Summit, NJ – February 6, 2025 – We’re thrilled to share our latest grant report, highlighting almost $100,000 in funding distributed to eight exceptional organizations working to fight breast cancer. Each grant plays a crucial role in supporting more than 7,000 patients and their families.

Sister to Sister

Sister to Sister (S2S) provides financial assistance to women fighting breast cancer to help with medical bills and treatment costs. Patients are referred to S2S from underserved communities throughout New Jersey. The grant aims to help 2,200 women fighting breast cancer over the next year. This crucial assistance helps alleviate the financial burden of cancer treatment.

Crossroads4Hope

The program offers a comprehensive psychosocial support network, recognizing that cancer care extends beyond medical treatments. They address the emotional, psychological, social, and environmental dimensions of the disease. The grant funds a part-time bilingual social worker and a public health educator expanding outreach in Essex and Union Counties. They leverage technology and partnerships with community organizations and medical facilities to improve health equity across the cancer continuum.

The grant will reach approximately 4,000 people annually by providing vital emotional, social, and practical support, breaking down barriers to care.

Trinitas Foundation

The Transportation Assistance program provides Uber vouchers for transportation to and from mammograms, treatment appointments, and follow-up care. This addresses a critical barrier to care for underserved breast cancer patients who may lack reliable transportation.

The grant will ensure more than 60 patients per year can access vital medical services without the added stress and expense of transportation.

The Connections for Women and Families

The Pathways program offers two vital initiatives: Pathways Cooks (provides free meals to women with cancer and their families) and Pathways Financial Assistance Fund (provides financial assistance).

Pathways Cooks has served over 15,000 meals since 2011. Anticipates serving over 80 women with cancer and their family members over the next year.

Summit Area YMCA

The grant supports the LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program in Summit, providing free access to this cancer-recovery program. It ultimately provides a supportive community and physical activity program for cancer survivors.

The grant aims to help 20-30 patients in this year in our local community.

The Mo Hair Foundation

Mo Hair Foundation provides free hair replacements (wigs) to individuals experiencing hair loss due to breast cancer treatment. Wigs are provided at the Connie Dwyer Breast Center at the Trinitas Regional Medical Center.

The grant will help at least 50 wigs to patients over the next year, addressing a significant physical and emotional side effect of cancer treatment.

Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative

The breast health services program provides referrals for breast health screenings, diagnoses, treatment, and follow-up care to women over 40 or at risk. They also offer patient navigation, ensuring patients receive necessary care and overcome barriers to access.

The program will serve an estimated 617 patients in 2025. While aiming for 100% mammogram completion rate, their realistic outcome surpasses the national benchmark.

Jersey City Medical Center Foundation

The holistic care for infusion patients pilot program integrates holistic approaches – somatic healing, meditation, and massage therapy – into the clinical setting for breast cancer patients undergoing infusion treatments. The goal is to improve patient-reported outcomes, focusing on emotional well-being, physical comfort, and overall quality of life.

The program will serve 100 patients over six months. Researchers will assess the impact of holistic care on anxiety reduction, pain management, fatigue alleviation, patient satisfaction, and overall treatment experience. This program aims to establish a foundation for broader application of holistic care practices in oncology settings.

Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation

The Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that all women have access to breast health care, particularly those in underserved communities. Through partnerships with hospitals and community organizations, CDBCF provides funding for state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, patient care, and community health programs. For more information, visit www.cdbcf.org.

Media Contact

Sarah Roberts, Director
Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation
973-525-8076
Sarahroberts@cdbcf.org
www.cdbcf.org

U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), along with Representatives Joe Morelle (D-NY-25) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-08), led their colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Screening for Communities to Receive Early and Equitable Needed Services (SCREENS) for Cancer Act to reauthorize the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), a lifesaving program that provides breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services for women who are low-income, uninsured, and underinsured who do not qualify for Medicaid. Since 1991, NBCCEDP has served more than 6.1 million women, detecting nearly 77,000 breast cancers and over 24,000 premalignant breast lesions.

Read the full press release

Today is the day we have all been working toward. University Hospital is thrilled to launch our new Mobile Mammography Unit, made possible by the generous support of the Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation!

This incredible mobile unit will be hitting the roads of Newark and Essex County, bringing life-saving breast cancer screenings directly to our communities. With 40 weeks per year dedicated to screenings, we aim to reach and screen 4,000 patients annually. Early detection is key, and together, we’re on a mission to catch breast cancer sooner and provide timely, life-saving treatments. Together, we’re making a difference and saving lives.

Media coverage:
ABC7NY
NJ Spotlight News
Tap Into Summit

Media Contact:
Sarah Roberts
sarahroberts@cdbcf.org
973-525-8076

Download PDF of University Hospital Press Release

Summit, NJ, July 13, 2023 – The Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation (CDBCF) is pleased to announce the awarding of $12,000 in grants during the most recent grant cycle. Since 2022, CDBCF has provided over $600,000 in grants to organizations dedicated to ensuring women receive the necessary breast health care regardless of their ability to pay. The recipients of the third grant cycle are Mo Hair and Sister2Sister Breast Cancer Assistance Program.

Mo Hair works closely with cancer patients experiencing hair loss, offering custom wigs to help them feel and look their best. They will use the grant to purchase wigs made from 100% human hair for individuals suffering from breast cancer, providing personalized consultations and fittings.

Sister2Sister grant supports the Breast Cancer Assistance Program, providing unrestricted emergency financial assistance to underserved and minority breast cancer survivors. The program also includes monthly support group meetings, exercise programs, and referrals to resources for a proper diet, benefiting minority and underserved breast cancer survivors. Sister2Sister offers a unique assistance program that improves the quality of life for underserved and minority breast cancer patients.

” These grants have significantly impacted breast cancer patients and survivors, improving their access to care, treatment outcomes, emotional well-being, and quality of life. CDBCF grants program has helped thousands of women and expands our reach to several counties in New Jersey,” explains Connie Dwyer, Founder of the Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation.

The next grant cycle will accept applications from August 15 to October 15, 2023. To be eligible, organizations must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in New Jersey. Detailed grant guidelines and the application process can be found at www.cdbcf.org/grants. The CDBCF grants program supports breast cancer nonprofit organizations and initiatives that assist underinsured and uninsured women in several New Jersey counties, including Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren.

Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation

Through sponsored facilities and a grants program, the Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation serves underprivileged and vulnerable women by ensuring access to high-quality breast health services, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. Additionally, CDBCF provides financial support for programs that offer resources, education, advocacy, and empowerment for the women it serves.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Stacy London, Dr. Somi Javaid and Tamsen Fadal unite for an intimate fireside chat

April 19, 2023 – The Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation and HerMD together will host a spring luncheon on Tuesday, April 18 for an afternoon of conversation and connection featuring special guests Stacy London, CEO of State of Menopause, Dr. Somi Javaid Founder of HerMD and Tamsen Fadal, Journalist, Author and Menopause advocate. Held at the Maplewood Country Club in Maplewood, NJ, the luncheon will include an intimate fireside chat with the named speakers and will be focused on survivorship, sex, menopause and healthy aging.

“I am extremely grateful to have HerMD as a partner for our upcoming women’s wellness event. The brand’s dedication to promoting women’s health and wellness aligns perfectly with the mission of our organization,” shares Connie Dwyer, Founder of the Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation. “I am especially excited about the speakers who will share their insights on healthy aging. Their expertise and passion for empowering women to take control of their health and well-being will undoubtedly inspire and educate our attendees,” continued Dwyer.

All proceeds from the event will go toward the CDBCF mission to ensure women, regardless of their ability to pay, have access to top-quality breast-health services that include screenings, diagnosis, treatments, and follow-up care. Most recently, we have launched a new Grants Program which awards grants to local nonprofits in the community helping women with breast cancer and our partnership with University Hospital to build and deploy a brand new state-of-the-art Mobile Cancer Screening Unit. The mobile unit plans to screen at least 4,000 women per year.

The event promises to bring meaningful conversations about the state of women’s healthcare with a special focus on menopause, a topic each of the speakers is passionate about.

“Survivorship care is core to our mission at HerMD. So, few health care professionals address sexual health and wellness or the abrupt menopausal symptoms that can be a result from cancer treatment,” says Dr. Somi Javaid, MD, FACOG and Founder of HerMD. “At HerMD we are dedicated to empowering our survivorship patients to live a vibrant and healthy life, including sexual intimacy. We individualize treatment with evidence-based, safe and effective treatment options. We are honored to partner with the Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation and support their mission of increasing access to breast health services and resources to education.”

Tamsen Fadal, Author, Journalist and strong voice in the women’s healthcare space is eager to be involved and generate awareness. “With women being diagnosed with breast cancer at a rate of every two minutes, it’s imperative women have access to health services,” says Tamsen Fadal, Journalist, Author and Menopause advocate. “I’m honored to help raise awareness for the Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation and HerMD,

and amplify their incredible mission to ensure the availability of breast-health services to uninsured and underinsured women.”

Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation

Through our sponsored facilities and a grants program, the Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation serves underprivileged and vulnerable women by ensuring the availability of top-quality breast-health services that include screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. In addition, CDBCF provides financial support for programs that provide resources, education, advocacy, and empowerment for the women we serve.

HerMD

HerMD is a women’s healthcare brand run by women. HerMD is paving a different path from the past. A path where deeply personal concerns are heard and understood with compassionate communication. Where a patient’s entire experience feels more like visiting a close friend’s house than a doctor’s office. Where patients are treated as a whole person. HerMD is healthcare powered by women who take the time to listen so that together, the best evidenced-based solutions for you can be determined and you can achieve better outcomes and maximize your confidence, inside and out. From mental health and sexual wellness to aesthetics and more, HerMD provides care for every aspect of women’s health. HerMD has been featured in outlets such as Forbes, Oprah Daily, Vogue and more.

The Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation (CDBCF) has awarded $43,000 in grants during its most recent grant cycle. The awards bring the total to $93,000 in grants to local organizations helping women battling breast cancer in 2022.

The CDBCF grants program awards financial grants to breast cancer nonprofit organizations and initiatives supporting underinsured and uninsured women in the following counties of New Jersey: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren.

Read more | Tap Into Submit | tapinto.net

We’re excited to share that The Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation (CDBCF) has awarded Crossroads4Hope a $10,000 grant to fund outreach efforts for breast cancer screening, prevention and awareness for vulnerable families in Union and Essex Counties.

Founded in 2001, Crossroads4Hope, formerly Cancer Support Community Central NJ, are experts in providing psychosocial support services to address the emotional and social impact of cancer.

Read more | Patch.com

January 11, 2023 (Summit, NJ) – The Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation (CDBCF) recently awarded $43,000 in grants this cycle and a total of $93,000 to local organizations helping women battling breast cancer in 2022. CDBCF proudly announces our newest partnerships with CrossRoads4Hope, Liberty Healthcare System Foundation, and The Trinitas Foundation in our second grant cycle. These organizations are working with underserved women in Union and Essex counties to provide them with the breast health they deserve through community outreach, improving surgical technologies, and post-surgical care.

CDBCF awarded Crossroads4Hope $10,000 to provide support to the most vulnerable women in our community. A breast cancer diagnosis is never easy, but when compounded by issues such as lack of transportation, food and shelter insecurity, insurance challenges, and other barriers to care, it can become overwhelming,” says Katherine Schaible, Senior Director of Program, and Impact. “We provide a full range of social and emotional support, not only to the patient but to their family as well—and together with Connie Dwyer, we will take on the cancer journeys of vulnerable families in Union and Essex Counties.”

This grant cycle also awarded $27,500 to the Trinitas Regional Medical Center and the Connie Dwyer Breast Center to purchase a Trident® HD Specimen Radiography System for breast cancer patients. The third grant of $5,211 was awarded to the Liberty Healthcare System Foundation to purchase Lymphedema care needs and bandages for breast cancer patients post surgery.

“The Foundation has grown and evolved over the last two decades. The natural next step is to start a grants program that will expand our reach into other communities and the number of women we can help each year”., explains Connie Dwyer, founder of the Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation. “It is important to our Board of Directors and supporters that we continue to ensure that every woman in our area has access to top-quality breast health services.”

The CDBCF grants program awards financial grants to breast cancer nonprofit organizations and initiatives supporting underinsured and uninsured women in the following counties of New Jersey: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren.

The next grant cycle will begin accepting applications on January 15 – March 15, and grants will be awarded in June 2023. We offer two grant cycles per year. To qualify, organizations applying for a grant must be a 501 (c) (3) nonprofits in New Jersey. For the full grant guidelines and to apply, please visit www.cdbcf.org/grants.

Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation
Through our sponsored facilities and a grants program, the Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation serves underprivileged and vulnerable women by ensuring the availability of top-quality breast-health services that include screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. In addition, CDBCF provides financial support for programs that provide resources, education, advocacy, and empowerment for the women we serve. To learn more, visit www.cdbcf.org.

Media Contact:
Sarah Roberts
973-525-8076
sarahroberts@cdbcf.org