Our Inspiration
The Breast Cancer Alliance was founded in March 1996 by Mary Waterman. Diagnosed with stage four breast cancer, Mary knew that her chances for long-term survival were not good. She wanted to help other women fight breast cancer through research, health education, and most importantly early detection. Mary died in January 1997. Her courage and determination are a continuing inspiration to us all.
Our Mission
The mission of the Breast Cancer Alliance is to fund innovative breast cancer research and to promote breast health through education and outreach. Breast cancer survivors, their friends and health-care professionals are fulfilling this mission.
Our Vision
The Breast Cancer Alliance intends to expand its role as the preeminent regional organization funding breast cancer research, early detection, and education.
Our Success
The Breast Cancer Alliance is a fast-growing, dynamic organization. We have awarded over $13.8 million in grants over the past 14 years. The Breast Cancer Alliance is currently the fourth largest non-profit, private funding provider to breast cancer research in the United States. Our primary fundraiser, an annual luncheon and fashion show, co-sponsored by Richards of Greenwich/Mitchells of Westport is a major charitable event attended by over 800 contributors. A prestigious roster of businesses and private foundations provides generous financial support. Contributions from individuals continue to escalate. This stellar performance in fundraising allows the Breast Cancer Alliance to provide increasingly large sums to support vital, cutting-edge breast cancer research each year and to expand our educational programs.
Research and Grants
The Breast Cancer Alliance disperses grants to high-impact breast cancer research and early detection initiatives. In an average year, 75% of our grant funds go to research and 25% to early detection programs in the communities we serve. The distinguished cancer specialists on our Medical Advisory Board, together with outside experts, help us make quality grant decisions. Over the years, the Alliance has funded a variety of cutting edge research grants and one-year post-graduate breast surgery fellowships at 25 of the nation's leading research institutions. We also fund community outreach programs and education initiatives in nine communities in Connecticut and New York.
Education
We help educate women about breast cancer research, treatment, and prevention through our quarterly newsletter, Outlook, through underwriting the Cancer Care teleconference that provide news from the annual breast cancer Symposium held in San Antonio, and through our web site.
Community Service
To make early detection of breast cancer widely available, the Alliance supports a variety of programs providing free mammograms and other related services through several organizations, including: CancerCare Connect, Corporate Angel Network, Greenwich Hospital, Hartford Hospital, the Hospital of St. Raphael in New Haven, Norma E. Pfriem Breast Care Center at Bridgeport Hospital, Open Door Family Medical Centers, Sacred Heart University, St. Vincent's Medical Center in Bridgeport, Stamford Hospital Foundation, the Witness Project of Connecticut, the YWCA Greenwich ENCORE Program,.and the YWCA Encore Plus Program in White Plains.
*Dr. DeVita received the Breast Cancer Alliance's 1999 Mary Waterman Award for outstanding achievments in the fight against breast cancer.
