Breasts. As a man I suppose I never really took the time to marvel at how awesome they really are beyond pigheaded, aesthetic appreciation. But they are actually pretty darn amazing when you think about it. These miraculous appendages sustain life for new humans upon their realization that there is more to life than just a cozy dark womb. However, despite their valued place in the lineup of human body parts, breasts are also the main source of cancer in women. Nearly 1 in 8 will have to battle some sort of bout with breast cancer in their life, and the disease takes over 40,000 women in the US per year.
One of my grandmothers died of breast cancer at 54 years old. Having lost her husband (my grandfather) to cancer only 9 years earlier, she was in denial about the severity of the lump she felt on her breast and didn’t seek proper medical attention in time. Nine months after she first noticed it, she was admitted to the hospital and never left. Within a month the doctors took her off life support. Unfortunately my grandmother became a statistic in what not to do in that situation. Had she received regular screenings or visited the doctor immediately after noticing the lump, there would have been a good chance that she could have been saved before the cancer spread. Research shows that women who remove abnormalities early have a very good chance of recovery.
Over the past 20 years, the team at Boarding for Breast Cancer (B4BC) has been spreading that message to young people around the world by using board sports as an icebreaker. The foundation began as a way for a group of friends to honor their friend Monica Steward who died from the disease at only 29 in 1996. Today B4BC reaches over 100,000 yearly with education and, literally, “hands on” testing to feel for lumps (practicing with silicone molds). But that’s just the start. B4BC also has a scholarship fund that provides support to young women with breast cancer. The foundation’s spinoff programs provide everything from yoga retreats to environmental stewardship initiatives.
Now, to mark the impressive milestone of 20 years, the B4BC team will head back to Sierra-at-Tahoe where the program started for their snowboard and music festival. It’s not cheap to educate a generation on the importance of early detection, so this event is highly important in helping B4BC maximize its reach.
As you’d expect, this isn’t your average fundraising event. For one, it takes place at Sierra-at-Tahoe resort, a shred heaven by anyone’s definition. They have had over 370 inches of snow this year, so needless to say, it’s gonna be a party. But that’s just the start. Also involved is the 108 Sun Salutations, a yoga pledge-a-thon co-hosted by one of snowboarding’s best at the moment, gold medalist Jamie Anderson. Also hosting the morning salutation-thon is B4BC wellness ambassador Megan Pischke, who is herself a cancer survivor. Megan shared her journey to recovery for the world in her award-winning documentary Chasing Sunshine.
The arts community has also lent a huge hand to this, donating one-of-a-kind artwork for the raffle and auction, as well as a huge host of prizes from sponsors and friends of the event. All in all there is over $50,000 in merchandise.
And I haven’t even mentioned the music yet. The base of the mountain will feature Panic is Perfect and The Family Crest while everyone celebrates in the sunshine.
In Tahoe this weekend? The Inertia be there celebrating and helping in this ever-important fight. The fun starts Saturday. If you hadn’t planned on being there, there’s still time to help out. And have a helluva time while you’re at it.
For more information, visit the B4BC website.
