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The CARE Project founder Carrie Madrid (left) and Men 2 Program director Pat Washburn (right) present a $5,000 Adam's Angels grant to the family of Danny Riggs, who died from breast cancer this year. Pictured with the ceremonial check are Riggs' widow Sarah and his children Steven and Kali. (Courtesy of The CARE Project)
The CARE Project, Inc., a Riverside-based nonprofit supporting breast cancer patients, is expanding its services while working to raise awareness that anyone can develop the disease — regardless of gender.
"When you hear the words breast cancer patient or survivor, you might picture a woman. But men can and do get breast cancer too," said Carrie Madrid, founder and president of The CARE Project, Inc. "One in 726 men will be diagnosed in their lifetime, often at later stages because they didn't know they were at risk."
By comparison, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
Madrid founded the organization in 2013 after her own late-stage breast cancer diagnosis the previous year left her financially devastated despite having family support. The nonprofit became certified in 2014.
"I was lucky to have a family that helped me," she said. "But I met people who had to choose between paying for chemotherapy or buying food for their kids. No one should ever face that decision."
The organization now provides financial assistance for treatment co-pays, rent, utilities, groceries and transportation. It also offers emotional support through peer mentoring and monthly Survivor Social Club gatherings, lymphedema care through a partnership with LymphaDivas, and end-of-life doula services.
The CARE Project oversees the Men 2 Program, which provides financial support specifically to men diagnosed with breast cancer, and the Man Up To Cancer program for men with all cancer types. The men's breast cancer initiative was led by the late Pat Washburn, who became an advocate after losing her husband to the disease.
"Men, if you notice a lump in your chest or armpit, do not ignore it," Madrid said. "Male breast cancer is often overlooked, leading to advanced stages and higher mortality."
The organization recently launched Adam's Angels, a grant program for children who lose a parent to breast cancer. The initiative was inspired by five-year-old Adam, whose mother Carmen died of metastatic breast cancer at age 30.
Madrid said the organization's most-needed donations are gift cards to Amazon, Target, Walmart, Stater Bros, fuel stations and prepaid Visa cards, which recipients can use for groceries, household items, school supplies, transportation to treatment and utility bills.
"Our monthly Survivor Socials provide a safe, uplifting space to share stories, find resources, and enjoy encouragement," Madrid said. "Whether six of us gather or 26, it's always special."
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