Boarding for Breast Cancer

Boarding for Breast Cancer (B4BC) is a nonprofit breast cancer education and awareness organization founded in 1996 by pro snowboarders Tina Basich and Shannon Dunn-Downing and friends Lisa Hudson and Kathleen Gasperini.

History

The company began as an inspiration from Monica Steward who started her battle with breast cancer at the age of 26 and passed away two years later. Frustrated with the lack of awareness for young women about the disease, she began to organize a youth-focused event, centered on her mutual passions, snowboarding and music. She passed away a month later-just three months before her inaugural B4BC snowboard and music festival event.

Since 1996, B4BC has donated over $400,000 to various breast cancer organizations, including the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Breast Cancer Fund, as well as participating in a variety of educational outreach programs geared towards young women in their teens and 20's. B4BC was inspired by the story of a good friend of all of the founders, Monica Steward, who died of breast cancer in her late 20's. While battling the disease, Monica expressed concern that there was a lack of awareness among young women about the disease. This inspired the founders to create an event that would draw in young women, centered around music and snowboarding. Awareness for the disease was raised at a variety events, including a series of Boarding for Breast Cancer Snowboard + Music Festivals, major events such as the Warped Tour, and other snowboarding venues.

Mission

B4BC's Mission Statement:

""Boarding For Breast Cancer (B4BC) is a non-profit, youth-focused education, awareness, and fundraising foundation. Our mission is to increase awareness about breast cancer, the importance of early detection and the value of an active lifestyle."
"What we do:"
"TEACH We teach awareness and provide information to empower people managing the effects of Breast Cancer in their lives."

"INSPIRE We believe that Breast Cancer is not a death sentence and that battling the disease can provide optimism and hope."
"ADVOCATE We serve as an advocate for those affected by Breast Cancer. A place to tell their stories and speak the truth of their feelings about Breast Cancer"

"SERVE We serve the Action sports community, a passionate group of people who share a love of an active lifestyle through snowboarding, skateboarding and surfing".

"Early Detection + Active Lifestyle = Best Prevention""

Recent Events

Today, B4BC sponsors and participates in a wide array of events to raise money and awareness for their cause. They set up tents and educate girls about Breast Cancer Awareness at a wide variety of events, from large events such as the Warped Tour and the Winter X Games to the Union Square Street Sessions in Central Park. They also sponsor snowboarding events and rail jams across the country.

Other fundraising efforts include a variety of parties and auctions to raise money for the organization. At a recent auction during SNOWBOARDER Magazine's Superpark event in Keystone Resort, the organization auctioned off dates with single snowboarders, such as Scotty Arnold and Hana Beaman.

Fundraising and Awareness

In 2008, Boarding for Breast Cancer announced an Athlete team to help spread breast cancer awareness among youth. Professional snowboarders and surfers on the team include Tara Dakides, Barrett Christy, Hana Beaman, and Holly Lyons. Also, companies including Burton Snowboards, Sessions Outerwear, Roxy (clothing), Betty Rides, Von Zipper, and DC Shoes all offer Boarding for Breast Cancer branded products, with proceeds benefiting the organization, and information on breast cancer awareness included in the packaging.

B4BC was a result of Monica’s story and currently holds events across the nation to raise money for research and educate young women about breast cancer. Their mission is to stress the importance of early detection and the value of an active lifestyle.

References

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title = Boarding for Breast Cancer
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year = 2008
url = http://www.b4bc.org
accessdate = 2008-02-18

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