Shaney jo Darden

After a friend was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, I founded the global non-profit organization The Keep A Breast Foundation (KAB) to raise awareness of breast cancer and to encourage prevention and early detection among young people. Now, as we celebrate our 15th anniversary, I remain actively involved in the cultural conversation about breast cancer and fiercely committed to arming young people with knowledge of breast health.

Over the years I have worked to fuse advocacy, art and street culture with breast cancer awareness and in the process have secured substantial funds for Keep A Breast via donations, partnerships, and licensing. I deliver KAB’s message via the Traveling Education Booth, an interactive educational platform and grassroots teaching tool, at Warped Tour, at The Mayhem festival, skate and surf events, and other gatherings where organizations dedicated to breast cancer awareness had previously not dared to tread.

Further cementing my commitment to prevention in 2010, I launched Non Toxic Revolution (NTR), a program whose mission is to inform, educate, and inspire young people to revolt against the dangers of toxic chemicals in their environment and food supply — especially those linked to the initiation of breast cancer.

The greatest reward of running The Keep A Breast Foundation comes from knowing our work touches people’s lives around the world. Through art, awareness, education and action, each day I work to empower young people to make better decisions about their future and their health.