Message from Incoming BCA President, Courtney Olsen

MESSAGE FROM COURTNEY OLSEN, INCOMING BCA PRESIDENT

As a ten-year survivor of breast cancer, it is an honor and privilege to serve as President of Breast Cancer Alliance.

Having been an active volunteer since 2012, I am in awe of BCA’s magnificent accomplishments. Whether we fund an uninsured patient’s biopsy, innovative research that may not otherwise have the capital, or the ongoing gift of a breast fellow, BCA is undoubtedly making a positive impact in the world of breast cancer.

Even though we continue to live in uncertain times due to COVID-19, one thing remains unchanged — our commitment to our mission. We improve survival rates and quality of life for those impacted by breast cancer through better prevention, early detection, treatment and cure. Our 25th Anniversary Luncheon Fashion show in October was another heartwarming afternoon filled with admiration for our models of inspiration. BCA raised a remarkable $1.1+ million and as a result we will grant an incredible $1.5+ million!

The challenges that COVID-19 has presented to our lives and the medical field only made us more resilient and adaptable. Our organization has evolved by offering virtual components and events like our Celebrity Poker Night, Kids for a Cause, our first-ever male breast cancer symposium and a Windows on the World Master Wine Course with Kevin Zraly. BCA is very excited to hold our annual 5K Run/Walk for Hope, in person, to kick off Wellness Month on May 1st. Virtually, we continued to follow up with all of our grantees to hear the progress of our funding. At one of our virtual Education and Outreach site visits, board and committee members received a full tour of a mammography mobile! Unfortunately, the institutions we support are seeing higher rates of breast cancer this year due to pandemic related delays in seeking preventative care. Your support is more vital than ever before.

I’d like to acknowledge outgoing President Meg Russell for her unflappable composure and incredible leadership in BCA’s most challenging years. Yonni Wattenmaker, our Executive Director, has BCA poised to have yet another successful year, in part because of her unwavering loyalty and innovative ideas. We are so fortunate to have an outstanding Board of Directors, Advisory Council and Medical Advisory Board who are genuinely devoted to accomplishing our mission.

As I look to the future, I’m confident we will continue to grow and thrive, all while pursuing our objective of preventing and eradicating this disease that affects too many women and men. We are grateful for your continued support and we are most excited for the variety of opportunities and events to keep our goals at the forefront.

Thank you! “WE IMPROVE SURVIVAL RATES AND QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THOSE IMPACTED BY BREAST CANCER THROUGH BETTER PREVENTION, EARLY DETECTION, TREATMENT AND CURE.”