Breast Cancer Advocates Gather At State House To Discuss Access To Care

The annual gathering is intended to raise awareness of racial and gender disparities in breast cancer prevention and access to care.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Oct 8, 2026 2:17 PM EDT

October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. (Jenna Fisher/Patch)

BOSTON, MA — Researchers, patient advocates, and state lawmakers gathered at the Massachusetts State House in Boston Thursday morning to discuss barriers facing people undergoing breast cancer treatment.

Ellie Fund and the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators held the annual Breast Cancer Action Month expert panel, with this year's discussion focused on the affordability of care and how geography contributes to disparities in breast cancer outcomes. The event took place Thursday, Oct. 8, at 10:30 a.m. in Room 428 at the State House.

According to organizers, the annual gathering is intended to raise awareness of racial and gender disparities in breast cancer prevention, access to care, treatment, and outcomes. The discussion examined how treatment costs, access to timely health services, and where patients live can affect their ability to receive care and support.

The gathering followed similar events held at the State House in recent years. The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators listed a breast cancer equity awareness event with Ellie Fund in October 2024, followed by a Breast Cancer Equity Awareness Month kickoff in October 2025. The partnership has brought attention to disparities in breast cancer care and the barriers patients face while undergoing treatment.

Ellie Fund was established in 1995 by brothers Jeff and Eliot Popkin in memory of their mother, Eleanor "Ellie" Popkin. She died in 1987 at age 49 after living with metastatic breast cancer for more than 15 years. The nonprofit provides support services at no cost to patients undergoing breast cancer treatment in Massachusetts, including grocery gift cards, delivered meals, transportation, childcare reimbursement, housekeeping, and integrative therapies.

In 2020, Ellie Fund launched an inclusion initiative focused on expanding access to its services in underserved communities throughout Greater Boston, Gateway Cities, and rural areas. Two years later, the organization introduced its Equitable Pathways Initiative, expanding avenues for patients to receive support through community health centers, self-referrals, and clinical trials. The efforts address barriers related to patients' financial circumstances and access to resources.

The organization refers to October as Breast Cancer Action Month and holds its October for Ellie campaign throughout the month. Businesses, police and fire departments, sports teams, and individuals across Massachusetts participate in efforts to support local breast cancer patients and their families.

Senator Robyn Kennedy, the Senate chair of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators, was among the panelists. Ellie Fund Executive Director Meredith Mendelson and Director of Community Engagement and Advocacy Nekia Clark also participated.

Other panelists included Mimi Gardner, vice president and chief of community partnerships and health impact at NeighborHealth Community Health Center; Hadassah Herrera, adult resource officer at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; and Dr. Kimberly Shea, dean of nursing and health sciences at Mount Wachusett Community College. Shea also serves as a caucus-appointed commissioner on the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women.

The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators is a bipartisan group of women serving in the state House and Senate. Its priorities include addressing racial and gender disparities in healthcare, advancing women's economic opportunity, and supporting women in government.