Founder’s Story

I’m Movin’ to Stop  Breast Cancer!

My mom, Mary Jo, died from breast cancer in 1993 when I was 21 and just graduating from college. It still remains the definitive moment of my life; the before and after moment. Breast cancer made me feel powerless, afraid, helpless and sad. I had no idea at that time that that working to fund a cure would become such a big part of my life.

A decade later, in 2004 one of my best friends from High School was diagnosed with breast cancer in her 8th month of pregnancy. She was 33. She had her baby induced early and successfully endured chemotherapy. A few months later she walked 60 miles in the Arizona sun. I thought… if she can do that… What can I do?  And why am I not doing it?  I was a young mother myself, busy… but healthy! How could breast cancer be happening to someone just like me? That was my call to action.

Boobs on the Move® was unofficially born in 2005, when one friend and I decided to walk in a 3-Day Breast Cancer event- It was amazing, inspiring and empowering. I was so moved by the stories I heard, the feeling of community, and the people I met, that I needed to do it again and AGAIN!

In 2006 Boobs on the Move® began to grow, and continued to double for the next 4 years! We needed to get creative to meet out fundraising goals! Our team fundraising efforts reached out to involve our communities and we were AMAZED by the outpouring of donations and support for our events and ideas! People embraced our grassroots philosophy of raising MONEY and AWARENESS and having a little FUN while we’re at it! Our OktoberBreast® block party event and Pink Pancake Breastfast® focused on Family and Community and encouraged individuals to use their talents {whatever they may be} to contribute to the group success.

Over the past six years Boobs on the Move® teams continue to create awareness through empowering people to act. Teams now exist in multiple cities and participate in various race events with the goal of working together to end breast cancer and create positive change.

Now, folks across the country can use our Boobs on the Move® name and fundraising tools in their own community for the breast cancer non-profit they wish to support.  You can start a BOTM team in your town and participate in any sporting event or race! Teams can fundraise for various organizations and bring awareness to breast cancer research and initiatives without having to recreate the wheel! Apparel, hats, buttons and more are  available for anybody that wants to sport our stylish designs! Printable materials such as banners, signs and buttons will help you get noticed!

My hope is that Boobs on the Move® will empower YOU to walk/run/swim/drive/ride/roll on, to live a healthy life and stop breast cancer!

So get movin’-  BE A BOOB!

Diane Silberman
Founder – Boobs on the Move®