Boarding For Breast Cancer  

text by Ariel Quigley
photos by Ilana Sochaczewski

We’ve all been warned about the dangers of breast cancer, and the importance of early detection, but how many of us really heed these warnings? Breast cancer does strike the young and healthy, and Boarding for Breast Cancer is doing its part to promote education and awareness. B4BC is a non-profit organization founded in 1996 when a close friend of co-founders, and pro-riders Tina Basich and Shannon Dunn, was diagnosed with breast cancer at age twenty-six. “Cancer is not a disease that discriminates with age; unfortunately anyone is susceptible. We teach young women to know their bodies and be proactive with their health care—invaluable lessons for women of any age,” said Justine Chiara, Executive Director of B4BC.

Boarding for Breast Cancer couples its spirit for awareness with popular activities to reach young women. Originally a music and snowboarding festival, B4BC is able to communicate its message in terms young people will understand. The inaugural event in 1996 was held at Tahoe, CA, and has since grown into a nationwide educational outreach program. Events like the recent Winter X-games, is the perfect arena for B4BC to fundraise for their cause while passing on information to attendees that may not be otherwise informed.

Lindsey Jacobellis and Blair

B4BC definitely targets its message at young women, but men have a part in prevention and awareness, too. “Surprisingly, or not surprisingly so, men are very interested in the topic of breast cancer as there are many women in their lives—girlfriends, wives, mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers and friends—who may potentially be diagnosed. Also, thirty percent of breast cancer cases are detected by a woman’s partner, so it’s an advantage for men to realize what a cancerous tumor may feel like,” said Justine Chiara.
With the help of many sponsors, as well as support from advocates for the cause, B4BC is leading the way in breast cancer consciousness. This year holds promise for the organization as they plan on adding skateboarding, and more music-oriented events to further their work in the field of breast cancer awareness. To learn more, or to help out, visit B4BC’s website: www.b4bc.org

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