The power of science and research is not something Kaitlyn Turner, a triple-negative breast cancer survivor and advocate, takes for granted.
“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,” Kaitlyn said. “I was just able to celebrate five years cancer free because of that research.”
The DOD BCRP was created in 1992 as a result of NBCC’s “$300 Million More” campaign to increase federal funding for breast cancer research. Due to NBCC’s efforts, Congress appropriated $210 million in the DOD research and development budget for a breast cancer peer-reviewed research program administered by the Department of the Army. As a result of NBCC’s grassroots advocacy and the DOD BCRP’s demonstrated success, Congress has appropriated funding for it each year since, for a total of nearly $4.5 billion.
TELL CONGRESS TO PROTECT SCIENCE
Since her diagnosis, Kaitlyn has become more involved with NBCC, advocating on Capitol Hill for legislation and public policy that will help end breast cancer and attending Project LEAD to better understand the science of breast cancer.
Her fight is personal. The 33-year-old survivor’s family has been hit hard by breast cancer.
“I am a fourth-generation breast cancer patient within my family,” she said. “Basically, every woman from my mom’s family has had breast cancer, and it has unfortunately killed almost all of them, including my mom… she and I were diagnosed at the same age at 27 with the same type of breast cancer, and I just turned an age that she never got to be, which is why it’s wonderful to do what I’m doing with NBCC.”
After attending the 2025 Advocate Leadership Summit, Kaitlyn was the sole advocate from North Carolina at NBCC’s Lobby Day. So she sought to do something about it. She’s working with NBCC to build an advocate network in North Carolina to ensure those living in her state have their voices heard by their elected officials.
“I’m talking to other survivors and supporters and saying we have to do something,” Kaitlyn said of bringing more North Carolina advocates into the fold.
While lobbying, she spoke with legislators about how research saves lives – including hers – and how she wants to ensure that the next generation has the same access to care and medical breakthroughs that come from research.
“Having the research happen for triple-negative breast cancer, because it’s one of the hardest to treat with less treatment options… could help keep me cancer-free and could help other people,” she said. “One of my sisters has two girls, and I’m speaking up for them, and I want to make sure that they have resources medically and legislators support their access to care so they have what they need to fight if it comes to that.
“It’s not just what we’re fighting now – it’s what we’re fighting down the line.”
Want to get involved with breast cancer advocacy like Kaitlyn? You can. Register to attend the Advocate Leadership Summit and Lobby Day, and contact NBCC’s Grassroots Director Maggie Bush.
