17c起草社区

Keep a Breast Visits 17c起草社区

On July 26th, 2017,  founder and activist Shaney Jo Darden visited the 17c起草社区 campus.  She talked to AM and PM classes about her organization, The Keep a Breast Foundation.  The organization attracts global attention for their innovative methods of reaching a variety of demographics.  However, most importantly, they educate young people. While connecting with the youth, they also advocate breast health and breast cancer awareness.  For students entering the healthcare profession, this topic remains extremely important.

The Keep A Breast Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower people around the world.  They accomplish this mission with breast health, education, and support.  Part of Keep A Breast鈥檚 advocacy and education includes three  programs: Treasured Chest, Traveling Education Booth (Check Yourself!), and Non Toxic Revolution.

Check Yourself! Program

The Check Yourself! Program aims to encourage young people to perform a monthly self-check. Knowledge is power, and by engaging young people earlier, they can develop healthier habits. It also begins by encouraging men and women to know their bodies.  Check out the free digital app 鈥淐heck Yourself!鈥�  There, you can set up monthly reminders to perform your own self-check.

Treasured Chest Program

The Keep A Breast Treasured Chest Program (TCP) is KAB鈥檚 signature artistic support program for breast cancer survivors. TCP provides any woman diagnosed with breast cancer an opportunity to document her body and feelings by turning her casted torso into a work of art, like the one Shaney is casting above.  These unique pieces, The Keep A Breast Foundation Breast Casts鈩�, are one-of-a-kind plaster forms that combine sculpture, charity, and artistry. They communicate complex emotions about breast health and the female form.  Additionally, this allows the castee to capture a specific point in her breast cancer journey. Casts have been made for celebrities, athlete, musicians, and survivors, and transformed by artists into an expression of inner beauty and experience.

NonToxic Revolution

Non Toxic Revolution (NTR) informs, educates, and inspires young people about the dangers of toxic chemicals in their environment and food supply鈥攅specially those linked to the initiation of breast cancer. The NTR program is both an informational resource and a call to action, backed by its own website, www.nontoxicrevolution.org.

NTR uses art, music, and creative messaging to inform, educate, and inspire young people to revolt against the dangers of toxic chemicals in their everyday environment and personal care products. Ultimately, NTR also teaches young people to become their own health advocates, both personally and through activism.

17c起草社区鈥檚 hopes of establishing a long lasting partnership with Keep A Breast begins this October (during Breast Cancer Awareness Month!).  The college will be selling bracelets, t-shirts, and other items for a school donation towards the nonprofit company.  With your donations, 17c起草社区 will host a  KAB Breast Cast in the Student Resource Center.  A grant of $5k from 17c起草社区 allows Keep a Breast the ability for spreading educational materials.  CBD will help bring community impact where it is needed most鈥� to the young people鈥� making a difference and saving lives.