The Women’s Breast Health Fund started with one caregiver’s passion for taking a more personal approach. The realization that helping Cancer patients navigate their journey requires more than just medicine is still at the core of what the WBHF stands for today.

To understand the present, we must remember our history and never forget the events and people who paved the way. Our ancestors and their stories are gifts that lead to the present and future. Your legacy is far reaching if you listen to quiet messages, be still, believe and have patience.

Chanel 48 Backstory

The American Cancer Society Lane Adams Quality of Life Award is presented to unique caregivers who lead in their areas of expertise and make a significant impact on patients, families and communities. Madeline Harris, whose leadership helped create a caring atmosphere for patients at UAB, received the award in 1993.

ACS Lane Adams Award recognizes Madeline Harris

What started as a deeply moving exhibit to honor breast cancer survivors later became an iconic book depicting 32 women’s inspiring perspectives on life with breast cancer. The exhibit and book have been a source of strength to thousands of women and families dealing with breast cancer. The exhibit is currently housed on the 2nd floor of the UAB Kirklin Clinic.

Tribe of Warrior Women, Fox 6

This group of breast cancer survivors worked with UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center providing support to breast cancer patients and their families, particularly focusing on the newly diagnosed. While doctors help patients deal with the cancer, the Angel Squad helps them deal with the changes in their lives. Although Angel Squad founder, Jan Bolla is no longer with us, her legacy continues today.

Angel Squad

In many ways, the journey through a battle with cancer can feel like the climb up a tall mountain. For a group of Alabama women in the Fall of 2003, the comparison was taken literally as they climbed the 19,340 foot Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise awareness about breast cancer and fund supportive services in Alabama. Climb for the Cause was intended to show that breast cancer survivors can DO anything. With their expedition leader John Larussa, 5 women trained and raised funding for their journey that became a very public picture of survivorship. The inspiration these climbers offered to the breast cancer community was felt nation wide.

Climb for the Cause

The Women’s Breast Health Fund, a permanent endowment of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, was established in 2009 by anonymous donors. This fund is readily available, fulfilling the donors’ wish today and forever. An eleven member Advisory Committee oversees the grant making process. The current 2017 Advisory Committee members include: Bayard Tynes (Chair), Kay Argo, Carol Poynor, Gary London, Dr. Rodney Tucker, Dr. Maria Shirey, Dottie Pak, Lena Simmons, Barbara McCray, Lora Terry, and D. A. Tynes.

Women’s Breast Health Fund Established at the Community Foundation

The WBHF funded Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center to create a place where everyone touched by breast cancer can find strength through support, knowledge, strength and direction. Through Forge, all those touched by breast cancer can bond with others to Forge a new future. For more information about Forge and the services they provide, please visit their website:

Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center

The Women’s Breast Health Fund (WBHF) celebrates breast cancer survivorship and captures the stories of organizations, individuals, and programs funded now and in the future.

2017 Women’s Breast Health Fund Celebration