April Director's Chair

BRA Groups

Finding Inspiration in Nature

I live close to Warner Park and go there frequently to walk. That was something that absolutely saved my sanity during lockdown. In many ways, I consider it the birthplace of BRA since so many ideas got kicked around as my friends and I conquered the ups and downs and twists and turns of the trails.


A recent warm day called me back there after a winter of indoor workouts. I saw many trees uprooted and branches strewn about from our recent storms -- but I also noticed the new green leaves sprouting and the many tiny wildflowers beginning to bloom. Being out in nature again soothed my soul. I recognized the analogy of wind-tossed trees amidst new life; how that is often the case in our own lives.


BRA was born from the chaos of the pandemic, and now we are truly beginning to see new growth sprouting all over! We've grown from three locations to 11, and through our virtual program we are currently serving survivors in four different states. We've already moved out of Middle Tennessee and have been asked to start in-person programming in two additional states.


This means we need help! If you have an interest in making a difference in the life of a survivor, we've organized a comprehensive list of volunteer opportunities. Follow the link below to let us know which general area appeals to you, and we'll talk about what fits best. In the meantime, please help us keep this momentum growing and continue spreading the word!


Warmly,

Nancy Brown

BRA Co-founder | Executive Director


Learn more about volunteering

June 2025 BRA Banter

By BRA Groups • May 28, 2025
Watch a special session where we spotlight two inspiring breast cancer survivors who transformed their personal journeys into impactful businesses. This session, titled "Celebrating Businesses in Our Community Built by Survivors," features Angela Pacheco and Erin Karb of Good, Better, Best, and Candy Hunley of Ribbons & Roads. Discover how their experiences with breast cancer led them to create ventures that support and empower others in the survivor community. Angela Pacheco & Erin Karb – Founders of Good, Better, Best Angela and Erin, both diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, turned their shared experience into a mission to simplify toxin-free living. Good, Better, Best offers curated products and personalized services to help families transition to healthier lifestyles. Their approach emphasizes progress over perfection, making sustainable choices accessible and manageable for everyone. In this session, Angela and Erin share their journey from diagnosis to entrepreneurship, discussing how their personal challenges inspired them to educate and assist others in making informed, health-conscious decisions. Check out Good, Better, Best Candy Hunley – Founder of Ribbons & Roads Candy's battle with stage 3B breast cancer at 36 ignited her passion to support other women facing similar challenges. Recognizing the need for accessible post-mastectomy care, she established Ribbons & Roads, a mobile service providing personalized fittings for bras, prosthetics, and recovery wear. Candy's commitment ensures that women receive compassionate care in the comfort of their homes or at her Columbia, TN office. During the session, Candy discusses the inception of Ribbons & Roads and her dedication to easing the recovery journey for breast cancer survivors through personalized, empathetic support. Learn About Ribbons & Roads

Warrior Women - Candy Hunley - A Series from BRA Banter

By BRA Groups • May 28, 2025
Candy Hunley, Founder & CEO of Ribbons & Roads, is a devoted wife and mother who turned her personal breast cancer journey into a mission of hope and empowerment. Diagnosed with stage 3B breast cancer at the age of 36, Candy navigated chemotherapy, radiation, and multiple surgeries while raising three young children. Her strength and compassion have become the driving force behind her work to support others on their healing journeys. In this video, Candy shares her journey of survival and how it inspired the creation of Ribbons & Roads, a mobile mastectomy service designed to meet women where they are, both physically and emotionally. Her story is a testament to resilience, compassion, and the power of turning challenges into opportunities to uplift others. About Ribbons & Roads After her recovery, Candy began working in a boutique specializing in post-mastectomy care and quickly realized a major obstacle: many patients struggled to access the support they needed during such a vulnerable time. With her family's encouragement, Candy founded Ribbons & Roads to provide compassionate, personalized care through a mobile service, ensuring that no woman feels isolated in her recovery journey. Why Candy’s Story Matters Candy’s experience highlights the importance of accessibility and personalized care in breast cancer recovery. Her dedication to making post-mastectomy care more compassionate and convenient reflects her unwavering commitment to empowering women during some of their most challenging moments.  Tune in on June 12 to hear Candy’s inspiring story and learn how she’s transforming the post-mastectomy experience for women everywhere.

Warrior Women - Angela Pacheco - A Series from BRA Banter

By BRA Groups • April 30, 2025
Angela Pacheco, Founder & CEO of Good, Better, Best , is a Detroit native who has embraced the Nashville community as her home. Guided by the motto “Good, Better, Best” since childhood, Angela is committed to making better living simple and attainable. As an HR leader by day, she brings her strategic mindset to empowering individuals to take charge of their health and well-being. In this video, Angela shares her powerful story as a breast cancer survivor and how her journey inspired the creation of Good, Better, Best. Angela’s commitment to living intentionally shines through in her mission to help others make meaningful changes without the pressure of perfection. About Good, Better, Best Angela and her co-founder Erin turned their shared experience into a platform for change. Good, Better, Best offers curated products and personalized services to help families transition to healthier, toxin-free living. Their refill plans and tailored support make it easy to maintain a clean, sustainable lifestyle. Why Angela's Story Matters When Angela was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, she discovered the overwhelming connection between environmental toxins and health risks. Determined to create a solution, she and Erin spent years researching and testing ways to reduce harmful exposures, laying the foundation for their business. Watch now to hear Angela’s inspiring story of survival and transformation, and learn how she’s making better choices accessible for everyone.
More Posts