ABOUT US
Breast Intentions is a 501 (c) (3) charity started in New Jersey by two high school teens in 2007, who witnessed the first hand the struggles of treating breast cancer. After their mother and two aunts were all affected by breast cancer within the same year, they wanted to make a difference. They began selling t-shirts, candy, and bracelets to raise money for healing families in their community. The money raised has purchased wigs, prosthetics, paid living expenses, transportation to and from treatments, co-pays, and utility bills - and only grew from there...
How Breast Intentions Began
When they were just 15 years old, cousins Erika Rech and Mike Ruane found out devastating news.
One of their family members was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer.
Six months later, a second family member was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer.
Shortly after, a third family member was also affected by breast cancer.
Throughout diagnosis and treatment, Erika and Mike
witnessed firsthand the devastating effect that cancer can have on a family.
“The more we learned about breast cancer,
and the treatment, the costs, and the pain it causes,
the more compelled we felt to help out families struggling with this disease.”
They vowed to form an organization to help families navigate
through a cancer diagnosis by providing emotional and financial support.
Erika and Mike began researching non-profits and raising money for families during their freshman year.
They sold t-shirts, candy, and bracelets outside grocery stores and churches to raise money,
and relied solely on donations to fund their cause.
The cousins started Breast Intentions with about $1,000 in savings from birthdays and confirmation gifts.
Several family members agreed to serve as board members,
and their family friend, an attorney, helped them acquire their 501 (c) (3) status.
They made their first donation in August of 2007.
Today, Breast Intentions is run entirely by volunteers and all donations go to women in need.
The charity now operates in New Jersey.
What We Do
THIS IS WHERE WE ARE DIFFERENT THAN OTHER CHARITIES
Although there are many fantastic charitable organizations
that are focused on research and awareness, the goal
of Breast Intentions is to help cure the day-to-day
financial strain that a breast cancer diagnosis often brings.
We pay heat and electric bills when families are stuck making the choice between necessities and medicine.
We provide patients with car services to and from medical appointments.
We even assist with rent payments so women do not have to choose between medical expenses and a place to live.
We address what keeps the patients up at night,
so that they can focus on healing.
All the money raised by Breast Intentions
goes directly back to NJ communities.
Being an all-volunteer charity, donation impact is very high.
That is why we need YOU.