As we are closing out another Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I realize I have been a little quiet on my blog. “Pinktober” is a little weird for Breast Cancer Survivors and thrivers. Many times people just wear pink because they feel like they are supposed to. Have you ever been to a “pink-out” or done something in the name of Breast Cancer just because wearing pink is fun and everyone else is doing it? For me and other Breast Cancer survivors, awareness and advocacy is something we are passionate about 12 months out of the year - not just in October - and I don’t like the idea of doing something just because it is October. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is not all bad though. There are several worthy campaigns taking place this month that fund research, education programs, and survivor support. So, if you are thinking about Breast Cancer this month (or any other month) and have had the thought “What is a good Breast Cancer organization I can donate to?” keep reading! I am going to give you a few ideas!
The short answer: Donate to organizations that fund research. Like many of you, I question the legitimacy of the organizations I am donating to and where exactly my money going. When you donate to research you are helping save lives. We are learning more about Breast Cancer every day. Things have already changed since my treatment in 2019-2020 and that is all thanks to research. Did you know they can do a mastectomy with a robot now? I intereviews four different teams of doctors (yes, four!) before my surgery and not one mentioned this to me. The more we know, the more lives we can save. Research, however, requires a lot of capital and while a small donation may not feel impactful, think of it like voting. Your vote counts and so does your donation.
Donation tip: It can be helpful for organizations to have recurring donations as opposed to one big donation so if you want to donate $60, consider a year of $5 monthly donation instead.
Here are a few organizations recommend if you want to donate to Breast Cancer Research:
“We want to put an end to breast cancer. Our goal: No more fear. No more hospital visits. No more side effects or needless suffering. No more loved ones lost to breast cancer.
The only way to achieve this goal is through research. Research is revolutionizing our understanding of cancer. Research is leading us to the core of this insidious disease. Research is transforming lives every day as women and men get the help they need.
We believe research—and research alone—has the power to bring an end to cancer. We know what needs to be done, and we have more than 250 researchers urgently working on solutions to one of the world’s greatest problems.
Until the number of deaths from breast cancer is zero, we will not stop. Join us, and help fuel the research of tomorrow needed to save lives today. Everyone can be part of the solution. We are all part of the cure.
The end of cancer begins with you.”
“Breast cancer fundraisers are everywhere, but most of the money raised goes toward breast cancer prevention and early detection efforts. Very little of it, only 2-3%, is dedicated toward research for Stage IV, metastatic breast cancer. METAvivor is the only organization that solely funds MBC research through a scientific peer review process. 100% of all donations go into MBC-specific research grants. METAvivor is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible.”
This list does not include every good organization. The ones I have listed here are just the ones I have come across and know spend their funds wisely with a primary focus on research. There are also several reputable organizations that do not fund research. Instead they support Breast Cancer Survivors and their families through treatment, into survivorship or focus their efforts on educating others/providing screenings to encourage early detection. One thing research has taught us is that early detection is key to surviving Breast Cancer. While there are programs like this that serve the entire US, many of these programs are local to your own community or have a smaller, more granular focus. I love Third Strand Foundation, Cancer Care Services, Kay Yow Fund, MD Anderson Cancer Center and Joan Katz Cancer Resource Foundation. These groups, big and small with varying missions, are local to me or are personal to my cancer experience. I am sure there are others in your own community too. Check with your church, community hospitals or a cancer center for ways to get involved in your area.
I find big, worldwide problems to be incredibly overwhelming sometimes. You can feel so small next to problems so big. If you share these same feelings, I encourage you to look to organizations that are local to you. To me, the best way to combat large scale issues is by trying to make a difference in our own backyard. We all know that individually we cannot cure cancer, so start in a place, community or organization that you feel personally connected to. And remember, if you do not have the money to give you can still make an impact as a supporter and volunteer. The most memorable things throughout my treatment were not things, but people.
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