Applications Now Open for 2023 Bobbie Breasties
Since 2020, we’ve provided a year’s worth of Bobbie to nearly 200 parents who can’t breastfed due to breast cancer treatment. These folks get a free pump through insurance, but zero infant formula or donor milk coverage to truly feed their baby. That still doesn’t make sense, so we’re determined to change it. When we say this is the most rewarding work we do—we mean it.
Apply NowThis year, we’re proud to offer formula for 115 parents impacted by breast and gynecologic cancer.
In June, we went to meet some of our sponsees in person at Camp Breastie. Watch the video and hear their stories.
Our Impact
We have come a long way since 2020.
We're excited about the progress we've made, but there's a whole lot more to do.
490k+
bottles of Bobbie
177
patients, previvors, and survivors sponsored
18,900
formula cans donated
DID YOU KNOW
Parents who can’t feed with their breasts receive a free pump under insurance, but not donor milk or infant formula.
ABOUT OUR PARTNERS
If you haven’t heard of The Breasties, it’s time you did: This community-centered 501(c)(3) nonprofit pushes for inclusive insurance policies and champions equitable feeding support for individuals impacted by breast cancer.
The Breasties is the first all-inclusive nonprofit organization that creates community for survivors, previvors, stage 4 thrivers, and caregivers impacted by breast and gynecologic cancers. They're on a mission to support and improve the experiences of the cancer community through peer-to-peer connection, resources, and advocacy.
Donate to The BreastiesTHE PROBLEM
Incomplete, inequitable insurance coverage.
Did you know that new parents impacted by breast and gynecologic cancer treatment get a free breast pump and lactation support through the Affordable Care Act, but have no coverage for donated breast milk or formula? It’s a major policy gap, and with your support, we know we can close it.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Feeding support for those who need it most.
Coverage of breast pumps and lactation support when an individual medically can’t nurse is not helpful, supportive, or (let’s be real) all that sensical. These parents’ babies need infant formula or donor breast milk as a matter of survival. We want insurance equity covering formula or donor milk for all parents who’ve undergone treatment for breast or gynecologic cancer.
“Everyone is impacted by a health crisis at some point in their life and fighting for better access to healthcare, whether that means access to formula or whether that means access to better cancer care...everyone deserves that. And when the most vulnerable thrive, that's when everyone thrives.”
— Valerie Stahl, 2022 Bobbie Breastie
“Lawmakers should know that not every woman is the same. You would be surprised how many young women, whether they've had breast cancer or whether they have a gene that puts them at high risk, have to make the hard decisions to do a bilateral mastectomy. We shouldn't have to stress about how we're going to feed our children—we've already stressed enough.”
— Karah Whearley, 2022 Bobbie Breastie
“I had a really difficult time postpartum, and the feeding part really threw me for a loop of feeling ‘less than’ as a mother. It wasn't until October [2022] and this sponsorship that it turned around a little bit for me and I started to feel better, because here is a whole group of women who are seeing me and validating me as a mom.”
— Samantha Jamali, 2022 Bobbie Breastie
Action Mode
Now’s the time to make your voice heard. Lasting change means putting pressure on lawmakers and representatives—and we’re making it easy.
ADD YOUR NAME
Sign the petition to support insurance equality for parents who can't breastfeed due to breast cancer. Our goal: 15,000.
Sign HereGET LOUD
Download the kit for pre-written letter templates, plus tips for effective communication with lawmakers.
Download The Kit