About Us

It is estimated that 1,170 Maine women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and 170 will die of this disease.

The Maine Breast Cancer Coalition is a non-profit, grassroots, volunteer-based organization established in 1992. We are a partnership of breast cancer survivors, health care professionals, representatives from cancer-related organizations and supporters. We share a common vision.

We are dedicated to making a positive difference in the health of Maine people through:

• Financial support for underserved people with breast health or breast cancer needs
• Advocacy for breast cancer research and legislation
• Education to promote knowledge about breast cancer and quality care 

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            Maine Breast Cancer Coalition: An Idea Becomes a Reality

Read about how a small group of women with big ideas launched the Maine Breast Cancer Coalition.

Article by Carol Beagan, MBCC treasurer and long-time volunteer, June 2012 

"It is hard to believe that it has been twenty years since a small group of breast cancer patients and their friends and family members joined our leader, Linda Morneault, to hold the first Breast Cancer Awareness Walk in Bangor. It was a very emotional day, as twenty years ago the survival rate for breast cancer was much lower than it is today. It was to be the beginning of a long journey for many of these women. Many of the leaders of the breast cancer community have lost their battle with breast cancer, but some of the original members of the Maine Breast Cancer Coalition, which was formed in 1992, are still active and still advocating for better health care for all." 
Read the whole article.

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The Maine Breast Cancer Coalition has received many honors and awards including:

•  Lymphedema Patient Advocacy Award was awarded to the Maine Breast Cancer Coalition by the Maine Lymphedema Network in October of 2006. We were honored for our work in providing financial assistance to lymphedema patients through our Support Service Fund. Since 2003, we have provided awards totaling tens of thousands of dollars for lymphedema compression garments and treatments for underserved patients. 
•  2 Those Who Care Agency of Distinction Award Maine Breast Cancer Coalition was awarded the 2005 "2 Those Who Care Agency of Distinction Award" in recognition of our Support Service Fund, a financial assistance program for underserved Maine residents with breast health or breast cancer-related needs. The award is presented to an outstanding volunteer organization each year.
• Maine Cancer Foundation’s “Citizen Advocate Award” was awarded to MBCC in recognition of the difference we have made in the lives of recipients of our Support Service Fund. 
• In 2004, the Support Service Fund was featured in a poster session at the National Breast Cancer Coalition annual Advocacy Training Conference. The session publicized successful programs that could be replicated elsewhere. 
• We received national recognition in 2003, when a Support Service Fund representative was invited to make a presentation at the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation’s sixth annual Mission Conference, Delivering the Promise, which showcased innovative breast cancer projects supported by the Foundation’s grant programs. The Support Service Fund was selected as an example of an innovative and effective program targeting support services for the medically underserved.