Are you passionate about ending breast cancer? Do you have a desire to learn about the science of breast cancer? The Karin Decker Noss Scholarship was created to honor the memory of Karin, a dedicated board member and past president of VBCF. The scholarship funds training in medical research and legislative advocacy to carry on the work that Karin began. The deadline to apply is April 4, 2016.

VBCF hosted Advocating for Your Breast Health, an educational event in Newport News on February 27, featuring expert speakers - radiologist Dr. Johnathan Hays, certified genetic counselor Nicole Wood, nurse navigator Elizabeth Carter, and pathologist Dr. Crystal Moore. Thanks to our speakers, attendees, and volunteers for a great session. VBCF plans to host future events across the Commonwealth so stay tuned!

VBCF staff and volunteers from our Blue Ridge Chapter hosted a breast health education table at the Remote Area Medical (RAM) Clinic in Buena Vista on March 5-6. RAM clinics take place in medically underserved areas across the United States, often providing the only dental and medical care that clinic attendees receive all year. There are multiple RAM clinics in Virginia each year, and in 2016, VBCF plans to offer breast health education at all of them. 

Virginia’s legislature adjourned a day early on Friday, March 11th.  VBCF followed a number of bills during the session related to Medicaid expansion; prescription coverage; cancer prevention, treatment and palliative care; and environmental issues - almost all of which did not make it out of committee or are continued to 2017. While the session yielded a biennual, bipartisan budget, VBCF is disappointed that Medicaid expansion, which would ensure that all Virginians have access to breast cancer screening and treatment, failed for the third year in a row. The failure of Virginia’s legislators to accept federal funding to close this coverage gap hurts Virginians’ health and the state’s economy. 

The 7th Annual “Flip for the Fight” gymnastics invitational was held in early March with  over 1,200 competitors and hundreds more spectators. This year GMS gymnastics donated $15,000 to VBCF. We are grateful to be the beneficiary of this fantastic event.  

Massanutten Resort’s Hideaway Lounge held a February 13th “Pink Party” that raised almost $900 for VBCF.  We thank the Lounge’s management company, Eastern Purveyors, for its ongoing support of VBCF’s work.

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