Julie Rudman didn’t set out to start a nonprofit at first. She was looking for support after her breast cancer diagnosis in 2023, and when she could not find what she was looking for, she went ahead and built it.
Jeremy sat down with Julie to learn about The Breast Cancer Club, a Kansas City organization offering practical support to anyone affected by breast cancer.
The difference between awareness and support
There’s no shortage of breast cancer awareness. Pink ribbons, fundraising walks, and online campaigns are familiar to most of us these days. But as Julie discovered when she was diagnosed, raising awareness and providing real support are very different lanes.
The Breast Cancer Club offers resources that are designed for people actively navigating a breast cancer diagnosis, caring for someone who has one, or living at high risk. That last group, Julie points out, has almost all of the same concerns as patients and survivors, and deserves just as much support.
What they offer
The Breast Cancer Club is digital first. At thebreastcancerclub.org, anyone can access a free social network to connect with others, free 1:1 peer mentorship, and discounts at Kansas City businesses for products and services they might need.
The team is also out in the community as often as possible, bringing screening to underserved areas, talking about breast health, and serving as living proof of the power of early detection.
How to help
There are two concrete ways to support The Breast Cancer Club right now.
The first is a financial donation. Everything they do in the community costs money, and donations keep it free for the people who need it.
The second is donating gently used items, especially bras. Goodwill is their community collection partner. Simply label your donation “for The Breast Cancer Club” and they will make sure it gets where it needs to be. To date, The Breast Cancer Club has given out over 2,000 items for free to people in need.
And on October 20, you can bring your donation to Community Lending of America’s Happy Hour at Serendipity Labs. This special event will celebrate The Breast Cancer Club and everything they’ve accomplished, plus what’s coming next.
As Jeremy put it: “I don’t know a family, a household, a business, anyone that’s not affected by breast cancer.” This spotlight is personal for so many of us. If you can share this story, donate, or drop off a bra at your nearest Goodwill, that’s a meaningful way to make a difference.
Learn more or get support at thebreastcancerclub.org