Our work wouldn’t be possible without our fierce advocates. Many of them are living with breast cancer, are survivors, or are passionate about ending breast cancer once and for all. Read how their stories showcase the many ways you can get involved with NBCC, and be inspired to become an NBCC advocate.
“Breast cancer advocacy to me isn’t abstract – it’s personal and urgent,” Alexis said. “I’m fighting for myself and the women before me who no longer have a voice who succumbed to this disease, and the women after me when I succumb to this disease, and the women I know now. Demanding change helps me feel like I’m doing what I can with this disease and these burdens.”
Read Alexis’s story here.
“If the enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies are not passed, the cost of insurance… will go up substantially”
Read Punita’s story here.
“Science has mattered in every part of my breast cancer journey. I was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma in 2022. Advances in treatment give me the best chance at a long life, and each time there is a new discovery in treatment a new weapon is added to my arsenal.”
Read Meadow’s story here.
“Project LEAD wasn’t just a training. It was a reminder that advocacy isn’t only about speaking up—it’s about learning so we can speak up more powerfully. And when you combine that knowledge with the passion that filled those rooms? There’s nothing we can’t do.”
Read Tammy’s story here.
“I link [research] to the reality of one in eight women getting breast cancer, which means I’m alive today because women did and tried things that maybe didn’t help them but helped me,” she said. “I feel that way now that I’m metastatic because when you’re first diagnosed, it’s about the pink ribbon and ringing the bell… they don’t really talk about the metastatic aspect, and I didn’t think about that when I was first diagnosed.”
Read Tonsa’s story here.
“Sometimes as metastatic patients, we’re left out of the conversations and not considered despite us being the portion of breast cancer patients who are dying from [the disease. What sets NBCC apart is that they give us a seat at the table… they have done a wonderful job working with me to get involved and advocate.”
Read Jo Lynn’s story here.
“I’m a great example of the benefits of the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program (DOD BCRP) because that program has brought out a lot of research with triple negative breast cancer. I was just able to celebrate five years cancer free because of that research.”
Read Kaitlyn’s story here.
“I know, with all my heart, that without that research and NBCC’s relentless advocacy, I would not be here today. Fifteen years after my diagnosis, I am alive to celebrate every milestone with my children, including watching my son get ready for his senior homecoming dance last weekend. Every holiday, every birthday, every hug is precious, and I will never take a single moment for granted.”
Read Carey’s story here.
“I’d been advocating for [the Medicaid Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program], but I had no idea how far it extended. I was really grateful that I knew the NBCC people who made this possible through their advocacy.”
Read Bethany’s story here.
For Dr. David Laurance, fighting cancer is personal. He was introduced to NBCC through his mother, an NBCC donor who sadly passed away from pancreatic cancer.
“When I asked her what she would like me to raise money for… she said we could do more for more people with the National Breast Cancer Coalition.”
Read David’s story here.
