blog

Building Support for Breast Cancer in the Black Community

“In Unity there is Strength, In Strength there is Power, In Power there is Change.” – Karen E. Jackson, 1995. Founder & CEO of the Sisters Network, Inc. Reflecting on Black History Month this year, we can’t ignore the disparities in breast cancer outcomes facing the Black community. Despite these challenges, there is much hope.…
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Thermography: Is it a Reliable Alternative to Mammograms?

A mammogram (L) is an X-ray image of the breast that can identify tissue types with different densities, such as masses within the breast. Thermography (R) produces an infrared image that shows the patterns of heat on or near the surface of the body. Image source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration In discussions about mammography…
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Sewing Our Support! Join the Effort to Sew Heart-Shaped Pillows for Breast Cancer Patients

Breast cancer is a tough battle, and recovery after surgery can be challenging. But we can make a difference in the lives of those going through treatment by providing them with a simple yet practical gift: heart-shaped pillows. These pillows are designed to fit comfortably under the arm and provide several benefits to someone coping…
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2023 General Assembly Update

Officials pictured: State Senator Frank Ruff; Delegate Ellen Campbell, wife of late Del. Ronnie Campbell; Delegate Shelly Simonds; Mrs. Collette McEachin, Richmond City Commonwealth Attorney, and wife of late Congressman McEachin. VBCF was invited to speak at the Virginia Cancer Caucus on January 20th. The meeting honored the late Congressman A. Donald McEachin and the…
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Victory for the Lymphedema Community: The Lymphedema Treatment Act is Now Federal Law

After 12 years of hard work by volunteer advocates and their partners, the Lymphedema Treatment Act (LTA) was finally passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden. This is a significant victory for the lymphedema community and a testament to the power of perseverance and advocacy. Lymphedema is a condition that can develop…
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VBCF Hit the Road this Fall

Aaaaaand we’re back! VBCF staff and volunteers spent September and October traveling and presenting to groups across the Commonwealth, totaling 30 educational events…27 in October. We got to speak to thousands of Virginians about breast health, from Wythe County to Portsmouth, from Fairfax to Suffolk. We donned hard hats and judged pumpkin painting contests. We…
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Lynchburg Sole Stars

During the month of October, we had our inaugural Sole Stars campaign in Lynchburg. We had 14 community leaders don pink shoes and raise funds to support VBCF. The campaign started with a modest goal of $16,000. These Sole Stars are actually ROCK STARS and raised an astounding $63,847.31! A big thank you to each…
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2nd Annual Pink 13.1

Saturday, October 22, was an absolutely beautiful day in Abingdon, Virginia!  We had 40+ in-person participants join us on the Virginia Creeper Trail to walk, bike, and run 13.1 Miles as part of the 2nd Annual Pink 13.1!  We had another 15 participants join us virtually from Christiansburg, Roanoke, Harrisonburg, and Richmond. The Second Annual…
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Power of Pink Luncheon

The Power of Pink Luncheon took place on Monday, October 3 in Roanoke.  The Second Annual Luncheon was a huge success -raising funds and awareness for the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation.  It was sponsored by Blue Ridge Cancer Care, Kroger, Berglund Cars, Branch Group, Fink’s Jewelers and Boxley.  We are so appreciative of all our sponsors. …
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VIDEO: Patient Self-Advocacy

We talk a lot about advocating for yourself as a patient here at VBCF, but what does that actually look like? Tara Daudani, the Vice President of our VBCF Board, talks about advocating for herself while going through her breast cancer treatment, what she looks for in a healthcare provider, and how she prepares to…
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