Blossoming Beyond is dedicated to supporting women through education,  treatment, and recovery, funding services that empower breast cancer patients  and survivors to flourish in every stage of their journey. It started in October, 2021  by Laura Kelly, BBF’s Vice President of Communications and Development, following her own diagnosis of Stage III Invasive Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer patients and survivors often face an increased need for counseling services. A diagnosis brings uncertainty about the future, creating significant emotional stress that is compounded by the physical demands of treatment. Through our work, we have seen two primary barriers prevent women from accessing counseling: the availability of licensed therapists and the cost of care.

To help address those barriers, BBF has awarded multiple grants to Keepers of the Flame Foundation (KoTF), a nonprofit serving Southeast Georgia and the Lowcountry. KoTF’s Financial Assistance to Psychotherapy program enables breast cancer patients and survivors to receive counseling at no cost.

This spring, BBF provided another grant to continue supporting this effort. Grant funds allow KoTF to cover the cost of five therapy sessions per participant, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent women from receiving professional support during treatment and early recovery.

Additionally, BBF continues to partner with RAD-AID and has provided a grant to support a women’s health program in Northern India. In collaboration with NIMS University Rajasthan, RAD-AID will launch a women’s mobile health program that among other services, will provide mammography for breast cancer.