Throughout December we will be publishing stories of how we got started, how we’ve grown, and what we’ve accomplished over the last 20 years. All because the people of Central Texas – YOU – made improving the lives of women with breast cancer a priority.
Twenty years ago, women with breast cancer had no one to talk to outside of the doctor’s office. Even though breast cancer was – and still is – pervasive, it wasn’t common practice to discuss it. Understanding women could benefit from sharing their experiences, BCRC began the only support group in town dealing with breast cancer.
This group met the needs of those who participated, until the day a woman with late-stage breast cancer called. While most of the members talked about putting cancer behind them, she knew she would be in treatment for the rest of her life.
The one-size fits all model needed to be altered. In 2002, donations from the community enabled BCRC to form the IV League – an empathetic community for women with late-stage disease. It gave voice to their unique fears, recognized their individual milestones, and openly acknowledged the losses.
A few years later, a group of women in their 30s told us they were grappling with issues that weren’t being discussed. They wanted to know “Can I still have children?” or “How do I explain cancer to my 3-year-old?” BCRC knew it needed a group for this younger generation. In 2006, a surge in donations enabled BCRC to expand and form the Pink Ribbon Cowgirls (PRC). Instead of closed door meetings, this new group debuted as a social community with group activities and kid-friendly monthly luncheons.
Then in 2012, the landscape changed for a third time. The IV League now had members who were diagnosed before the age of 45 – these young women were looking at metastatic cancer through a different lens.
Their careers were just taking off, they had young marriages, and school-aged children. With generous donations from the community, BCRC created the Lotus Forum (L4) to provide these women with a safe place to learn to live with terminal cancer.
Without our supporters – donors and volunteers alike, none of this could have happened. And we are proud to say that over these past twenty years, we’ve turned donations into important programs that reflect the changing face of breast cancer and inspire hope on a very personal level.
Give the Gift of Hope
This holiday season we reflect on the simple reality that BCRC would not exist if it weren’t for the generosity of those who give each year. The power of your giving is REAL and it affects real women right here in the Greater Austin area.
As the year end approaches, consider opening your heart and making a generous donation to ensure our community has a dedicated place of hope for the next 20 years. We promise you’ll be making a difference that counts. Give today.