The Keep A Breast Foundation has awarded $100,000 through its fifth consecutive Give Back Grant program, providing direct financial assistance to 200 breast cancer patients and survivors from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities. This initiative, launched in 2020, specifically targets systemic inequities in breast cancer healthcare by offering micro-grants that help alleviate the substantial financial burdens associated with medical treatment. Since its inception, the program has distributed over $700,000 to more than 1,000 individuals through strategic partnerships with corporate supporters including Curvy Couture and Smart&Sexy.
Founder Shaney Jo Darden emphasized that these financial contributions, while modest in individual amounts, create meaningful waves of healing and empowerment for recipients facing breast cancer challenges. The grants specifically address practical needs that often create barriers to effective treatment, including expenses for transportation to medical appointments, medical bills not covered by insurance, childcare during treatment sessions, and groceries for maintaining proper nutrition during recovery. Program Manager Marquita Goodluck, who is herself a past grant recipient, highlighted the profound psychological impact of providing recognition and care to BIPOC breast cancer survivors who frequently navigate healthcare systems that fail to adequately address their specific needs.
The selection process for grant recipients employs a community-centered review approach involving volunteers from the BIPOC survivor and patient community, ensuring that decisions reflect the lived experiences of those most affected by breast cancer disparities. Eligibility requirements include self-identification as BIPOC, residence in the United States, and either active treatment status or breast cancer survivorship. The program allows previous recipients to reapply for additional support, acknowledging that financial challenges often persist long after initial treatment concludes. This ongoing support mechanism recognizes the extended timeline of breast cancer recovery and the cumulative financial impact of the disease.
As the Keep A Breast Foundation marks 25 years of advocacy and support, the Give Back Grant program represents a focused effort to reduce breast cancer risk and support those most affected by the disease, particularly in communities that experience disproportionate barriers to quality healthcare. Corporate partners have expressed continued commitment to the initiative, viewing their involvement as both a social responsibility and an opportunity to uplift and celebrate diverse communities facing breast cancer challenges. The program's expansion to $700,000 in total distributions demonstrates growing recognition of the financial dimensions of healthcare equity and the specific needs of BIPOC individuals navigating breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
