Who We Are
Vision
Create a network of black women, men, families and communities affected by breast cancer that feels connected, informed and supported.
Our History
The African American Breast Cancer Alliance (AABCATM) was established in October 1990. Its founding members, Linda Finney, Brenda Anderson, Theresa Davis, Mamie Singleton, Norma Collins, Reona Berry, Elaine Elliott, Bea McFadden, and Carol Fitzgerald created a non-profit with a goal to talk about cancer, create culturally specific, easily understood, breast cancer brochures, and provide an environment where Black women could connect, share and support each other through their journey of survival.
This dynamic group of women understood that black women lacked awareness about breast cancer and taking swift action due to fear that leads to later diagnosis. Historically, Black communities encounter economic, educational, racial and social barriers that affect their health. Finding culturally specific support and resources about breast cancer for black women was difficult. The available medical information did not address the treatment side effects they were experiencing. Cultural disparities and healthcare bias too often contribute to the higher breast cancer mortality rates seen in African American women.
Our Commitment
From its inception, AABCA has been committed to sharing crucial, life-affirming information, and promoting the benefits of early detection and treatment. We provide emotional and social support for breast cancer patients and survivors to help them have better recovery experiences as they cope with having this disease.
“Being there” has always been our motto, and as our outreach efforts continue to grow, we’ve expanded into “Share, Support, Survive.”
What We Do
Since 1990, the African American Breast Cancer Alliance (AABCA) has opened the door for Black women, families, men and communities to discuss cancer, “The Big C”. AABCA developed culturally specific educational and promotional materials to promote breast health awareness, patient support and advocacy.
Because of the high mortality rates of black women dying from breast cancer, the founders of AABCA made its mission to provide education, a forum to discuss barriers, concerns, lack of information, myths, patient navigation, resources, survivorship and treatment related to breast cancer and its impact on the individual, loved ones and our communities.
Working with state and national cancer information organizations, AABCA developed strategies to address the needs of people of color and underserved communities affected by cancer.
While its special focus is on the Black/African American community because of the documented increase in mortality and incident rates, AABCA forms coalitions with other organizations to work on sharing information about breast cancer in communities of color to help create better outcomes and increase survivorship.
Our services are available for you by phone, online, in print and in person. AABCA is here for you, caregivers, co-survivors, family, friends and community. You are not alone. We want to be there for you, so that you can continue to be there for yourself and your loved ones.
Being There to Share, Support, Survive!
Financials
Every dollar can help educating and supporting African Americans in their journeys with breast cancer and survivorship.
Meet the Board
Camille Berry
Secretary
Board Member SINCE 2011
VICTORIA ROBINSON
Breast Cancer Survivor
Treasurer, Board MEMBER SINCE 2022
LATIA DE AMPARO
Board Member SINCE 2016
Luella Williams
Breast Cancer Survivor
Board Member SINCE 2016
Gay Lynn Richards
Melanoma Survivor
Board Member SINCE 2024
Shonda Thomas
Breast Cancer Survivor
Board Member SINCE 2024
Kymberlyn Gaulden
Board Member SINCE 2024
Advisors
Community Advisors
Reona Berry
Breast Cancer Survivor
Co-Founder, President/CEO
A Message from AABCA
Being There for families, friends, and community is an African American tradition.
Being there also means, you become knowledgeable about diseases like breast cancer. It means that you take charge of your health and take care of your life
The fact is breast cancer is on the rise among Black women of all ages. Chances are you know someone who has had or now has breast cancer. About 12% of black women are diagnosed during their lifetime. Unfortunately, aggressive disease, late diagnosis and late treatment can decrease survival.
Learning how to detect breast cancer should be a part of every woman’s life. It is important for you to do your monthly breast self-examination, get a clinical breast examination and physical, get a mammogram as needed and see your healthcare provider immediately if your find lumps or suspicious changes in your breasts, armpits, and chest. Men can also develop breast cancer and may carry the breast cancer gene.
By taking positive action for screening and diagnosis many Black women are alive and well today because of early detection and prompt treatment.