October is breast cancer awareness month and when we see pink ribbons appear just about everywhere. There is a handful of large well-known organizations that are on the crusade to find a cure, support research, and be a resource to women with breast cancer or are survivors. However, there are plenty of organizations doing important work with similar missions. Here are a few that we thing you should know about.
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The AiRS Foundation
Breast cancer patients have a resource in theAiRS Foundation, a nonprofit that helps explore the option of reconstructive surgery with women who otherwise might not be able to afford it because of a lack of insurance or a cost-prohibitive co-pay. AiRSFoundation.org
Young Survival Coalition
YSC works with survivors, caregivers and the medical, research, advocacy and legislative communities to increase the quality and length of life for women who are diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 40 or younger. Younger survivors of breast cancer face a different set of issues than older women, including higher mortality rates, fertility issues and more. Based in New York, there is a Chicago group for young women with breast cancer. youngsurvival.org
Chicago Breast Cancer Task Force
The Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Task Force is committed to saving women’s lives by eliminating health disparities in Illinois, through the lens of breast cancer—specifically by addressing inequities in prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship for all women. chicagobreastcancer.org
Breast Cancer Action
This group is dedicated to putting women's health first—always. Not your average breast cancer organization, this group focused on achieving health justice for all women and refuses corporate funding from any company that profits from or contributes to breast cancer. They tell it like it is, "40,000 women die of this devastating disease every year, and we don’t have nearly enough to show for the billions of dollars raised in the name of breast cancer." bcaction.org
Breast Cancer Prevention Partners
Many groups focus on the cure or supporting people affected by breast cancer. This group looks towards prevention of breast cancer such as from exposure to chemicals and toxins found with everyday beauty products. bcpp.org
Bright Pink
Chicago-based Bright Pink was founded by Lindsay Avner with a focus on health and prevention through education. By educating young women as well as their healthcare providers, they foster a supportive relationship where informed women have proactive conversations with trusted providers on a regular basis. Every woman should check out their online tool "Assess Your Risk". brightpink.org