Author: Kirsta Millar, Director of Policy

“As someone with metastatic breast cancer, I know that this is a marathon, not a sprint. And, access to treatment is so important. Why should I have to wait up to 2 years for the benefits I already qualify for?” Anne, Virginia Advocate speaking about the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act VBCF volunteer…
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One of VBCF’s first advocacy events was a Mothers’ Day Rally at the General Assembly to urge legislators to focus more funding on screening and treatment for breast cancer. Our advocacy work has never stopped. VBCF hosts an annual State Breast Cancer Advocacy Day and organizes volunteer advocates to participate in national breast cancer lobby day.

Pictured above is our Zoom meeting with Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-9th) in 2020 “Travel” virtually to Capitol Hill with us! VBCF is preparing for another virtual NBCC Breast Cancer Lobby Day this year due to the ongoing pandemic. Our 2020 virtual lobby day was a big success with several of our meetings with US Representatives…
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The Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation supports HB2016 to create a paid family and medical leave program so that Virginia workers do not have to struggle with financial stability when receiving treatment for cancer or other serious illnesses. Without access to paid medical leave, patients are faced with impossible choices during a time when they are…
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March 23rd marked ten years since the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law. The ACA was a game-changer for people with pre-existing conditions, including breast cancer patients and survivors, because it bars health insurance companies from denying coverage based on health status. The ACA also allowed for Medicaid expansion here…
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“I became a breast cancer advocate when I listened to women at my support group meetings explain that due to financial need, they had to continue working through chemo treatments…I was appalled! Having been through chemo myself, I don’t know how they were lucid enough to continue working. Today, I had the opportunity to advocate,…
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Join VBCF and fellow volunteer advocates for the 2020 Virginia State Breast Cancer Advocacy Day on Thursday, February 13, 2020. With many newly elected members and Democrats in control for the first time in over two decades, this year’s General Assembly session promises to be a very interesting one! If you have never been to…
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VBCF monitors both state and national legislation related to breast cancer.  As you may know, this year, one of our top priorities is working with the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) to advocate for passage of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act.   VBCF is also tracking several other pieces of federal legislation working…
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As you know, VBCF is working with the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) to enact federal legislation that would waive the 24-month waiting period for Medicare eligibility and the 5-month waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits for individuals with metastatic breast cancer.   As of July 26th, not one of Virginia’s US Senators or Members of Congress have…
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VBCF is working with the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) to enact federal legislation that would waive the 24-month waiting period for Medicare eligibility and the 5-month waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits for individuals with metastatic breast cancer. The median life expectancy for patients with metastatic breast cancer is just 26 months,…
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