Keep A Breast Foundation Launches Fifth Annual Grant Program for BIPOC Breast Cancer Survivors

The Keep A Breast Foundation has unveiled its fifth annual Give Back Grant (GBG) program for 2024-2025, committing $100,000 to support Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) women who are breast cancer survivors or currently undergoing treatment. This initiative, launched from Yucca Valley, California, represents a significant effort to address the financial and emotional challenges faced by women of color in their breast cancer journeys.

Since its inception in 2020, the GBG program has become a vital resource for the BIPOC community, having awarded 1,047 grants totaling $523,500. The program's continued growth underscores its importance in addressing the disparities in breast cancer outcomes among women of color, who face higher mortality rates compared to their White counterparts.

Shaney jo Darden, founder of Keep A Breast, emphasizes the program's impact: "This money can be life-changing and stress-relieving. It can bring peace and support during the breast cancer treatment and recovery experience. And that's invaluable." The unrestricted nature of the grants, each valued at $500, allows recipients to allocate funds according to their personal needs, whether for medical bills, essential living expenses, self-care, or pursuing personal passions.

The significance of this program extends beyond financial assistance. It represents a concerted effort to address systemic inequalities in healthcare and support systems for BIPOC women facing breast cancer. By providing flexible financial support, the GBG program not only eases immediate burdens but also empowers survivors and patients to focus on their recovery and personal growth.

Marquita Goodluck, the GBG program manager and a past recipient, offers a personal perspective on the program's importance: "As both a breast cancer survivor and advocate, I understand the financial and emotional challenges that come long after active treatment ends. The Give Back Grant has been a beacon for BIPOC survivors, allowing us to feel seen, respected, and supported through our journey."

The program's impact extends beyond individual recipients, potentially influencing broader conversations about healthcare equity and the specific needs of BIPOC communities in cancer care. By highlighting these issues, the Keep A Breast Foundation contributes to a larger dialogue on improving health outcomes and support systems for marginalized groups.

Applications for the 2024 GBG cycle are open until December 31, 2024, inviting women of color in the U.S. who have been diagnosed with or have survived breast cancer to apply. The program's continuation and expansion demonstrate a sustained commitment to addressing health disparities and supporting BIPOC women through their breast cancer experiences.

As the Keep A Breast Foundation approaches its 25th anniversary in 2025, the GBG program stands as a testament to the organization's dedication to reducing breast cancer risk worldwide through education, prevention, and direct action. The foundation's focus on positivity, inclusivity, and engaging people from all walks of life in breast health awareness continues to make a significant impact in the fight against breast cancer.

The success and growth of the Give Back Grant program highlight the ongoing need for targeted support for BIPOC communities in healthcare. It serves as a model for how organizations can address specific challenges faced by marginalized groups, potentially inspiring similar initiatives in other areas of health and social support.