The month of October brings with it a number of images - for me it's the deep reds and vibrant colors of a changing season -- but standing out amongst the hues of autumn is the iconic pink ribbon that symbolizes hope, strength, unity and commitment for all those involved in the fight against breast cancer. With October designated "Breast Cancer Awareness Month," it's fitting that we feature an organization dedicated to imagining a world without breast cancer... Please welcome Boarding for Breast Cancer (B4BC), a youth-focused education, awareness, and fundraising foundation, whose mission is to increase awareness about breast cancer, the importance of early detection and the value of an active lifestyle. So much of the media's attention has been geared toward women in their 40's and over, that the gap in information has almost given young women in their 20's a false sense of security when it comes to breast cancer. The sad truth is that young women get breast cancer all too often as B4BC's founders know all too well.
The inspiration for Boarding For Breast Cancer was a young woman named Monica Steward. Monica, who was a very dear friend of all B4BC founders, started her battle with breast cancer at the age of 26 and passed two years later from complications that arose from the disease.
Boarding For Breast Cancer was founded as a result of Monica voicing her frustration about the lack of awareness among young women about the disease to friends and future co-founders, Tina Basich, Shannon Dunn, Lisa Hudson and Kathleen Gasperini. Their idea was to create an event that centered around their mutual passions, snowboarding and music, to communicate the message of awareness while raising money for research and educating young women about breast cancer.
Monica Steward passed away a month later, just three months before her inaugural Boarding For Breast Cancer Snowboard + Music Festival event.
Fortunately B4BC has continued to hold events and spread their message of "early detection plus an active lifestyle equals best prevention." To see if there's a B4BC event in your area check their upcoming events here.
CORE BELIEFS AND VALUES
- B4BC BELIEVES in the well being of the snow, surf and skate community, and that their role is to teach positive health practices which assist in detection and prevention of breast cancer.
- B4BC VALUES the volunteers, families and survivors who support our organization.
- B4BC BELIEVES early detection of breast cancer is an essential element in winning the fight against cancer.
- B4BC VALUES the unique cultural link of board sports: the artists, athletes and participants in these sports.
- B4BC BELIEVES their organization helps people create a positive sense of self-worth and supports people in a time of need.
- B4BC VALUES teamwork, volunteerism, collaboration and grassroots efforts.
- B4BC BELIEVES every breast cancer story is unique and it is their role to honor the diversity of people affected by breast cancer.
WHAT THEY DO
- B4BC TEACHS awareness and provides information to empower people who are managing the effects of breast cancer in their lives.
- B4BC INSPIRES - strongly believing that breast cancer is not a death sentence and that battling the disease can provide optimism and hope.
- B4BC ADVOCATES for those affected by breast cancer by providing a place to tell their stories and to speak the truth of their feelings about breast cancer.
- B4BC SERVES the action sports community, a passionate group of people who share a love for an active lifestyle through snowboarding, skateboarding and surfing.
While B4BC is our default charity for the month of October - you can continue to support their cause by going to their own private label mall where, if you download their EZ Shopper Widget, you can purchase all your action sports wear, travel, birthday and holiday gifts for years to come...
