One of the founding reasons for the creation of VBCF in 1991 was the lack of education in the general public around breast cancer. For this reason, we remain committed to educating communities across the Commonwealth about breast cancer in any way that we can
“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…
Read more
Like most women diagnosed, Rita Handley had no history of breast cancer in her family when she found out she had it. In January 1997, she was diagnosed with stage II, node-negative breast cancer. In June 2001, she was diagnosed with stage IV bone metastasis. She found VBCF through her Bosom Buddies support group, joining…
Read more
Which Screening Guidelines are the “Right” Ones? We want to unpack this conversation a little bit, and hopefully provide some clarity in what YOU should do with this information.
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…
Read more
The very origins of the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation (VBCF) have our grassroots in volunteer work. We couldn’t continue our mission without the many individuals who have dedicated their time to go the extra mile for our community. In celebration of National Volunteer Week 2021, we are honoring a group of our most impactful volunteers. Staff…
Read more
By Guest Blogger: Lisa DeFerrari This article was originally published on After 20 Years Cancer Research Blog on February 6, 2021. When I was treated for breast cancer in 1993, and again in 2005, I was fortunate to have good health insurance coverage. Being able to afford my treatment was never an issue. But would…
Read more
As more people are starting to get their COVID-19 vaccines (yay!) we are learning more about how different people react to them and there is one benign reaction we wanted to bring to your attention. Some people who receive the COVID-19 vaccine get swelling in their lymph nodes in their underarm, which can also be…
Read more
You may have heard the news that both of the local Boards of Directors for Virginia’s two Susan G. Komen affiliates – Central & Eastern Virginia, based in Richmond, and Blue Ridge, based in Roanoke, have decided to close their doors rather than participate in Komen’s national reorganization to centralize operations from its national office…
Read more
Are you aware of the link between breast cancer and heart health? There are many shared risk factors between the two conditions, and in some cases, breast cancer treatment can have long-lasting cardiac effects. Dr. Wendy Bottinor from the Pauley Heart Center at VCU Health provides guidance on how to protect heart health during treatment…
Read more
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…
Read more
The 2021 Virginia General Assembly Session began on Wednesday, January 13th. This year’s “short session” is scheduled to last only 30 days, but recent reports suggest that Governor Northam may extend the session to 45 days. Due to the on-going Covid-19 pandemic, much of the work during the session will be done virtually. Given these…
Read more
Being the main caregiver for a loved one with cancer, expectations for the holidays, or the challenges of Covid are a lot to deal with individually, but we know that many people are dealing with all three right now. We have some suggestions on how to ease your burden during this season, including ways to…
Read more
Are you aware of medical cannabis and its use for breast cancer-related issues? With the recent legislation passed in Virginia decriminalizing medical cannabis and four dispensaries now open in the state, medical cannabis products can serve as a new aid for medical conditions and symptoms. Dr. Terel Newton shares information on medical cannabis and its…
Read more
Did you know that our brains process approximately 60,000 thoughts per day? ifthinking about how much you think is exhausting, you might want to try practicingmindfulness. Anne Chamberlain, a mindfulness instructor and coach, explores theelements of mindfulness and the impact it can have on mental, physical, and emotionalhealth. Anne shares many helpful tips and resources…
Read more
The latest Healthy People national report was recently released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Healthy People identifies public health priorities to help individuals, organizations, and communities across the United States improve health and well-being. Healthy People provides data-driven, measurable public health objectives – and…
Read more
Are you aware of advancements in metastatic breast cancer treatments? Dr. Emily Bellevance shares modern innovations in cancer treatment. Antibody conjugates and new technology have allowed for progressive movement in relation to cancer treatment.Cancer in itself can be an overwhelming experience. Casey Young with CancerLINC provides information about resources available to cancer patients that can…
Read more
Have you faced a medical trauma that has altered your confidence with sexualrelations? Are you aware of sexual dysfunction that can accompany breast cancer? There are many emotions and changes that come along with a breast cancer diagnosis.Dr. MeLanie Modjoros explores the topic of “getting your sexy back” after medicaltraumas, such as breast cancer. For…
Read more
The Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to the eradication of breast cancer through education and advocacy.
Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation
2821 Emerywood Parkway
Suite 203
Richmond, VA 23294
800-345-8223 | 804-285-1200
When you make a donation to VBCF, you make a difference for Virginians affected by breast cancer.
Typically replies within a day
Recent Comments