Overview & Vision
The Boston Breast Cancer Equity Coalition (BBCEC) brings together doctors, researchers, medical staff, community leaders, and advocates across Boston to address inequities in breast cancer care.
The BBCEC’s current focus is to work directly with under-resourced communities through educational opportunities to directly empower patients and caregivers.
We intend to eliminate the differences in breast cancer care and outcomes by promoting equity and excellence in care for all breast cancer patients in Massachusetts, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.
BBCEC History
In 2014, Dana-Farber and the Boston Public Health Commission formed the Boston Breast Cancer Equity Coalition in response to ongoing disparities in breast cancer mortality among minority and low-income patients across the city.
In 2022, after discussions about leadership, sustainability, and long-term growth, the coalition found its permanent home at Ellie Fund.
Committee & Members
Co-Chairs
- Karen Burns White
- Meredith Mendelson, Ellie Fund
- Nekia Clark, Ellie Fund
Members
- Erica Bernstein
- Olivia Achtmeyer Boger, Runway for Recovery
- Kaylee Camara, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Susan Gershman, MA Department of Public Health
- Angelica Katz, Susan G. Komen
- Mark Kennedy, Boston Public Health Commission
- Michele Lopez, Pink & Black
- Kerri Medeiros, American Cancer Society
- Beverly Moy, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Colleen Nguyen, Asian Women for Health
- Kathryn Rigby, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
- Georgia Simpson
- Erica Warner, Massachusetts General Hospital
News
Women of Color Share Their Stories of Breast Cancer Treatment and Survivorship
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month draws to a close, the newest research and data shines a spotlight on the racial disparities when it comes to breast cancer.
Events
Coming soon!
BIPOC Support Group
Our BIPOC breast cancer support group is open to all breast cancer patients and survivors who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color.
The group meets weekly on Wednesdays at 6:00 PM at the Dorchester YMCA of Greater Boston, located at 776 Washington Street.
Join us for connection, encouragement, and empowerment. Together, we build community and support equity in breast cancer recovery. Learn more and register for this support group.
If you have any questions, please contact Nekia Clark, Director of Community Engagement and Outreach at Ellie Fund, at nekia@elliefund.org.
Disparities in Breast Cancer Outcomes
Black women are 38% percent more likely to die from breast cancer than
their white peers, despite similar screening rates.
Are you interested in getting involved? Our coalition meets quarterly. Contact Nekia Clark at nekia@elliefund.org for more information.
