In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re spotlighting a nonprofit that works year-round, every month, to empower women to take control of their breast health. The Feel Your Boobies® Foundation, started in Central Pennsylvania, is celebrating a major milestone in 2024: 20 years. That's 20 years of dedication to giving everyone their best chance at surviving breast cancer by encouraging the life-saving habit of “feeling their boobies,” understanding what’s normal for their bodies and becoming their own health advocates.
The journey of the Feel Your Boobies® Foundation began in 2004 when its founder, Leigh Hurst, was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 33 years old. Her experience highlighted the importance of early detection, especially for women under 40, a demographic often overlooked in breast cancer awareness campaigns. What started as a playful reminder among friends, symbolized by a T-shirt with the phrase “feel your boobies,” quickly evolved into a leading organization.
As the foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary, it is not only reflecting on past achievements but also looking forward with a renewed commitment to expanding its reach and impact. This includes the relaunch and evolution of the “Are You Doing it Yet?” Reminder Program: an initiative that provides users with the option to receive monthly reminders via text or email, reinforcing the importance of regular self-examination. The program encourages women to “know their normal” and provides resources to establish a daily breast health routine. The goal is to enroll 1,667 monthly subscribers, resulting in 20,000 yearly reminders—a nod to the 20th anniversary.
The Feel Your Boobies® Foundation also strives to broaden access to educational resources across Central Pennsylvania this year. By partnering with local businesses, health centers, schools and nonprofits, the foundation aims to distribute these materials free of charge, ensuring that the message of self-awareness reaches as many women as possible. This initiative is part of the foundation’s ongoing efforts to educate and support the next generation of women, giving them the tools they need to be vigilant about their breast health.
To cap off the anniversary celebrations, the Feel Your Boobies® Foundation will host the Pink Tie Gala on November 16 at the Antique Auto Museum. This event will not only celebrate two decades of progress, but also highlight the impact the foundation has had on the community. It will be an opportunity to honor those who have supported the cause and to raise awareness for the continuing fight against breast cancer.
As Feel Your Boobies® looks to the future, its message remains clear: Early detection saves lives. By encouraging women to “feel their boobies,” the foundation hopes to continue its mission of reducing the impact of breast cancer through education, awareness and proactive health advocacy.
“KNOW YOUR NORMAL” CHECKLIST
Find Out More At Feelyourboobies.com/know-your-normal
TOUCH
There’s no wrong way to “feel your boobies” and start to get to “know your normal.” as long as you’re doing it and doing it as often as possible!
Don’t stop at your boobies—check around your collarbone and in those pesky armpits for any lumps.
LOOK
Breast cancer is more than just lumps. Make sure you take a good look at the shape of your boobies, your skin and your nipples too.
CHECK IN
Check in with yourself every time you “feel your boobies.”
Does everything look and feel like every other day? Any major changes and it’s time to see a doctor.
Trust your gut. If something doesn’t seem right, advocate for your health and press for answers. No changes to report? Great!
