Your advocacy is making an impact. Several of VBCF’s top legislative priorities advanced past crossover, including paid family and medical leave and access to affordable copays for prescription drugs. Get the full mid-session update and learn how you can stay engaged as these bills move forward.

🎉ICYMI: Good News from Congress for Breast Cancer Research and Early Detection

In early February, Congress passed a final Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget ending the partial government shutdown. In a great win for cancer research, Congress rejected the Trump Administration's drastic proposals that would have cut biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by 40% and eliminated the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). In fact, the FY26 budget approved by Congress this week increases funding for these programs: $201.9 million (a $1 million increase) for the NBCCEDP; $48.7 billion (a $415 million increase) for NIH, which includes $7.4 billion (a $128 million increase) for the National Cancer Institute.

Congress also passed the Defense Appropriations Bill, which includes $145M funding for the Department of Defense (DoD) Breast Cancer Research Program. VBCF advocates each year on Capitol Hill for this important funding. From FY92-25, Virginia cancer research institutions such as UVA, VCU, Hampton University, and VA Tech have received over $53.4 million in funding.

Scholarship Opportunities to Attend the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) 2026 Advocate Leadership Summit

NBCC's 2026 Advocate Leadership Summit will be held in Washington, DC on April 25-27th, followed by Lobby Day on Capitol Hill on April 28. Registration is now open. Click here to learn more about scholarships available to help defray the cost of attending.

Did you know you can negotiate medical bills? From lump-sum offers to payment plans, our newest blog walks through real-life examples and explains your rights in Virginia. If you’re feeling stressed about costs, this is a must-read.

LEARN MORE

Two years after hearing the words “You have cancer,” Alison Holt-Fuller is cancer-free — and walking forward in pink shoes. Using humor, heart, and powerful storytelling, she raised over $8,000 as a VBCF Sole Star to support others facing breast cancer. Read her story and see how you can turn your own journey into hope for someone else.

MEET ALISON

Clinical Study Opportunity for People with Metastatic Breast Cancer

If you’ve been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and your cancer has continued to grow after previous treatments, you may qualify for a clinical study testing a potential new investigational treatment for advanced breast cancer.

This Phase 3 study is exploring whether an investigational immunotherapy may help the body’s immune system recognize and fight cancer cells.

Leapcure’s Patient Success Coordinators are here to answer your questions, help you understand the study, and ensure a warm connection to your local site team once enrolled. Start exploring here: https://lpcur.com/mbc-vbcf to get connected with Leapcure’s Patient Success Team and learn more.

Upcoming Events

Get moving for a cause! Join us Saturday, April 25 for the Make Moves Against Breast Cancer 5K on the scenic Huckleberry Trail in Blacksburg. Whether you walk or run, participants of all ages and abilities are invited to move at their own pace while raising awareness and funds that stay right here in Virginia to support people affected by breast cancer. Registration includes a T-shirt and bib, and fundraisers can make an even bigger impact by setting personal or team goals. Lace up, bring your community spirit, and help us make every step count!

LEARN MORE & REGISTER!

Save the date for Saturday, May 16, and join us at the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation’s 2026 Breast Health Summit — a meaningful morning of education, connection, and support designed for anyone impacted by breast cancer. Attendees will hear from expert speakers on timely topics such as mental and sexual health after diagnosis, cardio-oncology, and recovery strategies, and enjoy networking over a light breakfast and lunch. This event is a chance to learn from healthcare professionals and connect with others in the breast health community. More details coming soon!