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KEEP A BREAST GIVE BACK GRANT

THE KEEP A BREAST GIVE BACK GRANT (GBG) PROGRAM DIRECTLY SUPPORTS U.S.-BASED WOMEN OF COLOR BREAST CANCER PATIENTS AND SURVIVORS.

Women of color face many specific, long-standing challenges in their pursuit of appropriate, rigorous, and equal breast cancer treatment.

THE STRUGGLE FOR ADEQUATE HEALTHCARE LOOKS LIKE:

  • Healthcare Coverage Limitations: Racial and ethnic disparities rooted in inequality are a major factor when it comes to healthcare coverage. The cost of coverage is too high. This ultimately means less access to care.

  • Higher Death Rates: Black women have lower rates of breast cancer diagnosis than White women, but are more likely to die or receive diagnoses of highly aggressive forms of breast cancer.

  • Inadequate Care: Women of color report their concerns and/or inquiries are less likely to receive the appropriate level of concern, guidance, or recommendation of care escalation by healthcare professionals. 

  • Education and Nutrition Disparities: Lack of nutrient-dense food and health education puts people of color at higher risk of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, which also complicates breast cancer care.

SUPPORT THE GBG PROGRAM

THE GIVE BACK GRANT PROGRAM IMPACT

The KAB Give Back Grant program launched with funds raised via a Breast Cast Exhibition in Nashville, Tennessee in 2020 to recognize and assist with disrupting the inequality women of color face in the healthcare system.  

Five years in, these grants have made a lasting impact – helping women to travel, relax and experience life-changing experiences during and after treatment.

 
 

Give Back Grant 2024-2025 Cycle Current Status

The 5th give back grant cycle has been completed

Check out our 5-year program report below!

VIEW REPORT
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A NEW CHAPTER IN GIVING BACK

Since its launch, the Give Back Grant has funded hundreds of moments of healing, joy, and connection for breast cancer survivors and thrivers through $500 grants. 

At this time, we regret to share that we’ve experienced a lapse in funding for the $500 grant model for this program, and will not be able to continue providing individual grants.

But that doesn’t mean that this program is coming to the end. We’re currently reimagining new meaningful and sustainable ways to continue supporting survivors.

The next phase of the Give Back Grant will focus on in-person experiences, aligned partnerships, and exclusive opportunities that uplift, connect, and celebrate the BIPOC survivor and patient community. From wellness retreats to creative collaborations, we’re building new ways to give back that remain true to the heart of this program.

We’re also thrilled to share that as the program moves into its next chapter, it will be championed by our newest Board of Directors Secretary Havyne Cooper, who is a stage 4 survivor and community advocate.

The Give Back Grant started with giving. It continues with community — and with the support of our giving partners, we’ll keep finding new ways to give back together.

Partner With Us.  Help Shape the Next Chapter of the Give Back Grant Program

 

be a gbg community partner

As the program shifts toward providing meaningful experiences in-person and virtually, we’re seeking community partners to provide in-kind and financial support.

In-Kind Partnerships we’re looking for:

  • Hiking, kayaking, surf therapy, paddleboarding and other outdoor adventure-focused experiences

  • Yoga and meditation, sound bathing, and restorative wellness 

  • Ceramics, painting, journaling, dance and movement for creative healing and expression

  • Empowerment, dinner events, mentorship and confidence coaching

  • Energy healing, healing foods, integrative wellness

Get In Touch

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GIVE BACK GRANT PROGRAM SUPPORT

With gratitude to:

OUR GRANT CYCLE JUDGES
Our diverse panel of breast cancer survivors who served as judges this past grant cycle. We recognize your tremendous efforts in this difficult and emotional process of reading through the experiences of other survivors and patients.

OUR GIVE BACK GRANT PROGRAM SPONSORS
Smart & Sexy | Curvy Couture | Black Girl Sunscreen

PAST PROGRAM SPONSORS
The Clara Lionel Foundation, Curvy Couture  Hello In There Foundation, The Community Foundation, Akos, Bosom Boutique, Breast Of Friends ,The Coast Creative, Coast Law Group, Fiona Prine, For The Breast Of Us LLC, Global Toy Box, Imogene and Willie, Jonsey Woods, Jordan & Robin Silon, Keva Dine Agency, Leigh Edwards & Company, Megan Garrett, M&M Company LLP, One Drop Ink, Orangetheory Fitness Nashville, Owls Brew, Red Ventures LLC, Studio Bank Nashville, Studio Barre Ventura, Global Toybox, Dip Already, For The Breast of Us, Big Sister Sisterhood,  MIKOH, UTA, XO Jackie, Fit 4 Mom, Jetty Extracts, Rockers for Knockers, Angela Pachecho, AKOS

 

Our Cycle 5 Give Back Grant Program Ambassadors

Tamika L. Herbert

Tamika L. Herbert, known as "The Communicative Liberationist," is a passionate advocate and breast cancer survivor. In 2016, she was featured in Keep A Breast’s Breast Cast Exhibition in Portland, Oregon, and has served on the selection committee for the organization’s Give Back Grant, later becoming a grant recipient herself. On October 31, 2023, Tamika celebrated 10 years cancer-free and marked the occasion by publishing her first book, Conquer The Fight of Life, which shares her journey and lessons from overcoming cancer.

Follow Tamika on Instagram

Jess Miso

Jess is a Stage 3 IDC breast cancer survivor who went through treatment during the pandemic with limited resources. Finding support from other survivors inspired her to become a cancer advocate and community builder. She’s also a college student advisor, dog mom, cat auntie, and boba milk tea lover. Jess values the Give Back Grant for its flexibility, which allowed her to visit a metastatic breast cancer friend in her final days “which certainly wasn't what I had planned, but definitely turned out to be the best thing and I'll be forever thankful for those moments with her.”

Follow Jess on Instagram

Dawn R. Freeman

Dawn is a 2-time breast cancer survivor! She is a singer, loves to propagate plants and is a cactus grower. Most importantly, she is a bearded dragon mom to her rescue Frankie. Dawn is a certified health coach, with a masters in public health and believes in a plant-based diet. She loves Keep A Breast as “it is an organization that helps survivors, caregivers and everyone through education, prevention and most important their Give Back Grants. It is indeed an organization that is helping to change the lives of others in a positive way.”

Follow Dawn on Instagram

Tanesha Patterson

Tanesha was diagnosed with breast cancer at 42. Cancer taught her the value of resilience and the importance of cherishing every moment. She was a 2021 Keep A Breast Give Back Grant recipient and has always been a huge advocate for anything pertaining to Woman of Color even before breast cancer. Tanesha has been a volunteer at the shelter in her local community and in the healthcare industry for many years, so she knows the importance of giving back and helping others in need.

Follow Tanesha on Instagram

 

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Your donation WILL make a difference. 100% of every dollar donated to the Give Back Grant program will directly support grantees through meaningful and healing in-person and virtual experiences.

DONATE TO THE GIVE BACK GRANT PROGRAM
 
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