The Breast Cancer Survivorship Foundation (BCSF), held a three-year “impact” celebration on Saturday, August 3rd in Alexandria, Virginia. Breast cancer is the most common cancer that affects women. One in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and the BCSF advocates early detection screening and provides education on risk factors. Breast cancer is 99% curable when detected early for the best opportunity to not just survive but thrive!
The BCSF hosts free community events to make sure women know their risk factors. The celebration honored survivorship and reached 8794 individuals in communities in New Jersey, Maryland, the District of Columbia, North Carolina, and Virginia, via grassroots conversations, open houses, and community engagements.
Guests were treated to free facials and beauty bar services by lcglambox, delicious bites to eat, and wonderful retail sales from vendors. One of the key highlights was survivor stories which were all unique, however, the resounding commonality of their journeys was and continues to be positive energy, wellness, hope and the fight within as well as comfort with “their” choices.
The BCSF honored survivor/thrivers Nik Sweeney, CEO of the Amani Nicol Beautifully Well Spa in Pikesville, MD, and Dr. Givonna Cheeks, Decorated Military Veteran & CEO of Entero Solutions of Woodbridge, VA. Volunteer Board members, Dr. Kenyatta Lucas, 20-year Retired Veteran, Michael Marshall, and Lisa T. Lewis also received crystal awards for their impact and tireless service promoting the BCSF mission.
The Breast Cancer Survivorship Foundation (BCSF) is a nonprofit, 501 (c3), organization dedicated to increasing the number of women surviving breast cancer. We serve underrepresented and underserved communities by providing education to inspire acting and advocating for the best care.
Breast cancer initiatives receive tons of attention and funding, yet women of color still have a 42% greater chance of dying from the disease. Healthcare inequity impacts women of color disproportionately. Our organization works diligently to change this one woman, one family, and one community at a time.
Our mission is to bridge the disparity gap in mortality rates for women of color by raising awareness of the importance of breast health as early as age 18. We strive to empower women by advocating women perform breast-self-examinations monthly and knowing what action to take when abnormal changes are discovered. We educate on risk factors, centering on conversations around breast density and how to advocate for personalized screening even before age 40 and the importance of participation in clinical trials.