What We Do
OUR MISSION
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West Virginia Breast Health Initiative aims to raise awareness and fund breast cancer programs with an emphasis on increasing breast health education, financially assisting breast cancer screenings, facilitating patient navigation, and providing survivor services. Through fundraising efforts across the state, 100% of the proceeds remain in West Virginia to assist uninsured and under-insured West Virginians.
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VISION STATEMENT
West Virginia Breast Health Initiative’s vision is to facilitate a community of breast cancer survivors from the moment of diagnosis by instilling them with help, confidence, knowledge of the process, and kindness and guidance from those who have already journeyed the path. We collaborate with organizations within WV such as WVBCCSP and the Jame "Tiger" Morton Catastrophic Illness Commission, as well as other states that have the common goal of ending breast cancer.
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OUR IMPACT TO DATE
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​Misty Bennett Seeds of Hope Fund
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$5,000. Harmony House
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$5,000. Rainelle Medical Center
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$5,000. Bonnie’s Bus
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$5,000. WV Health Right
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$15,000. BCA – Cumberland Valley
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$5,000. Boone Memorial Hospital
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$2,500. The Compression Initiative
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$5,000. Bonnie’s Bus
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$5,000. Boone Memorial
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$10,000. Tug River Medical
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Mammograms in 16 counties
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Mammograms – 152 (WVBHI, Bonnie’s Bus first round, Boone Memorial, Harmony House, Rainelle Medical Center)
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Gas cards – 512, averaging between $10. (WV Health Right), $50. And $250 via WVBHI, totaling $7,200.
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Survivor Kits – 80
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500 Mammogram self-exam card to Alderson Women’s Prison
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Who We Are
The West Virginia Breast Health Initiative was established in 2018 when there was a need for a statewide breast health organization. We received our 501 (c) 3 status in 2019. 100% of the funds raised in West Virginia stays in West Virginia.
Donna DeHart
WVBHI Executive Director
A WORD FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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On average in West Virginia, 6 people will die every week from breast cancer. With a family history of breast cancer, having a daughter, and losing 2 of my best friends from breast cancer in 2 years, I am very passionate about the work that WVBHI is doing in our local communities across WV. 100% of the funds raised in West Virginia stays in West Virginia. If you or someone you know needs help, please do not hesitate to call our office. We are here to help!
2023 Board of Directors
Bryan Luzader
WVBHI Vice President
Charleston Area Medical Center
I serve because I have lost family and friends to breast cancer and it has left an imprint on my life. As John Diamond once said, cancer is a word, not a sentence. I truly believe this statement to stand true. I am proud to serve on a Board where WE can make a difference for people during uncertain times.
Dan Snuffer
WVBHI Charitable Giving Chair
Preston & Salango, PLLC
I am proud to be part of such a vital community driven local organization. WVBHI cares about the West Virginia community and the hardships that people face in the battle against breast cancer. WVBHI does so much good. If you are going through breast cancer treatment and in need of transportation assistance, you can call WVBHI! If you are a local medical clinic and in need of some additional monies to help fund mammograms and other detection services, you can call WVBHI! Or, if you simply are having a hard time trying to understand your diagnoses and options, you can call WVBHI! Simply put, the organization serves West Virginia and serves her well. That’s why I belong – to give back to this State that I love.
Dolores Rose
WVBHI Treasurer
Baker Tilly, US, LLP
I chose to support WVBHI because I want to make a positive impact on our community supporting a cause that is very personal to me. The services provided by WVBHI are a vital resource for our community and I am honored to contribute my time and skills to support their mission.
Pamela Valentine
WVBHI Secretary
Dupont, Retired
I support the West Virginia Breast Health Initiative to raise breast cancer awareness, fight the cause and to do whatever is possible to help as many West Virginians as we can.
Chris Gosses
Member at Large
Owner of Chris Gosses Photography
Julie Palas
Member at Large
Executive Director at the James "Tiger" Morton Catastrophic Illness Commission
I choose to be on the WVBHI BOD knowing lives are saved and enriched throughout West Virginia via financial, collaborative and peer support. I appreciate the compassionate commitment of its staff, volunteers and partners so as many people as possible can take advantage of WVBHI's free critical services and referral connections.
Patty Rosebourgh
Member at Large, Survivor
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I never anticipated the care and support from people I had never met. WVBHI became a part of my family that responded to many of my physical, mental, and financial needs. I truly felt I had a collective shoulder to help me navigate my journey. It was not enough to say “thank you”, and now as a BOD, I am able to put my gratitude into action for others and welcome them to the family of warriors.”
Sarah Chapman
Member at Large, Survivor
Being a new survivor helping others is very near and dear to my heart. I believe that this is one more way for me to learn, cope, and inspire others.