Breast Cancer Research Foundation of AL presents $950K to UAB; $37K from Cullman fundraising

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Andres Forero, M.D., head of the UAB breast cancer research program, left, Carol Myers, president of the BCRFA Board of Directors, and Michael Birrer, M.D., Ph.D, director of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center / BCRFA

BIRMINGHAM – On Friday, Feb. 2, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama (BCRFA) presented its largest donation ever of $950,000 to the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center.  Since its inception in 1996, the BCRFA has made an annual donation to research proceeds from all its fundraising efforts during the prior year, including sales of the specialty breast cancer research license plate, BCRFA events, and from individual and community support. This year’s contribution brings the Birmingham-based organization’s cumulative total for research at UAB to more than $7.7 million.

Fundraising done in Cullman to help make this donation possible included the Bow-Up Against Breast Cancer 3-D Archery Tournament and sales of more than 100 Cullman County Breast Cancer Research car tags, raising a combined total of more than $37,000 for the BCRFA during 2017.

“The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama has been central to providing the critical monies for the development and maintenance of the breast cancer research program, making our program one of the most prominent breast cancer programs in the country,” said Michael Birrer, M.D., Ph.D., the new director of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. “BCRFA is a perfect example of motivating the community to support new and evolving research.” 

Half of the total donation of $950,000 was raised through the BCRFA specialty car tag sales. Available at DMVs across the state, the Breast Cancer Research tag is the ninth most popular specialty tag in the state, with more than 11,500 vehicles sporting the tag.

The BCRFA supports a comprehensive approach to battling breast cancer through collaborative and innovative research to help diagnose, treat, prevent and eradicate the disease. All the funds raised remain in Alabama, supporting local research, which in turn makes a national impact.

For more information, visit www.BCRFA.org.