Who We Are

Why another breast cancer charity?

The Breast Cancer Charities of America (BCCA) is the only non-profit bringing the “integrated cancer care” message to the women of America. We bring together the different healthcare and allied healthcare disciplines—oncology, nursing, psychology, sociology, nutrition, exercise physiology, spirituality and more. Working together, these professions comprise the new discipline of “integrated cancer care.” Integrated cancer care is long overdue in this nation. Today it holds the one best promise for preventing, treating and surviving breast cancer. It saves lives!

What exactly is “integrated cancer care?”

Integrated cancer care brings the “whole person”—body, mind and spirit—to the cancer prevention, treatment and recovery effort. Traditional cancer care stops with surgery and chemotherapy. Integrated cancer care adds to orthodox care the important elements of nutrition, exercise, mind/body, social support and even a search for greater meaning. When the whole person gets well, the body will often follow.

Does integrated care replace medicine?

No. Integrated cancer care is employed in addition to, not in place of, orthodox medicine. Many of the leading edge scientific studies show techniques like diet, exercise, and social support can be as powerful as drugs and surgery. BCCA exists to deliver this message to women with breast cancer and to educate healthcare providers with this news. The result: we will change medicine and we will save lives.

I’ve never heard of The Breast Cancer Charities of America.

It is an organization that brings together progressive breast cancer authorities from a variety of healthcare and allied professions, experts with literally hundreds of years of combined experience. BCCA is an agent for change. The group is dedicated to ending breast cancer as a life-threatening illness.

How will the funds be used?

Financial support will be used to conduct research on the link between breast cancer and nutrition. Funding will also be employed to educate the public and healthcare professionals on integrated cancer care. Another portion of gifts will be dedicated to the “Help Now Fund,” which provides food, clothing, shelter, transportation, mammograms and more to women who are uninsured or in need.

The Breast Cancer Charities of America. Changing breast cancer! Join the movement!

Erica A. Harvey, Executive Director

When Erica’s father was given a ’30 days to live’ cancer diagnosis nearly 25 years ago, finding the connection between health, wellness and cancer became a core mission. After seeing her father overcome the odds and live a healthy, cancer-free lifestyle today, Erica’s mission remains to help all people understand the importance of integrated wellness–especially women, as breast cancer can be linked in many ways to diet, exercise and nutrition. “Being able to help women really understand that breast cancer is treatable, preventable and curable through non-invasive means is my goal. There’s hope and options beyond surgery–there aren’t enough people that understand non-invasive options exist. At BCCA, we are leading the way to integrated health and wellness in finding the cure to breast cancer.”

Erica is an advocate for non-invasive breast cancer research and focuses on putting the patient first. “Too many times people get caught up with funding only research that they forget there are people who need help today, right now—that’s why our Help Now Fund and non-invasive research funding puts that focus back on the patient.”

Erica enjoys photography, working out, singing, cooking and spending time with her family.

Whitney Prussia, Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Whitney Prussia graduated from Louisiana State University in May of 2008 with a degree in Communications. After graduation she landed an internship with Toyota Center/ Houston Rockets and the Event Marketing and Booking Intern. After completing her internship she began working for BCCA, where she enjoys working in the non profit sector much more. She enjoys working for BCCA because she has a passion for breast cancer awareness and likes the people she works with. Whitney is a member of PRSA Houston and LSU Alumni Association. In her spare time she likes spending time with friends and family and reading.

Rebecca Titone, Program Services Manager

Rebecca’s background consists of various fields: administrative, management, marketing, sales, etc. After nearly 30 years of moving and working, she found the opportunity to work for a cause…The Breast Cancer Charities of America.

Along with being part of a team that truly looks out for people’s best interest and health, BCCA has given so much back to her. “Throughout the years I have had family and friends with breast cancer, but very recently have had an immediate family member diagnosed. The irony of becoming an employee here, and her diagnosis (within two months of each other), solidifies the blessing I have been given.”

“As the Help Now Fund Manager it touches me deeply to hear and feel the appreciation of the recipients of our program. And, then to get their “Survivor Story”…WOW! With so many struggling during an unimaginatively devastating time in their lives, I am very proud to be a part of adding a small amount of comfort. Of course, the ultimate would be to help everyone…a cure! That’s our aim!”