The Breast Cancer Alliance: An Organization to Support and Be Proud Of

The other night,  Dr. Clifford Huddis and his team at the Evelyn H. Lauder Breast Center hosted and incredible evening for the Board of Directors and supporters of the Breast Cancer Alliance in New York.

One of the brilliant Drs. at MSK,
Yonni Wattenmaker Executive Director of the BCA
Debbi OShea

Jieun Wax, Nicole Reynolds, Elizabeth Galt
and Kathy Clarke BCA Supporters

The researchers who spoke, were all grant recipients for BCA funded studies. They spoke passionately about their work, their findings and their tremendous gratitude to the BCA. Summaries were presented on their work on Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Metastases, Mutations and Lobular Carcinoma in Situ.

Truly, we are the lucky ones. (You know your getting older when the Drs. all look twelve.)

For those of you who are not familiar with the BCA, here is a brief synopsis of their mission and accomplishments:

The Breast Cancer Alliance (BCA) is the fourth largest non-profit, private funding provider to breast cancer research in the United States. It was founded in 1996 by Mary Waterman.

The mission of the BCA is to fund innovative breast cancer research and to promote breast health through education and outreach. Since its inception, the BCA has awarded over $19 million to fund research and educational and outreach programs within a 200 mile radius of Greenwich.

The board develops relationships with their researchers and their institutions, granting different recipients each year. Last year, due to the success of the annual combined fundraising efforts, they were able to fund 9 research grants.

This is my 6th year on the Fundraising Committee for the BCA. I feel blessed to know so many women on the board, who work tirelessly, really, to make sure that nearly all of the money raised goes to research, education and outreach.

I'm personally grateful, to Yonni, the Board, the Luncheon Chairs, (who knowingly take a on a full time unpaid job for a year) and to the doctors and researchers who come closer everyday to finding a cure for breast cancer.

For two friends, who were recently diagnosed,  you and your families are in my head and heart. I wish you both safe surgeries, and speedy recoveries.

All will be well...

xox,

DD