BISA Prepares to "Get Engaged"—The Summer's Premier Advocacy Meeting in Charleston June 2023
Back in 2019, when Breast Implant Safety Alliance (BISA) was founded, advocates hoped there would be more awareness and better safety systems in place by now. Unfortunately, the same issues continue, and new risks are emerging. Advocates from BISA’s core team are traveling from all over the US and Canada to Charleston, South Carolina, from June 8 - June 11th, 2023.
This meeting will provide advocates with training and strategy sessions for advancing BISA’s mission of promoting patient and consumer safety, including targeted sessions geared toward an upcoming advocacy trip to Washington, D.C. Opportunities for community engagement in the Charleston area are planned during the “Get Engaged” advocate event. Follow BISA’s website and social media for more details.
Download the official press release.
What’s on the horizon for BISA?
In just the last few weeks, BISA advocates/advisors have testified in front of Parliament in Canada to support an effective breast implant registry. The organization joined the Community Breast Reconstruction Alliance (CBRA) to help protect patient access to DIEP Reconstruction. BISA is also collaborating with Harvard University researchers on a study about SSBI, systemic symptoms caused by breast implants, commonly referred to as Breast Implant Illness.
Supporting patients facing a cancer diagnosis caused by breast implants is a large part of the advocacy work led by the BISA’s Director of BIA-ALCL Advocacy, Jennifer Cook. When asked why she continues to advocate, Cook, a BIA-ALCL survivor, said, “I want to turn my negative into a positive for others...as I am grateful for others that have done that for me.”
“I want to turn my negative into a positive for others...as I am grateful for others that have done that for me.”
Risk estimates for BIA-ALCL have recently increased and might be as high as 1 in 100 for some women. Prompt recognition and proper treatment of implant-associated cancers increases the odds of a better prognosis or cure, and BISA is working to give all patients at risk with breast implant disease(s) and/or injuries up-to-date information to use for a better chance towards positive health outcomes.
Later in June, some of BISA’s advocates are heading to Washington, D.C., to collaborate and volunteer with Patients Rising and the Komen Foundation. BISA is also collaborating with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and educating members of Congress to help address health insurance denial issues for patients that have been diagnosed with BIA-ALCL.
Why does this matter?
You or someone you love may be just one mammogram away from a breast cancer diagnosis and may be faced with making healthcare decisions. You or someone you love might be suffering from unknown complications caused by breast implants. BISA believes women deserve accurate, unbiased information so they can make the best decisions for themselves and get timely access to the care and support they need.
BISA is currently seeking donations. Donations make sure the patients’ voices are heard, where a profit-driven industry often dominates.
If you are in the Charleston area, the “Get Engaged” Meet and Greet welcome event is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the Breast Implant Safety Alliance nonprofit organization and connect with the core advocate team. Read more
"Get Engaged" Meet & Greet with BISA
Thursday, June 08 2023 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Sechey - 540 King Street, Charleston, SC 29401
*Reserve your spot for this free event through Eventbrite
Breast Implant Safety Alliance (BISA) is a nonprofit, patient-centered organization dedicated to improving breast implant safety and awareness—through direct collaboration with consumers, plastic surgeons, manufacturers, regulators, and advocates. BISA is a 100% volunteer organization and is not funded by implant manufacturers.
Contact: Maria Gmitro, President | 843.501.6873 | maria@bisanonprofit.org