Author: Lisa Boudreaux, Director of Communications

Banner graphic with 'BREAST CANCER NEWS' and 'JULY 2026' and the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation logo (pink ribbon).

Breast Cancer News You Can Use – July 2026

In This Month’s News: FDA Warns Breast Biopsy Needle Shortage Could Continue Into 2027 A Wave of New FDA Approvals Is Expanding Breast Cancer Treatment Options New Report Highlights Ongoing Cancer Care Disparities Medicare Coverage for Some DCIS Biomarker Tests Remains Under Review Every month, the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation reviews dozens of breast cancer…
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Banner announcing 'Breast Cancer Screening for All: A Disability Pride Month Guide' with a Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation logo.

Breast Cancer Screening for All: A Disability Pride Month Guide

Every July, Disability Pride Month celebrates the history, achievements, and contributions of people with disabilities and marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—landmark civil rights legislation signed into law on July 26, 1990 that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and helps ensure equal access to employment, transportation, public services, and everyday…
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Banner headline: 'Six months after Virginia's new breast imaging law: What patients should know' with Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation logo (informational image).

Six Months After Virginia’s New Breast Imaging Law: What Patients Should Know

By: Kirsta Millar, Director of Policy Over the past few months, VBCF has been fielding calls and emails to our office from patients with questions about Virginia’s new law aimed at removing cost as a barrier to early detection. The law prohibits state-regulated health insurance plans from charging out-of-pocket costs (co-pays, coinsurance, or deductibles) for…
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Portrait of an elderly woman on the left with a pink‑to‑blue gradient background and bold text reading 'IN MEMORY OF: LINDA CLARK STRICKLAND' and a Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation logo on the right.

Remembering Linda Clark Strickland

Some people leave a mark on an organization through the positions they hold. Others leave a mark through the way they make people feel. Linda Clark Strickland did both. Linda served as Treasurer of the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation from 2000 to 2006, helping guide the organization during its early years. But to speak about…
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April Is National Volunteer Month: Make a Difference with VBCF

By Nikki Jennings, VBCF Resource Coordinator Did you know that April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month? VBCF celebrates the hard work and dedication of volunteers year-round, not just during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. As a small, grassroots nonprofit, we rely on volunteers to help us accomplish our mission to empower Virginians impacted by…
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Welcoming Three New Leaders to the VBCF Board

Please join the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation in welcoming three new members to its Board of Directors. Their professional expertise and personal commitment to the breast cancer community will help guide and strengthen VBCF’s work across Virginia. Mandi Bishop is a wife, mother, multiple business owner, entrepreneur and a breast cancer survivor of almost 20…
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How My Mom Inspired My Mission — and My Sole Star Story

Guest Blogger: Brenda Karp For more than 25 years, I’ve been involved with the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation. I first reached out to VBCF many years ago to volunteer, and I was assigned to help plan the Gala for the organization’s 10th Anniversary. That was the start of my journey. Over the years I continued…
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Fashion on the Journey: VBCF’s 2025 Richmond Luncheon Inspires Hope

By Shelley Callahan, Director of Development The 2nd annual Richmond Power of Pink Luncheon took a different spin this year to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month by hosting a luncheon and fashion show at the Jefferson Hotel on October 3rd. Thirteen breast cancer survivors and thrivers showcased fabulous outfits of their own choosing, while…
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AI in Mammography: A Helpful Tool, Not a Replacement for Your Doctor

by Erin Steigleder, MSW, Director of Programs What is happening with the use of AI and mammograms? You have probably seen some headlines over the past year or two about how medicine can make use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, and you may have even seen something about AI being used to “look” at mammograms.…
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How Mastectomy Boutique Fittings Work (And What Insurance Covers)

By Grace Rush, Certified Mastectomy Fitter   The Pink Ribbon Boutique in Richmond, VA, specializes in helping individuals feel comfortable and supported after breast surgery by providing post-mastectomy bras, prostheses, and compression garments — all in a compassionate and welcoming environment.  If you’ve never visited a mastectomy boutique before, you might be wondering: What happens during…
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Breast Cancer Survivorship: Hope, Healing, and What Comes Next

by Kayla Jarvis, VCU MSW Intern What Is Cancer Survivorship? June is Cancer Survivorship Month which is a great time for us to focus on the hope of living a healthy life beyond a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. It’s also an opportunity for us to reflect on the advances in research, clinical trials, and…
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Meet Our New Board Members

Courtney Corallo, CPA Courtney is a Business Assurance and Advisory Services Senior Manager at Keiter.   She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from George Mason University in 2011 and obtained a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Virginia in 2012.  She joined Keiter in 2012 and became a Certified Public Accountant…
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Fighting Funding Cuts, Demanding Access: VBCF at the 2025 NBCC Summit

By Kirsta Millar, Director of Policy A strong and mighty contingent of Virginia advocates made the trip to Washington, D.C. for the 2025 National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) Advocate Leadership Summit and Lobby Day, May 3-6. VBCF awarded Noss Scholarships* to seven volunteer advocates from all regions of the Commonwealth to attend. Advocates traveled from…
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Introducing Our Newest Team Members!

VBCF is thrilled to welcome two new staff members to our dedicated team – Shelley Callahan and Antonia Arias-Magallon. Shelley is joining us as our statewide Director of Development, and Antonia (Toni) is our Southwest Virginia Events Manager. Together, they are working to retain and build community relationships for mission-focused fundraising to strengthen and expand our…
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6 Types of Breast Cancer Screening Tests: What You Need to Know

By Erin Steigleder, MSW, Director of Programs When it comes to breast cancer screening, you may be surprised to know that mammography isn’t the only game in town. We’re going to highlight six imaging tests that can be used in breast cancer screening and, spoiler, why you might end up sticking with mammography. Screening is…
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In Memory of Sudie Stultz

This month, we remember Sudie Stultz—an extraordinary volunteer, founding member of the VBCF Peninsula Chapter, and driving force behind initiatives that continue to shape our work today. Sudie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993. Following her treatment, she transformed her experience into action, helping to establish the Peninsula Chapter and becoming a vital part…
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In Memory of Don Geisler

We are deeply saddened to share that Don Geisler, a cherished member of our VBCF family, has passed away. Don’s journey with VBCF began through his wife, Barbara, who was active with our local chapters and state office. In 1996, when Barbara was diagnosed with breast cancer, Don stood by her side as they navigated…
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A portrait of Cynthia Louise Armstead, a distinguished older woman with short gray hair, wearing a black jacket and pearl jewelry. She is seated and holding a small item in her hands, with a warm and dignified expression. The background is a soft gradient of pink, purple, and blue hues. Bold text to the right reads, "IN MEMORY OF: CYNTHIA ARMSTEAD," with the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation logo, including a pink ribbon, placed below. The image conveys a sense of honor and remembrance.

In Memory of Cynthia Armstead

VBCF mourns the passing of Cynthia Armstead, a dedicated and beloved member of our Hampton Roads Chapter. Cynthia’s commitment to our mission and her community was unwavering. She served as Secretary and Treasurer of the Hampton Roads Chapter for many years, beginning in 2007. Her steady leadership and tireless contributions played a vital role in…
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