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What do you do when awareness of an issue is no longer ‘the issue?’
You act.
That’s exactly why Beth Fairchild now refers to October as Breast Cancer Action Month. Our featured I Cannabis partner, Beth holds many titles: mother, tattoo artist, activist, yoga instructor, and as of May 2014, a stage 4 metastatic breast cancer patient.
Metastatic breast cancer (mBC) is breast cancer that has spread to another part of the body (most often the bones, lungs, liver, or brain). 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States, and of those, roughly 30% will go on to metastasize and lose their lives to the disease. mBC is the second leading cause of death in women in the US, claiming 116 women AND men every day. 42,000 people die a year from mBC in the US alone.
Needless to say, being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer can be overwhelming—especially when delivered with a 2 year survival rate, as Beth was told. Having grown up very conservatively, Beth never considered cannabis as a treatment option until a friend brought it to her in the form of an edible. And as Beth says, “When you have a terminal illness, nothing’s off the table.”
Beth says she used cannabis for the side effects of her chemotherapy, including issues around sleep, anxiety, appetite, pain, and overall quality of life. Now a daily cannabis user, Beth devotes her energy to advocacy, having embraced the mBC community and leading efforts to raise money for breast cancer research. She’s at the forefront of efforts driving change to make Medicare benefits immediately available for patients diagnosed with mBC so they no longer have an extended waiting period (6 months) before they receive support. Beth is acutely aware that every second is precious, and gaining access to benefits as soon as possible is critical.
Incredibly, she’s outlived her prognosis by 5 years.
Hear Beth’s story in her own words at the video below, then join us in following her lead to take action against breast cancer. In participating states, proceeds from pink pre-rolls and batteries will go to a number of local breast cancer research organizations with all dispensaries having an option to donate too; just see your local dispensary associate for details! See the full list at the bottom of this post for reference.
Hear Beth's story on Instagram or on Youtube
2021 Breast Cancer Action Month Charities
Arkansas
The Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation’s mission is to raise funds for research and education to prevent breast cancer and improve outcomes for individuals with breast cancer. Their mission includes raising awareness and funding for cancer research in the Midwest.
Arizona
Impact One Breast Cancer Foundation
Impact One Breast Cancer Foundation will provide prompt support and resources to those impacted by breast cancer. Our vision is to alleviate the burden experienced by women during breast cancer treatment and recovery by offering prosthesis, bras, wigs and post-surgical garments.
Connecticut
Connecticut Breast Health Initiative
The Connecticut Breast Health Initiative, Inc. is a state-wide non-profit organization making a significant impact in the quest to find a cure for breast cancer by providing grants to support education and research in Connecticut. Founded in 2005, it has been our goal to find answers in our lifetime.
Florida
Badges of Courage Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was founded to provide financial assistance to low income women who have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer and those who are in treatment. Often, these women cannot work during their lengthy treatment and without the possibility of income, cannot afford their basic living expenses. Our goal is to give women tranquility and hope when faced with this disease so that they may concentrate on healing.
Illinois
The Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation’s mission is to raise funds for research and education to prevent breast cancer and improve outcomes for individuals with breast cancer. Investments are directed locally within the Chicago area but drive impact globally. Raising awareness and funding for cancer research.
Maine
The Snell Foundation is a volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to providing patients of New England Cancer Specialists with a range of financial help, including: prescription medications, medical equipment, medical insurance premiums, transportation (gas, taxis, tolls, parking and travel), everyday living expenses, meals, protein drinks and other healthy food options, heating & utilities (oil, gas, propane, electricity, water & sewer, telephone), rent, mortgage payments & homeowners insurance.
Maryland
Since 2002, The Red Devils has invested nearly $4.5 million to fund treatment support for more than 8,500 breast cancer families so that loved ones are able to enter or remain in treatment. We have partnerships with 31 hospitals or other facilities throughout Maryland. Their medical staff and social workers refer patients to our business partners who provide a variety of treatment support services at no charge to the patients living or being treated in Maryland.
Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition
Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition is dedicated to preventing environmental causes of breast cancer through community education, research advocacy, and changes to public policy. We are different from other breast cancer organizations. We believe that to eradicate breast cancer we must prevent it. While also important, this does not refer to early detection in the form of self-breast exams and mammography. We are trying to find the causes of breast cancer, so that we can stop it before it starts.
Michigan
Many patients who are diagnosed with breast cancer have extra financial burdens placed on them during treatment and recovery. Common issues are insurance payments, food, transportation, childcare, and other essentials of daily life. It is the mission of Shades of Pink Foundation to offer temporary financial assistance during their time of need.
North dakota
Breast Friends is a unique resource for women, their families and friends; striving to minimize the fear and isolation of cancer. Our staff of dedicated women, through their personal journeys, understand the challenges that a diagnosis can bring.
Ohio
Living Beyond Breast Cancer, is a national 501 nonprofit organization headquartered in Bala Cynwyd, just outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the United States. LBBC works with women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and their caregivers throughout their experience of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Pennsylvania
Living Beyond Breast Cancer, is a national 501 nonprofit organization headquartered in Bala Cynwyd, just outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the United States. LBBC works with women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and their caregivers throughout their experience of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Nevada
Ink Ribbon Foundation is dedicated to helping cancer survivors heal through beautiful scar cover up tattoos or 3D nipple tattoos.
New Jersey
Since 2010, the Cooper Foundation’s Pink Roses Teal Magnolias brunch has been raising funds for breast and gynecological cancer clinical and research programs at MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper. This event is unique in that it raises funds for both breast and gynecological cancer.
All donations to Pink and Teal (as we have fondly nicknamed the event) stay local, right here at MD Anderson at Cooper. They support research, complementary medicine, new technology, support services, our Survivor Program and our Patient in Need fund that assists patients in financial distress with transportation, child care, prescription co-pays and other immediate needs.
New York
Holistic services in an equitable whole care model, starting with breast cancer and disparities. Since 2005, we have worked in NYC to filled a need for equal access to services & resilience when people need it most, after a diagnosis of breast cancer.
Now we rise representing a gentle, inclusive era in healthful care that was missing in the usual care paradigm. Our visionary community utilizes a ‘thriver’ care-team to facilitate holistic education & services model. We ease your journey. Experienced facilitators help you create a plan to help maintain health. Funding pay it forward for those who have active cancer.
Oregon
Breast Friends is a unique resource for women, their families and friends; striving to minimize the fear and isolation of cancer. Our staff of dedicated women, through their personal journeys, understand the challenges that a diagnosis can bring.
Utah
Impact One Breast Cancer Foundation
Impact One Breast Cancer Foundation will provide prompt support and resources to those impacted by breast cancer. Our vision is to alleviate the burden experienced by women during breast cancer treatment and recovery by offering prosthesis, bras, wigs and post-surgical garments.