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Breast Cancer Network of WNY donates $20,000 to support research

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Thu, Feb 20th 2020 12:45 pm

 The Breast Cancer Network of WNY (BCN) has donated $20,000 to the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester to support the coalition’s breast cancer research initiative.

A press release read, “The donation will be used to help fund research grants, which are presented annually for innovative new projects with the potential to yield significant medical breakthroughs in prevention of breast cancer and/or addressing metastatic disease.”

As part of its commitment to raise awareness of and support research on metastatic breast cancer (breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body), BCN has previously donated $15,000 to the coalition in amounts of $5,000 and $10,000.

“At the Breast Cancer Network of Western New York, we have a strong commitment to those living with metastatic breast cancer, and donating funds for research is an important part of that,” Executive Director Rob Jones said. “Our donation comes in part from individual donations we have received throughout the year directed to research. We have always been inspired by the coalition’s research initiative and, rather than try to create our own grant program, we decided instead to contribute to the excellent work they are already doing in identifying scientists and proposals to fund.”

Since 2003, the Breast Cancer Coalition has awarded more than $850,000 to researchers in Central and Western New York. Proposals are solicited from medical and research institutions, with recipients selected through a competitive review process. Recipients of this year’s coalition grants will be announced in April.

Breast Cancer Coalition Executive Director Holly Anderson said, “Though we are grateful for all gifts to our organization, it is particularly meaningful that one of our major collaborators in Western New York has again thought to combine efforts to support an effective research program that is committed to keeping funds right here in our region. Breast cancer funding is becoming more and more competitive, which leaves dedicated regional scientists scrambling for funding. While early detection, screening and primary treatment projects tend to be the focus of most research initiatives, our initiative focuses on the most critical areas and the least understood. We are tremendously excited about this gift and will remain committed to the excellent researchers in our region for as long as funding allows or breast cancer is eradicated.”

BCN was founded in 1988 by a group of breast cancer survivors to provide support and education to other survivors and their families. BCN was granted its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 1995 and offers educational and wellness programs, support groups, TLC Totes to newly diagnosed patients, and conducts advocacy efforts and fundraising for metastatic breast cancer research.

The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester is a regionally based, grassroots organization dedicated to eradicating breast cancer through action and advocacy. Formally organized as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization in 1997, the coalition is presently the only full-scope independently operated organization focused specifically on breast cancer in the Greater Rochester Region. Its research initiative – unusual for a grassroots organization – is an integral, tangible part of the coalition’s commitment to eradicate breast cancer. The coalition offers numerous free programs, including an annual advanced breast cancer seminar, monthly educational seminars, workshops, classes, and numerous support groups and programs on an ongoing basis in a 10-county region.

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