Byrd Cancer Education and Advocacy Foundation

Our Cancer Connect Program has been awarded through the AstraZeneca US ACT on #HealthEquity Community Solutions Challenge. Byrd Cancer Foundation, Cancer Connect Program supports underserved communities by providing access to cancer education, resources, and advocacy. Through this partnership, we hope to continue our work toward advancing health equity and shaping a more equitable future for all. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eNnRGGhg... #ByrdCancerFoundation #ACTonHealthEquity #CommunityHealth #STEMeducation #Nutrition #Oncology #Healthcare #HealthEquity #Partnerships #Collaboration

Join us for an empowering day at the?2nd Annual All Things Cancer & Wellness Expo! This one-of-a-kind event brings together individuals, healthcare experts, wellness practitioners, and community advocates to inspire and advance wellness while tackling the cancer epidemic. From insightful panels to hands-on workshops, our Expo provides a space for connection, learning, and healing

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! We’re thrilled to share that the 2nd Annual All Things Cancer & Wellness Expo is happening on Saturday, April 19th or 26th, 2025 from 10 AM to 5 PM! At The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City This event is all about connecting, empowering, and inspiring. From insightful panels and hands-on workshops to health screenings and wellness services, this day is packed with opportunities to learn, grow, and heal together. Save the Date and stay tuned for more details about: ?? Expert Panels ??Interactive Workshops ??Memorial and Thriver Walls ??Vendor Opportunities ??Health Screenings and More! Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City 237 South Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 Let’s come together to make a difference in the fight against cancer. Follow us for updates and visit https://lnkd.in/eC2Kh-QS to learn more or register as a vendor or become a sponsor. #AllThingsCancer #WellnessExpo #CancerAwareness #WellnessJourney #CommunityConnection #ByrdCancerFoundation #allthingscancerwellness #allthingscancerwellnessexpo #cancerwellnessexpo

?? Big News! ?? We’re teaming up with the?Byrd Cancer Education and Advocacy Foundation?to make a bigger impact in breast cancer education and early detection! ?? Curious how this partnership will help save lives? ?? ?? Head to the blog to learn more about this exciting collaboration and what’s coming next: https://lnkd.in/gnRsuY4w

Abigail DeGuzman-Miller, now 50 years old, is a mother of four who was diagnosed with Stage IIIa?Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in 2018. Originally from a country where healthcare resources like mammograms and self-exams were inaccessible, Abigail moved to the U.S. in 2000. Despite performing regular mammograms, she never fully understood their importance until she encountered her diagnosis. In early 2018, her mammogram revealed a change in her right breast, and she was advised to get an ultrasound. The results were inconclusive, with dense breast tissue making it difficult to assess. However, Abigail noticed a persistent bump in her right breast—a symptom she’d experienced but overlooked in the past. When the discomfort grew worse, she trusted her instincts and returned to her doctor, this time insisting on further tests. This decision led to the discovery of a tumor. After a biopsy, Abigail was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, a common yet serious form of breast cancer. Her cancer was estrogen receptor-positive (ER+), progesterone receptor-positive (PR+), and HER2-negative (HER2-), meaning her cancer was hormone-driven, which can be treated with hormonal therapies but is often harder to detect early in those with dense breast tissue. Abigail’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-advocacy and persistence. Her experience demonstrates that even when tests seem clear, a proactive approach can make all the difference, especially for individuals with dense breast tissue, which can obscure abnormalities in mammograms. Looking back, Abigail wishes she’d trusted her initial concerns earlier and taken a more proactive stance in her healthcare. Now, she’s committed to being involved, asking questions, and advocating for her health, especially by staying vigilant with her five-year Tamoxifen treatment. She hopes her story inspires others to trust their bodies, advocate for themselves, and seek clarity in their care. https://lnkd.in/e-MRkuMV

Melissa Rider is both a breast and colon cancer survivor, diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 39, only five months after her Stage 2A colon cancer diagnosis. Melissa also carries the CHEK2 gene mutation, a genetic marker that significantly increases her risk for several types of cancer, including breast and colon cancer. But instead of letting fear hold her back, she embraced the power of genetic testing and self-advocacy to take control of her health. Her journey began with the loss of her mother to breast cancer, who was diagnosed at the same age and passed away at just 45. With that family history, Melissa made it her mission to be proactive about her health. Genetic testing allowed her to understand her increased cancer risk, and the early detection gave her a chance to start preventative measures. Melissa encourages everyone to consider genetic testing, regardless of family history. Her message is simple yet powerful: “Early detection saves lives, and genetic testing gives you the tools to stay ahead.” Don’t wait for a disease to knock on your door—advocate for yourself and take charge of your health. You’re worth it, and your life depends on it. https://lnkd.in/ex59V4Ri #BreastCancerAwareness?#GeneticTesting?#CHEK2?#SelfAdvocacy?#EarlyDetection?#ColonCancerAwareness?#SurvivorStories?#ByrdCancerFoundation?#NOWINCLUDED

Advocates in the fight against breast cancer are urging the state legislature to pass HB1944 before the end of the session next month. This bill is vital in eliminating out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic mammograms, a crucial step in early detection and effective treatment. The Byrd Cancer Foundation was honored to be invited by Rep. Gina Curry to stand in solidarity at the recent press conference in support of this life-saving bill. We want to extend our deepest thanks to Rep. Curry for her leadership and to all the advocates, survivors, and healthcare professionals who are working tirelessly to make this bill a reality. Your efforts are paving the way for a future where financial barriers no longer stand between individuals and life-saving care. Let’s continue to raise awareness and support this crucial legislation. Together, we can make a difference. Thank you again to Rep. Curry and everyone involved for your unwavering commitment to the fight against breast cancer. #HB1944?#ByrdCancerFoundation?#BreastCancerAwareness?#AdvocacyForChange

Raquel Fountain’s breast cancer journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-advocacy when it comes to our health. Her story began when she discovered a lump in her breast. Despite initial reassurance from her doctors that it was likely nothing to worry about, Raquel trusted her instincts and pushed for further testing. This decision led to an early diagnosis of breast cancer—a diagnosis that might have been missed if she hadn’t listened to her body. https://lnkd.in/dewmiPiE

Veteran Dental Financial Assistance Program This program helps Veterans with a blood cancer diagnosis, regardless of their dental benefit class through the VA, covering necessary dental services required for lifesaving therapy or as a consequence of therapy. Services include extractions, root canals, dentures, jaw surgery, and more. Eligibility: Veterans with a blood cancer diagnosis Residing in the U.S. or a U.S. territory No dental insurance or household income limit required Program Locations: University of Maryland School of Dentistry (Baltimore, MD) NYU Dentistry Oral Health Center (New York, NY) UNC Adams School of Dentistry (Chapel Hill, NC) UT Health Science Center at San Antonio (San Antonio, TX) To apply, contact LLS's Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572 or visit LLS.org for more details.

Did You Know There Are Different Types of HER2 Status in Breast Cancer? Breast cancer used to be classified as either HER2-positive or HER2-negative. But now, about 60% of people diagnosed as HER2-negative are actually considered HER2-low. What does that mean? People with HER2-low breast cancer have low levels of HER2 on their cancer cells, but not enough to be considered HER2-positive. This opens up new treatment options, like targeted therapies that weren’t available before! Understanding your HER2 status is crucial to getting the right treatment. Stay informed and talk to your doctor about your HER2 status to explore all the options available to you. Read the latest on our website. https://lnkd.in/eC2Kh-QS #BreastCancerAwareness?#HER2Low?#CancerEducation?#TargetedTherapies?#BreastCancerTreatment?#ByrdCancerFoundation?#KnowYourStatus