Everyone knows Susan G Komen as the quintessential organization for fundraising, awareness and breast cancer research. But the truth is that there are many organizations out there and while everyone has different reasons for supporting them it’s important to recognize the variety of resources available to women and their families fighting against breast cancer! Women are diverse and many so it makes sense that the organizations designed to support them should be too.
1. Sharsheret is a support network for Jewish women with breast or ovarian cancer in US. The organization is sensitive to the unique, cultural needs of the Jewish community. In addition to resources for women who are currently fighting cancer, they also have resources for women who are at risk or have survived cancer.
Website: http://www.sharsheret.org
2. Breast Cancer Action committee prides itself on grassroots organizing and education. BCA prides itself on being a watchdog organization that regrets the idea of corporate profits and big money becoming involved with healthcare and social justice. They are responsible for the “Think Before You Pink” campaign, citing issues with the dangers of cosmetics and big pharma involvement with Komen as reasons to find alternatives to support. The push to make cosmetics and personal care items safe and carcinogen free is important in the fight against prevention and needs to be made more mainstream in the discussion about cancer.
Website: http://www.bcaction.org
3. American Cancer Society is one of the biggest organizations for cancer support in the US. While it may seem obvious, many people, including myself, don’t always think of ACS when they think of breast cancer though. ACS has some of the most detailed resources about the disease and treatment on the web. There are dozens of ways to volunteer with ACS as well, which is great for students who may not have the spare funds to donate to a specific campaign.
Website: http://www.cancer.org
4. Unite for Her provides information that goes beyond traditional medical treatment of breast cancer. This organization focuses more on wellness than “sick care” which can be very appealing and effective. Unite For Her blogs about the benefits of good nutrition and provides resources for individuals to work on their health from that perspective as well as resources like yoga and acupuncture!
Website: http://www.uniteforher.org
5. Young Survival Coalitionis an organization focused on helping young people diagnosed with breast cancer. They have an amazing inclusive diversity statement that shows dedication to intersectionality in addressing the needs of women with breast cancer. Hopefully their mission to provide resources for everyone. YSC also adds a new dyanmic to the narrative of breast cancer by addressing the needs of young women diagnosed with breast cancer, generally the narrative of breast cancer in the US is about middle aged women. By expanding the story of breast cancer, YSC is hopefully setting a new standard for a better conversation of breast cancer in society.
Website: https://www.youngsurvival.org