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KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!
Helping individuals and families understand hereditary BRCA cancer risk through education, support, and hope.
What is BRCA?
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that everyone is born with. Their job is to help repair damaged DNA and protect the body against certain cancers. When one of these genes contains an inherited mutation, it cannot function as intended, increasing a person's lifetime risk of developing breast, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic, and other cancers. A BRCA mutation can be passed down from either parent, making family health history an important part of understanding your own risk.
Although carrying a BRCA mutation does not mean someone will develop cancer, knowing your genetic status can help guide important healthcare decisions. Genetic testing, regular screenings, and conversations with healthcare providers can lead to earlier detection and more personalized prevention or treatment options. Increased awareness of hereditary cancer risk gives individuals and families the knowledge they need to take proactive steps toward protecting their health and making informed decisions for future generations.
Our Mission
BRCA: Breaking Risk Creating Awareness was founded by Katie Bateman after witnessing firsthand the fear, confusion, and uncertainty her family experienced because of the BRCA genetic mutation. Not knowing what the mutation was or what it meant for their health made an already difficult situation even more overwhelming.
That experience inspired Katie to create an organization dedicated to educating others about hereditary cancer risks and the importance of understanding their genetic health. Through BRCA: Breaking Risk Creating Awareness, she hopes to empower individuals and families with knowledge, encourage conversations about genetic testing, and provide support so that no one has to face the unknown without information or hope.
By breaking the cycle of uncertainty, the organization is creating awareness that can lead to earlier detection, informed decisions, and healthier futures.
How We Help
BRCA: Breaking Risk Creating Awareness is dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate hereditary cancer risk through education, support, and advocacy. We believe that access to reliable information, compassionate guidance, and a strong support system can make a meaningful difference for those facing a BRCA diagnosis or learning about their genetic risk for the first time.
Our organization provides educational resources, raises awareness through community outreach, and encourages conversations about genetic testing, family health history, and early detection. We also support individuals and families through care packages, financial assistance opportunities, and connections to trusted resources during their journey.
By partnering with healthcare professionals, researchers, and community organizations, we strive to expand awareness, inspire hope, and ensure that no one has to face hereditary cancer risk alone.
Our
Founder
Katie Bateman
Katie's grandmother and mother are both carriers of the BRCA genetic mutation. She saw firsthand the fear and uncertainty it brought to her family. Watching her family navigate hereditary cancer inspired Katie to help others understand their own genetic risks and the importance of early detection and preventive care.
Katie is a student at South Gibson County High School and a titleholder within the Miss America Opportunity, where her Community Service Initiative focuses on educating and supporting men and women with a family history of the BRCA genetic mutation.
In addition to her community service work, she spends her time dancing at Bonnie's School of Dance, serving as president of her Best Buddies chapter, serving as Dance Captain for her Theatre Club, and volunteering as an ambassador for the Jackson Symphony and her school.
As a resident of Gibson County, Katie enjoys filling blessing boxes throughout her community. She believes every conversation has the power to make an impact and that education and knowledge are power.
