{{Short description|Nonprofit organization in Carlsbad, United States}} {{Multiple issues| {{Advert|date=April 2023}} {{More citations needed|date=April 2023}} }} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2024}} {{Infobox organization | name = Keep a Breast Foundation | abbreviation = KAB | formation = 2000 | founder = Shaney Jo Darden<br>Mona Mukherjea-Gehrig | founding_location = Los Angeles, California, United States | type = Nonprofit | purpose = breast cancer prevention & education | headquarters = Yucca Valley, California, United States | tax_id = 13-4286549 | website = {{URL|keep-a-breast.org}} }}
The '''Keep a Breast Foundation''' (KAB) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on breast cancer prevention, education, and early detection, based in Yucca Valley, California, United States.
== Founding == The organization was co-founded by Shaney Jo Darden and Mona Mukherjea-Gehrig in 2000.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |title=Our Story |url=https://keep-a-breast.org/our-story/ |access-date=November 2, 2018 |website=The Keep a Breast Foundation}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Charity Navigator - Rating for Keep A Breast Foundation |url=https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/134286549 |access-date=April 15, 2023 |website=www.charitynavigator.org}}</ref>
Mukherjea-Gehrig relocated to California from Berlin, Germany, in 1994.<ref name=":442" /> Darden grew up in Southern California.<ref name=":442" /> In 1998, Darden and Mukherjea-Gehrig organized art and fashion events showcasing the work of friends, coworkers, and local kids from the action sports scene, expanding to include street artists, fine artists, and graphic designers. When a friend of Darden's was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, Darden and Mukherjea-Gehrig "decided to stick with Modart's model of bringing people together through progressive art."<ref name=":442" />
In 2000, the founders developed a technique for creating breast casts that could be customized by artists. The first breast cast auction was in the same year.<ref name=":222">{{Cite web |title=Our Work |url=https://keep-a-breast.org/our-work/ |access-date=November 2, 2018 |website=The Keep a Breast Foundation}}</ref> Some past breast cast exhibitions include: ''Tokyo LOVE show,<ref name=":232">{{Cite web |last=Pesce |first=Jeanine |date=May 30, 2012 |title=Keep a Breast : Tokyo LOVE Show |url=https://www.wgsn.com/blogs/keep-a-breast-tokyo-love-show/ |access-date=December 13, 2018 |website=WGSN Insider |archive-date=December 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218102635/https://www.wgsn.com/blogs/keep-a-breast-tokyo-love-show/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Keep a Breast PDX,<ref name=":242">{{Cite web |last=McCann |first=Fiona |date=September 29, 2016 |title=Portland Breast Cancer Survivors Lend Their Bodies for Art |url=https://www.pdxmonthly.com/slideshows/2016/9/29/portland-breast-cancer-survivors-lend-their-bodies-for-art |access-date=December 13, 2018 |website=Portland Monthly}}</ref> American Rag X LAB Art,<ref name=":252">{{Cite web |title=American Rag and LAB Art Present "Keep a Breast" |url=https://www.gettyimages.com/search/2/image?events=153087734&family=editorial&sort=best#license |access-date=December 13, 2018 |website=Getty Images}}</ref> Bare Minerals,<ref name=":262">{{Cite web |title=Bare Minerals |url=https://keep-a-breast.org/our-work/bare-minerals/ |access-date=November 2, 2018 |website=The Keep a Breast Foundation |archive-date=December 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218193309/https://keep-a-breast.org/our-work/bare-minerals/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Bordeaux Love,<ref name=":272">{{Cite web |title=Bordeaux Love |url=https://keep-a-breast.org/our-work/bordeaux-love/ |access-date=November 2, 2018 |website=The Keep a Breast Foundation |archive-date=December 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218193305/https://keep-a-breast.org/our-work/bordeaux-love/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> and Snow Show.''<ref name=":282">{{Cite web |title=Snow Show |url=https://keep-a-breast.org/our-work/show-show/ |access-date=November 2, 2018 |website=The Keep a Breast Foundation |archive-date=December 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218193358/https://keep-a-breast.org/our-work/show-show/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Keep a Breast Foundation officially received nonprofit status in 2005. In 2008, Darden quit her job to focus on the Keep a Breast Foundation full-time. Darden moved the foundation out of her home, and into an office in Carlsbad, California.<ref name=":452">{{Cite web |last=Rowe |first=Peter |date=October 17, 2011 |title=Shaney Jo Darden: the force behind 'boobies' |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/people/sdut-shaney-jo-darden-force-behind-those-boobies-2011oct17-story.html |access-date=December 13, 2018 |website=San Diego Tribune}}</ref>
== Current educational programs == The Check Yourself program creates and distributes breast health education through printed materials, blogs, and the Check Yourself! App.<ref name=":210">{{Cite web|url=https://keep-a-breast.org/check-yourself/|title=Check Yourself|website=The Keep a Breast Foundation|access-date=November 2, 2018}}</ref> Its primary focus is raising awareness regarding the importance of monthly breast self-examinations.<ref name=":210" /><ref name=":310">{{Cite web|url=https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/breast_center/treatments_services/breast_cancer_screening/breast_self_exam.html|title=Breast Self-Exam Guidelines: Johns Hopkins Breast Center|last=Brown|first=Ken|website=www.hopkinsmedicine.org|language=en|access-date=December 13, 2018|archive-date=December 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218102219/https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/breast_center/treatments_services/breast_cancer_screening/breast_self_exam.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The Treasured Chest program supports women diagnosed with breast cancer or testing positive for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene with an opportunity to create their own breast cast. TCP kits have been sent out everywhere in the United States, with a large portion of them having gone out to women under the age of 40.<ref name=":47">{{Cite web|url=https://keep-a-breast.org/treasured-chest/|title=Treasured Chest|website=The Keep a Breast Foundation|access-date=November 2, 2018}}</ref>
The Non-Toxic Revolution (NTR) program's mission is to inform, educate, and inspire young people to revolt against the dangers of toxic chemicals in their environment and food supply, especially those linked to the development of breast cancer.<ref name=":52">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nontoxicrevolution.org/mission/|title=Mission|website=Non Toxic Revolution|language=en-US|access-date=December 13, 2018}}</ref><ref name=":62">{{Cite web|url=https://hamptons-magazine.com/non-toxic-revolution-exhibition-at-the-montauk-beach-house|title=Non Toxic Revolution Exhibition at the Montauk Beach House|date=August 22, 2015|website=Hamptons Magazine|access-date=November 2, 2018|archive-date=December 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218145629/https://hamptons-magazine.com/non-toxic-revolution-exhibition-at-the-montauk-beach-house|url-status=dead}}</ref>
== Prevention and education campaigns ==
=== I love boobies! === In 2008, KAB released their "I love boobies!" shame-free breast awareness message. This message was designed to take a positive approach to breast cancer dialogue. It particularly resonates with young people and encourages them to be open and active about breast cancer prevention.
"I love boobies!" is focused on sparking dialog among young people about breast cancer and breast health. Many different kinds of "I love boobies!" merchandise have been made to further this cause, and revenues from this merchandise fund KAB programs and campaigns, broaden its reach, and in the past, provide grant money supporting important studies.<ref name=":72">{{Cite web|url=https://keep-a-breast.org/i-love-boobies/|title=I Love Boobies|website=The Keep a Breast Foundation|access-date=November 2, 2018}}</ref>
==== School controversy ==== The "I love boobies!" bracelets were created by the Keep a Breast Foundation in 2004. The foundation sold one-inch wide silicone rubber bracelets emblazoned with the slogan "i ♥ boobies! (Keep a Breast)" to raise money and encourage conversations about breast cancer among young people. The foundation's marketing manager, Kimmy McAtee, described the slogan as "[speaking] to young people in their own voice about a subject that's very scary and taboo."<ref name=":82">{{Cite web|url=http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/40072867/ns/today-today_people/t/i-boobies-charity-wrestles-sudden-spell-success/#.TqstKnHo3J0|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120723033847/http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/40072867/ns/today-today_people/t/i-boobies-charity-wrestles-sudden-spell-success/%23.TqstKnHo3J0|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 23, 2012|title='I ♥ boobies' charity wrestles with sudden spell of success|last1=Johnson|first1=Alex|last2=Stinchfield|first2=Grant|date=November 15, 2010|website=NBC News|access-date=November 2, 2018}}</ref>
As the bracelets became a fashion craze among teenagers, many school districts began to ban the wearing of these bracelets as the slogan conflicted with school dress codes which prohibit the wearing of any item that includes sexually explicit language or pictures.<ref name=":92">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/boobie-bracelets-spark-controversy-1.1076709|title=Boobie Bracelets Spark Controversy|date=September 8, 2011|website=CBC News}}</ref><ref name=":102">{{Cite web|url=http://easton.patch.com/articles/student-journalist-group-joins-easton-bracelet-fight|title=Student Journalist Group Joins Easton Bracelet Fight|last=Coombe|first=Tom|date=September 2, 2011|website=Easton Patch|access-date=November 2, 2018}}</ref><ref name=":112">{{Cite web|url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/education/2010-09-01-bracelets01_ST_N.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021224436/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/education/2010-09-01-bracelets01_ST_N.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 21, 2012|title=Schools Ban Bracelets Promoting Cancer Awareness|last=Martin|first=Jeff|website=USA Today|access-date=November 2, 2018}}</ref>
A dispute over the school bannings reached the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. A panel of three judges heard the case, which was then re-heard by all 14 judges en banc.<ref name=":122">{{Cite web|url=https://www.law.com/thelegalintelligencer/almID/1202588895085/?slreturn=20181104171112|title='I ♥ Boobies' Case Heard En Banc by Third Circuit|last=Spencer|first=Saranac Hale|date=February 21, 2013|website=Law|access-date=November 2, 2018}}</ref><ref name=":132">{{Cite web|url=https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/supreme-court-could-reject-or-accept-boobies-case-on-monday/|title=Update: How the "Boobies" case almost made it to the Supreme Court|last=Bomboy|first=Scott|date=March 10, 2014|website=National Constitution Center|access-date=November 2, 2018|archive-date=December 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203152120/https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/supreme-court-could-reject-or-accept-boobies-case-on-monday/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The court ruled 9–5 that the school's ban on the bracelets violated the students' right to free speech because the bracelets were not plainly offensive or disruptive and were speech conducted to raise awareness of a social issue.<ref name=":142">{{Cite web|url=https://www.mcall.com/2013/08/05/federal-court-strikes-down-i-love-boobies-ban/|title=Federal court strikes down 'I love boobies' ban|last1=Hall|first1=Peter|last2=Marcus|first2=Samantha|date=August 5, 2013|website=The Morning Call|access-date=November 2, 2018}}</ref><ref name=":152">{{Cite web|url=https://blogs.findlaw.com/third_circuit/2013/08/i-heart-boobies-campaign-protected-student-speech-says-3rd-cir.html|title='I Heart Boobies' Campaign Protected Student Speech, Says 3rd Cir|last=Khorasanee|first=Gabriella|date=August 7, 2013|website=Find Law|access-date=December 13, 2018}}</ref> The U.S. Supreme Court later declined to take up the case.<ref name=":132" /> In 2011, co-founder Shaney Jo Darden gave a TEDx talk regarding KAB and the "I love boobies!" bracelet controversy.<ref name=":462">{{Cite web |date=2011 |title=Speakers and Performers @TEDxSanDiego 2011 - The World in Our Grasp |url=https://www.tedxsandiego.com/events/2011-the-world-in-our-grasp/ |access-date=December 13, 2018 |website=Ted X San Diego |archive-date=December 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218102332/https://www.tedxsandiego.com/events/2011-the-world-in-our-grasp/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
=== Current and past campaigns === The "DIY Action" campaign was created for people who wish to start their own fundraiser benefiting KAB. The organization provides educational materials and awareness merchandise, and the events range anywhere from skateboarding and music events, to cook-offs and birthday parties.<ref name=":162">{{Cite web|url=https://keep-a-breast.org/start-a-diy-fundraiser/|title=Start a DIY Fundraiser|website=The Keep a Breast Foundation|access-date=November 2, 2018}}</ref>
The "#checkyourselfie" campaign was created to share the message of breast self-checks with friends and followers via social media platforms. It is meant to encourage people to download the free KAB Check Yourself! app, which explains how to do a self-check and lets users set a monthly reminder for future checks.<ref name=":172">{{Cite web|url=https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/woman-spreading-breast-cancer-awareness-through-selfies|title=This Woman Is Spreading Breast Cancer Awareness Through Selfies|last=Aldridge|first=Kristen|date=September 30, 2014|website=Shape Magazine|access-date=December 13, 2018|archive-date=December 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218145620/https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/woman-spreading-breast-cancer-awareness-through-selfies|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=":182">{{Cite web|url=https://www.adventuresportsnetwork.com/transworld-business/keep-breast-checkyourselfie-breast-cancer-awareness-campaign/|title=Keep a Breast #CheckYourSelfie Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign|last=Bradstreet|first=Kailee|date=October 9, 2014|website=Adventure Sports Network|access-date=December 13, 2018}}</ref>
"Fit 4 Prevention" is a national movement to raise awareness about breast cancer prevention through fitness and wellness. The goal of F4P is to inspire people to reduce their risk of cancer by adopting a healthier, more active lifestyle.<ref name=":192">{{Cite web|url=https://www.fit4prevention.com/|title=The Movement Starts With You|website=Keep a Breast Fit 4 Prevention|language=en-US|access-date=November 2, 2018|archive-date=November 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181110155401/https://www.fit4prevention.com/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
"Imagine If..." was a support program intended for young people to share their feelings concerning what the world would be like if there were no cancer. It was part of the Keep a Breast Traveling Education Booth and traveled on music tours, festivals, and events around the world. Participants wrote down their responses on a small whiteboard, took photos with their "Imagine If..." responses, and then shared the photos on the internet and social media.<ref name=":202">{{Cite web|url=https://keep-a-breast.org/imagine-if/|title=Imagine If|website=The Keep a Breast Foundation|access-date=November 2, 2018|archive-date=November 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116025501/https://keep-a-breast.org/imagine-if/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The "This is My Story" campaign gave people a chance to share the impact breast cancer had on their lives through writing or video. Videos and written testimonies were shared on KAB's YouTube Channel, website, and social media platforms.<ref name=":212">{{Cite web|url=https://keep-a-breast.org/this-is-my-story/|title=This is My Story|website=The Keep a Breast Foundation|access-date=November 2, 2018|archive-date=November 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116030034/https://keep-a-breast.org/this-is-my-story/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
== Partnerships == KAB has partnered with Rastaclat,<ref name=":372">{{Cite web |title=#BandingTogether for The Keep a Breast Foundation |url=https://rastaclat.com/blogs/clatlife/bandingtogether-for-the-keep-a-breast-foundation |access-date=December 13, 2018 |website=Rastaclat}}</ref> HUF,<ref name=":382">{{Cite web |date=October 1, 2015 |title=HUF x KEEP A BREAST COLLABORATION // BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH 2015 |url=https://www.hufworldwide.com/blog/huf-x-keep-a-breast-collaboration-breast-cancer-awareness-month-2015 |access-date=December 13, 2018 |website=HUF Worldwide}}</ref> True&Co.,<ref name=":392">{{Cite web |date=March 14, 2018 |title=#WCW: Shaney Jo Darden, The Keep a Breast Foundation |url=https://trueandco.com/wcw-shaney-jo-darden-the-keep-a-breast-foundation |access-date=December 13, 2018 |website=True and Co |archive-date=December 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218102915/https://trueandco.com/wcw-shaney-jo-darden-the-keep-a-breast-foundation |url-status=dead }}</ref> Valiant Entertainment,<ref name=":402">{{Cite web |date=September 20, 2016 |title=Valiant's 'Faith' Launching Breast Cancer Awareness Partnership at New York Comic Con |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/valiants-faith-launching-breast-cancer-931108 |access-date=December 13, 2018 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> and S.W. Basics,<ref name=":412">{{Cite web |date=October 3, 2016 |title=Certifiably Awesome: Shaney Jo Darden, Keep a Breast Foundation |url=https://swbasicsofbk.com/certifiably-awesome/certifiably-awesome-shaney-jo-darden-founder-keep-a-breast-foundation/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218102222/https://swbasicsofbk.com/certifiably-awesome/certifiably-awesome-shaney-jo-darden-founder-keep-a-breast-foundation/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=December 18, 2018 |access-date=December 13, 2018 |website=S.W. Basics}}</ref> among others. Some of their partnerships are specifically intended for the month of October, which KAB refers to as Breast Cancer Prevention Month. Partnerships have included product collaborations, outreach, advertising, special events, and promotions.<ref name=":362">{{Cite web |title=Partners |url=https://keep-a-breast.org/partners/ |access-date=November 2, 2018 |website=The Keep a Breast Foundation}}</ref>
On October 1, 2019, Thrive Causemetics donated their profits to Keep a Breast Foundation. Thrive Causemetics also committed to donating $5 for social media image reposts with the hashtag #thrivecausemetics for the rest of the month of October.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DeMelo |first=Juno |date=October 2, 2019 |title=What to Buy If You Want Your Cash to Go to Breast Cancer Charities |url=https://www.glamour.com/story/breast-cancer-charity |access-date=August 17, 2020 |website=Glamour |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date= |title=Thrive Causemetics Donates 100% of Profits to Keep a Breast on October 1 |url=https://th-cam.com/video/YN5fLs_fUdQ/thrive-causemetics-donates-100-of-profits-to-keep-a-breast-on-october-1.html |access-date=August 17, 2020 |website=Thrive Causemetics}}</ref>
=== Warped Tour === In 2001, Keep a Breast Foundation went on Vans Warped Tour. KAB continued to participate through the last Vans Warped Tour in 2018.<ref name=":292">{{Cite web |title=Dickies Girl and Jenna McDougall from Tonight Alive are teaming up for Breast Cancer Prevention on the Vans Warped Tour |url=https://keep-a-breast-foundation.reportablenews.com/pr/dickies-girl-and-jenna-mcdougall-from-tonight-alive-are-teaming-up-for-breast-cancer-prevention-on-the-vans-warped-tour |access-date=November 2, 2018 |website=The Keep a Breast Foundation}}</ref> On the tour, KAB had a tent filled with educational materials and merchandise, as well as volunteers and employees to help educate and provide support for anyone interested.<ref name=":302">{{Cite web |last=Steussy |first=Lauren |date=August 20, 2008 |title=Warped Tour Gets Busty |url=http://www.sandiegomagazine.com/San-Diego-Magazine/September-2008/Warped-Tour-Gets-Busty/ |access-date=December 13, 2018 |website=San Diego Magazine}}</ref> KAB participated in several collaborations featuring artists from the Warped Tour, including ''Check Yourself! Vol 1'' and ''Music for Boobies''.<ref name=":322">{{Cite web |date=March 18, 2016 |title=Keep a Breast releases Music For Boobies compilation, ft. Sleeping With Sirens, Simple Plan, more |url=https://www.altpress.com/features/keep_a_breast/ |access-date=December 13, 2018 |website=Alternative Press}}</ref>
== Global == The Keep a Breast Foundation has had affiliates in Japan, Canada, Europe, Mexico, and Chile.<ref name=":422">{{Cite web|url=https://keep-a-breast-foundation.reportablenews.com/pr/introducing-checkyourselfie-keep-a-breast-foundation-launches-selfless-selfies-a-new-global-campaign-for-young-people|title=Introducing: #CHECKYOURSELFIE; Keep a Breast Foundation Launches Selfless Selfies, A New Global Campaign For Young People|date=September 26, 2017|website=The Keep a Breast Foundation|access-date=November 2, 2018}}</ref> KAB Europe has a headquarters in Bordeaux, France,<ref name=":432">{{Cite web|url=http://www.keep-a-breast.fr/notre-histoire/|title=Notre Histoire|website=The Keep a Breast Foundation|language=fr-FR|access-date=November 2, 2018|archive-date=December 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218102227/http://www.keep-a-breast.fr/notre-histoire/|url-status=dead}}</ref> which was developed by the global CEO, Lorene Carpentier.<ref name=":442">{{Cite web|url=https://keep-a-breast.org/team/|title=Team|website=The Keep a Breast Foundation|access-date=December 13, 2018}}</ref>
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == * [http://keep-a-breast.org Keep a Breast] * [https://www.fastcompany.com/1783224/keep-breasts-lighthearted-touch-inspires-youthful-breast-cancer-awareness-and-prevention Keep a Breast's Lighthearted Touch Inspires Youthful Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention] - Fast Company
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Category:Breast cancer organizations Category:Cancer charities in the United States Category:Non-profit organizations based in Los Angeles Category:Charities based in California Category:Medical and health organizations based in California Category:Medical and health foundations based in the United States Category:Organizations established in 2000