Category: blog

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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Together We Make a Difference: Honoring Our Community Partners

When we say we have the best Community Partners in the Commonwealth – we are NOT exaggerating! This year, over 85 events supporting VBCF were held across the state. These events included month-long Breast Cancer Awareness promotions, walk/run events, school fundraisers, corporate initiatives, in-store promotions, golf tournaments, and community festivals. Together, our Community Partners have raised an…
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“October” Starts in August: VBCF’s Busy Breast Cancer Awareness Season

That’s a wrap on another very busy October at VBCF. You may not be aware, but at VBCF “October” actually starts in August! In August, we usually see an increase in educational materials orders and presentation and resource table requests for September and October. This year, we had at least one educational event EVERY WEEK…
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Overcoming the Storm: VBCF’s Pink 13.1 Raises Funds for Diagnostic Testing

by Sarah Stephenson, Special Events Manager SWVA This year’s Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation (VBCF) Pink 13.1 event was a little different than we planned, but thanks to the resilience of our community, it was still a great success! While the in-person event was canceled due to the extensive damages from Hurricane Helene, our dedicated participants…
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Highlights from the Power of Pink Luncheon in Richmond

VBCF’s inaugural 2024 Richmond Power of Pink Luncheon took place at The Jefferson Hotel on October 10, 2024, and was a day filled with energy, community, and enthusiasm in support of our mission. The event opened with a lively reception in the Rotunda, where attendees enjoyed seasonal pink mocktails. The luncheon followed in the Grand…
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The Power of Pink in Roanoke: Raising Hope, Unity, and Funds for Virginians Facing Breast Cancer

by Sarah Stephenson, Special Events Manager SWVA The Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation (VBCF) was thrilled to host this year’s Power of Pink Roanoke Luncheon at the beautiful Hotel Roanoke. The event was not only a wonderful opportunity to come together in support of breast cancer awareness and research but also a powerful moment of unity…
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Breast Cancer Diagnostics: Breaking Barriers for Better Care

by Dr. Priti Shah, Director of Breast Imaging for VCU Health & VBCF Board Member Fall is finally in the (cool, crisp) air.  Yellow school busses abound. Against the clear blue sky, leaves are turning vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold. Pumpkin orange is everywhere.  Yet for many, October evokes another color: pink, symbolizing…
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Understanding Disparities in Breast Cancer Treatment: A Focus for Hispanic Heritage Month

by Alma Dominguez, MSW Intern As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, it is essential to highlight not only the vibrant culture and contributions of the Hispanic community but also the health disparities that affect members of the community. A recent report from Breastcancer.org highlights recent research in breast cancer…
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Dr. Nadia Blanchet Honored for Outstanding Service to Breast Cancer Patients

The Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation (VBCF) is proud to recognize Dr. Nadia Blanchet as the recipient of the 2024 Sherry Kohlenberg Achievement in Healthcare Award. This award is presented annually to honor a Virginian employed in the healthcare field who has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to improving the lives of those affected by breast cancer. Dr.…
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Uniting Experts in Breast Cancer Care and Collaboration

On September 13th, VBCF hosted our second annual Breast Health Provider Summit. We had presentations from multiple experts, educating providers, organizational partners, and advocates on a variety of hot topics related to breast cancer care.  The morning started with an icebreaker activity, where our audience got to know each other better and understand each other’s…
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The Hidden Struggles: Why Spouses of Cancer Patients May Need Support

by Alma Dominguez, MSW Intern A recent study from JAMA Oncology has uncovered something deeply troubling that often gets overlooked: the mental health struggles of spouses who care for cancer patients. The research, based on extensive data from Danish national patient databases, shows that these caregivers face much higher risks of suicide attempts and deaths…
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A Quick Guide to Navigating Cancer & Housing Challenges 

Are you or a loved one struggling with housing costs during or after cancer treatment? You are not alone. We understand the significant challenges that this journey can bring with it, especially when it comes to finances and staying on top of rent or mortgage, even if you are still able to keep working. Although…
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In Memory of Gabriele Conn-Lewis

We were shocked and saddened to learn of Gabriele Conn-Lewis’ recent passing. Gabriele served as a VBCF volunteer extraordinaire, beginning as a member of VBCF’s Peninsula Chapter in 2009. She was an engaging personality – thoughtful, passionate, and practical about the work she did. At the local level, she was a do-er, taking on increased activities…
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Pride Month Spotlight: Inclusive Breast Cancer Care for LGBTQ+ Community

VBCF supports LGBTQ+ breast cancer patients with updated resources, key insights from the ACS study, and celebrates inclusive care leaders. Join us in honoring Pride Month.

Community Connections: VBCF’s Spring Events and Volunteer Activities

From resource fairs to volunteer projects, learn how VBCF has been actively engaging with communities across Virginia to promote breast health awareness this spring.

Breast Cancer News Round-Up – Spring 2024

Stay updated with the latest in breast cancer care: Discover the USPSTF’s new mammography guidelines, federal marijuana rescheduling, a CDC campaign for disabled women, and crucial studies on racial disparities in cancer outcomes.

Empowering Change: Breast Cancer Advocates Take to Capitol Hill

Three days of breast cancer research seminars and advocacy training, followed by 11 Congressional office visits, 2 Senate office visits, 16,848 steps, and 6.5 miles on Capitol Hill! This is what our fantastic group of Virginia breast cancer advocates, VBCF staff, and a Board member accomplished in Washington, DC, during the 2024 National Breast Cancer Coalition’s (NBCC) Advocate Leadership Summit and Lobby Day, May 4-7.

Meet Our Board: Tara Nepper

We are excited to launch a new series titled ‘Meet Our Board,’ where we feature personal insights from our board members. Join us as Tara shares her experiences, motivations, and the impact she aims to make with VBCF.

Beyond the Fear: New Insights into HRT and Breast Cancer Risk

Menopause has been getting some long overdue attention lately, focusing on evolving recommendations for hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Why is VBCF talking about menopause? A few good reasons: the risk for breast cancer increases after menopause; the use of HRT has long been connected with increased risk of breast cancer; and many people in treatment…
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VBCF’s Take on the Drop in Breast Cancer Mortality

You may have seen the recent Washington Post article discussing how the death rate for breast cancer has dropped 58% since 1975. And that’s amazing! Back in 1975, mammograms were difficult to access and less accurate, surgery was intensely disfiguring and often involved the removal of chest muscle in addition to breast tissue, and chemotherapy…
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