BRAVE Coalition partners with The Aesthetic Foundation to support breast cancer patients

    SAN ANTONIO, TX, May 22, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The BRAVE Coalition Foundation, a 501(c)(3) breast reconstruction advocacy group, announces it is partnering with The Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation (The Aesthetic Foundation), a 501(c)(3) with the mission to improve the safety and effectiveness of aesthetic surgery and medicine, to provide financial support to breast cancer patients as they are on their reconstruction journey through a new program called The Aesthetic Foundation Breast Cancer Journey Assistance Fund.

"BRAVE is honored to partner with The Aesthetic Foundation to defray the financial burden of these patients during a tumultuous time in their lives," said Christine Grogan, DHA, Founder of BRAVE Coalition. "It is a significant milestone for BRAVE, as we envision it to be one of many future opportunities to help the breast cancer restoration community thrive."

The Aesthetic Foundation President, Caroline Glicksman, MD, MSJ, said, "The mission of BRAVE, to help patients who are battling breast cancer restore their sense of identity and wholeness, is aligned with the mission of The Aesthetic Foundation. Through the new Aesthetic Foundation Breast Cancer Journey Assistance Fund, we hope to be able to provide financial assistance to our patients at various stages in their reconstructive journey." She added, "Funding for The Foundation primarily comes from our membership, the plastic surgeons who encourage and support breast reconstruction for all."

Beginning this month, the new program will provide financial assistance to breast cancer patients during their breast cancer reconstruction journey. The funds may be used for any breast cancer care, including medication, medical equipment, respite care, living costs, support for loved ones and caregivers, wigs, and transportation to appointments and more. Funding will range between $250-$1,000.

Selection Criteria:
• Patient must be referred by a board-certified plastic surgeon, other physician, or Nurse Navigator.
• Board-certified plastic surgeons, other physicians, or Nurse Navigators will fill out and submit the application.
• The amount of funds awarded will be based on phase and severity of treatment.
• Patients may be asked to provide The Aesthetic Foundation with their breast cancer journey story for possible future use in printed and electronic communication.
• If approved, funds will only be provided once per calendar year, per patient.
• US & Canada only.

This new program will be funded by individual donations to The Aesthetic Foundation, along with a generous five-year gift from an anonymous donor and matching funds from BRAVE. Applications can be submitted here.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and only around 30% are aware of breast restoration rights and options based on research. Sadly, even a higher percentage exists around women of color, lower socio-economic status, and lower education. BRAVE's mission is to empower women with education and resources to provide choices and opportunities to experience life beyond cancer as her whole self, however, she defines it.

About BRAVE Coalition Foundation (Breast Restoration AdVocacy & Education)
The first 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable foundation to promote education and awareness of resources for breast cancer survivors regarding breast reconstruction options. The organization believes every woman should be empowered to determine how they shape their recovery from breast cancer as a fundamental right regardless of insurance or socio-economic status. To learn more about or donate to BRAVE Coalition Foundation, visit www.bravecoalition.org or follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

About The Aesthetic Foundation
The Aesthetic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable foundation. Its mission is to improve the safety and effectiveness of aesthetic surgery and medicine. For three decades, The Foundation has championed philanthropy, supporting charitable initiatives and funding trailblazing research that enhances patient outcomes. The Aesthetic Foundation is supported exclusively through dues of member plastic surgeons and donations.

Contact:
BRAVE Coalition Foundation
Beth Bentley
Executive Director
[email protected]
210.214.8482

The Aesthetic Foundation
Courtney Muehlebach
Executive Director
[email protected]
562.799.2356

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