What they call their work
What they do
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Cancer Patient Financial and Practical Support 4 activities
- Financial assistance for nipple areola tattooingProvides one-time financial assistance for nipple areola tattooing to eligible patients across the United States who demonstrate financial need, ensuring access to this reconstructive service as part of post-mastectomy care.
- Insurance navigation and coverage advocacy resourcesProvides educational resources to help patients understand and advocate for insurance coverage of all stages of breast reconstruction, including revision procedures, symmetry surgery, prostheses, and treatment of complications such as lymphedema, in accordance with the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998.
- Patient education and decision-making support for breast reconstructionProvides comprehensive, unbiased information, including firsthand patient accounts, interactive programming, diagrams, risk-benefit assessments, and step-by-step visual timelines to help patients understand breast reconstruction options and make informed decisions. Includes resources such as self-reflective questions, surgeon evaluation guides, and essential questions for consultations.
- Pre- and post-operative care guidanceOffers detailed medical and logistical guidance for patients preparing for and recovering from breast reconstruction surgery, including advice on smoking cessation, discontinuation of blood-thinning medications, assembling a support team, and obtaining appropriate clothing to facilitate recovery.
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Cancer Awareness and Education Initiatives 2 activities
- Advocacy for legislative improvements in women’s health coverageOrganizes educational discussions and advocacy efforts around proposed legislation such as the Advancing Women’s Health Coverage Act to inform patients and providers about policy changes that could expand access to breast reconstruction and related care.
- Documentary production and public awareness campaignsProduces and promotes the documentary "Resilience" to advance public awareness of breast cancer and educate individuals about breast reconstruction options and experiences.
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Patient and Family Support Services 1 activity
- Patient and caregiver advocacy support toolsOffers an advocacy toolkit and communication strategies to help patients effectively engage with medical providers and participate in care decisions, as well as resources to support caregivers in understanding patient rights and providing assistance in medical settings.
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Medical Professional Education & Training 1 activity
- Professional education for medical providersDelivers live educational presentations, webinars, journal club discussions, and cross-practitioner education programs via Zoom and in collaboration with partners such as Evergen and the Plastic Surgery Foundation to train surgeons and adjacent medical professionals on breast reconstruction techniques, including pre-pectoral reconstruction and venous thromboembolism management.
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Medical Research & Education Dissemination 1 activity
- Surgeon collaboration and technical resource developmentDevelops Surgeon's Corner, a technical hub created by and for surgeons, to facilitate knowledge exchange, collaboration, and learning of new breast reconstruction techniques, improving access and standards of care.
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Who runs it
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MICHELLE RECHENBERG | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 20 | $28K |
- DR DAVID LIGHT — TREASURER OF THE BORAD
- JONATHAN BANK MD — SECRETARY OF THE BOARD
- PETER KORN MB — BOARD MEMBER
- RANDALL FEINGOLD MD — VICE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD
- RON ISRAELI MD — MENAGING DIRECTOR/PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD
Who they work with
- ASPS Partner — Collaborates with ASPS on legislative advocacy, including stakeholder meetings and input on the Advancing Women’s Health Coverage Act.
- AnaOno Partner — Co-hosts discussions on the Advancing Women’s Health Coverage Act with Dana Donofree, Founder and CEO of AnaOno.
- AnaOno Partner — Has an affiliate partnership to support pre- and post-operative care, with donations received from purchases made through their link.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Government — References CMS as a source for additional information about the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998.
- Dana Donofree Partner — Board member bringing patient advocacy and lived experience to organizational leadership.
- Evergen Partner — Co-hosted a webinar on pre-pectoral breast reconstruction.
- Jonathan Bank, M.D. Partner — Board member contributing medical expertise and governance.
- Living Beyond Breast Cancer Partner — Co-hosted the documentary "Resilience: Lisa’s Reconstruction Journey."
- Nipple Areola Tattoo Access Fund Partner — Fund dedicated to providing access to nipple areola tattoo services for breast reconstruction patients
- Our Partners Partner — Collaborates with partner organizations in the field of breast reconstruction, as indicated by a dedicated "Our Partners" section on the website.
- Our Partners Partner — Collaborates with partner organizations to expand access to breast reconstruction resources and support services.
- Plastic Surgeon Partner — Recommends patients consult with a trusted plastic surgeon for revision or secondary procedures.
- Plastic Surgery Foundation Partner — Collaborating on the development of the Step-by-Step Visual Timeline section.
- Plastic Surgery Foundation Partner — Partnered to develop the Step-by-Step Visual Timeline section of the website.
- Ron Israeli, M.D. Partner — Managing Director and member of the Board of Directors providing leadership and clinical guidance.
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Community-Informed Advocacy and Educationmethodology: community_informed_advocacyBy integrating patient experiences, community insights, and clinical expertise into resource development and policy advocacy, the organization ensures that educational content and legislative efforts reflect real-world needs, thereby increasing relevance, trust, and impact in shaping equitable access to breast reconstruction.
- Comprehensive Options Counselingmethodology: comprehensive_options_counselingBy promoting access to surgeons who offer diverse reconstruction techniques—including both implant and natural tissue methods—the organization supports truly informed choice, leading to higher patient satisfaction and better alignment of surgical outcomes with personal needs.
- Inclusive Access Modelmethodology: inclusive_eligibilityBy expanding eligibility for breast reconstruction information and advocacy beyond traditional boundaries (e.g., cancer diagnosis or gender), the organization ensures underserved populations receive equitable access to care, because inclusive outreach addresses systemic gaps in health equity.
- Patient-Centered Decision Makingmethodology: patient_centered_decision_makingBy providing education, resources, and tools that center patient autonomy and individual values, the organization improves breast reconstruction outcomes because informed, empowered patients are better equipped to engage in collaborative decision-making and choose options aligned with their personal goals and well-being.