breast cancer | Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation

Why Healing After Breast Cancer Isn’t Always Simple

May 27, 2026

Breast cancer can bring grief, identity loss, and emotional overwhelm. Learn how support and community can help you heal after diagnosis.

April Is National Volunteer Month: Make a Difference with VBCF

April 14, 2026

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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Is Thermography a Reliable Alternative to Mammograms? What the Research Says (2026 Update)

April 14, 2026

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 Updated Findings on Thermography…
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How to Negotiate Medical Bills After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

February 26, 2026

The cost of medical care for cancer, or even testing for cancer, can be overwhelming. At VBCF we understand this, so we have advocated for things like Medicaid expansion, lower out-of-pocket costs for medications, keeping medical bills off of credit reports, and most recently no out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic imaging. Even with new laws and…
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2026 Virginia General Assembly Crossover Report: Major Progress on Paid Leave & Prescription Drug Costs

February 18, 2026

2026 Virginia General Assembly Crossover Report Some Great Progress to Share While we were disappointed that our 2026 State Breast Cancer Advocacy Day at the General Assembly had to be cancelled due to the snow and ice storm in Richmond, VBCF advocates have still been hard at work! Staff and advocates have been testifying in…
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An Interview with Central Virginia Sole Star Alison Holt-Fuller

February 13, 2026

Richmond transplant Alison Holt-Fuller was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 years ago, and after going through treatment and recovery, decided to become a VBCF Sole Star to not only raise crucial funds to support others facing this disease, using her personal stories – and humor! – to raise over $8,000 for VBCF. We caught up…
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Community Partner Highlight: DECA at Armstrong High School in Richmond, Virginia

November 18, 2025

By: Shelley Callahan, Director of Development Our community partners are all incredibly valuable to us to help ensure that we can continue our work supporting Virginians impacted by breast cancer. From elementary school students to senior citizens, passionate individuals across the state host amazing community events during October – National Breast Cancer Awareness Month –…
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Make Moves Against Breast Cancer: A New Way to Give Back

August 5, 2025

Join VBCF’s new Make Moves Against Breast Cancer campaign—raise funds your way by walking, running, biking, or moving however you like. Sign up today!

AI in Mammography: A Helpful Tool, Not a Replacement for Your Doctor

August 5, 2025

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)

July 29, 2025

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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Pink Shoes, Powerful Impact: Sole Stars Campaign Launches Statewide

July 10, 2025

We are excited to announce the expansion of our amazing Sole Stars campaign in 2025! As one of VBCF’s signature fundraising events, we received amazing support from our 2022, 2023, and 2024 Sole Stars. We are now expanding our Sole Stars so all Virginians can participate no matter where they live! “Sole Stars is such…
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Fighting Funding Cuts, Demanding Access: VBCF at the 2025 NBCC Summit

May 16, 2025

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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6 Types of Breast Cancer Screening Tests: What You Need to Know

April 9, 2025

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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Resource Coordination Spotlight: Triage Cancer

April 7, 2025

By Nikki Jennings, Resource Coordinator A key part of the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation’s Resource Coordination Program is staying connected with leading cancer support organizations. These partnerships help us share the latest tools and information to support you along your breast cancer journey. These wonderful community connections continue to help us create a resource hub…
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In Memory of Sudie Stultz

April 1, 2025

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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Virginia Just Took a Big Step to Protect Patients & Expand Cancer Care

March 4, 2025

The 2025 Virginia General Assembly Session wrapped up on February 22, 2025, after a fast-paced but impactful session. Lawmakers introduced nearly 2,500 bills, alongside intense negotiations on amendments to the Commonwealth’s two-year budget. Now, all bills that passed both the House and Senate move to Governor Youngkin for review. He has until March 24, 2025,…
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In Memory of Don Geisler

February 26, 2025

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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Extending Dry January? Here’s the Latest on Alcohol and Cancer

January 29, 2025

A Bold Suggestion: Should Alcohol Carry a Cancer Warning? In the past few weeks, we’ve seen some interesting headlines about alcohol. At the beginning of the year, Former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy recommended that alcohol start carrying a warning to people that imbibing alcohol can increase their risk of developing cancer, in addition to current…
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Advocates Brave the Cold to Champion Breast Cancer Legislation

January 29, 2025

Waiting in line for half an hour in 15-degree weather outside the General Assembly did not deter our VBCF advocates! Despite the bitter cold and a packed legislative building, nearly 30 dedicated volunteer advocates from across the Commonwealth made a significant impact during our 2025 State Breast Cancer Advocacy Day last week. Advocates traveled from…
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Senate Action Needed Now for SB1238: Protect Patients from High Out-of-Pocket Costs

January 23, 2025

Update! Just a quick update that due to many delays yesterday in the State Senate, our bill, SB1238 was not heard in the Commerce and Labor Committee after all. It should be on the agenda for Monday, January 27th now so stay tuned! Also, you have more time if you have not had a chance to reach…
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Tag: breast cancer