BRAVE (Breast Restoration AdVocacy Education) announces new leadership and strategic direction before participating in the American Society of Plastic Surgeon Meeting in Austin this week

    SAN ANTONIO, TX, October 27, 2023 -- The BRAVE Coalition Foundation, a 501c(3) breast reconstruction advocacy group, announced today strategic plans to create a more focused path forward, delivering educational resources and advocacy to breast cancer survivors, the medical community, and industry. Notably, John Wyatt will assume the President position, and Moira Sykstus has joined the Board of Directors. These plans continue the work the organization has advanced over the past eleven years, serving the needs of breast cancer survivors.

John Wyatt joined the BRAVE Board of Directors a year ago. In June, he stepped into the President role, drawing on his 27 years of senior leadership experience in the plastic and reconstructive surgery industry. His experience in breast reconstruction products, industry needs, and awareness of opportunities for improvement in the breast reconstruction sector for breast cancer survivors not only benefits BRAVE, but will benefit the women BRAVE supports.

"BRAVE is honored to bring breast cancer survivors the resources and support they need during a life-changing time. After eleven years of leading BRAVE, it is with great excitement I step back as President and make way for John Wyatt to lead BRAVE forward. He brings strong organizational and leadership skills, with a complimentary vision to the organization," said Christine Grogan DHA, Founder and Board of Director at BRAVE Coalition Foundation.

BRAVE is also pleased to welcome Moira Sykstus as the newest member of the Board of Directors. She brings substantial operational and business development skills to the organization. With 30-plus years of healthcare industry experience, a strong background in medical reimbursement, and a breast cancer survivor, she will be a critical strategic team member with a survivor perspective.

"In the current healthcare climate, BRAVE is very lucky to have Moira Sykstus join the Board. The breast reconstruction reimbursement environment has become so broken that many plastic surgeons have quit providing these crucial breast cancer treatments," said John Wyatt, President of BRAVE Coalition Foundation. "Moira will join John Gwin, reimbursement expert and member of BRAVE Board of Directors, in providing breast cancer patients with the expertise often required to navigate patient insurance rights at a most difficult time."

One in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and only around 30% are aware of breast restoration rights and options based on research. Sadly, even a higher percentage exists around women of color, lower socio-economic status, and lower education. BRAVE's mission is to empower women with education and resources to provide choices and opportunities to experience life beyond cancer as her whole self, however, she defines it.

BRAVE is committed to restoring life that is brimming with confidence & hope for every BRAVE Breast Cancer Survivor. By addressing the root causes of obstacles in the care system, providing accessible & relevant EDUCATION, and limiting each survivor to a BRAVE surgeon & other life-enhancing resources, BRAVE Coalition promises to ADVOCATE for all BRAVE breast cancer survivors relentlessly. BRAVE is dedicated to educating women about their right to breast restoration surgery following breast cancer treatment.

About BRAVE Coalition Foundation
BRAVE Coalition Foundation is the first 501(c)3 organization to promote education and awareness of resources for breast cancer survivors regarding breast reconstruction options. The organization believes every woman should be empowered to determine how they shape their recovery from breast cancer as a fundamental right regardless of insurance or socio-economic status. To learn more about or donate to BRAVE Coalition Foundation, visit www.bravecoalition.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Contact:
Christine Grogan DHA
Founder BRAVE Coalition Foundation
[email protected]
917.617.0141

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