August Director's Chair

BRA Groups

It's back to school time and most kiddos are looking forward to seeing friends and making additional social connections. Parents may also be looking forward to a little more free time and re-connecting more intentionally with grown-up friends. Summer can be a laid-back season full of family and travel, but we still often look forward to a new season.


Isn't that how life works? We move from one season to another -- one is not necessarily better than another, but all are different! Among BRA staff, we'll welcome a new baby next week, send kids back to school and college, try to fill some empty nests, and provide a respite for adult children coming back home for a spell.


I was chatting with a stranger while on vacation last week and learned that she, too, is a breast cancer survivor. After explaining what BRA does, she sadly remarked how much she wished something like this had been available to her. We instantly bonded over "insider" conversation, while the friends I was with looked on in amazement.


Many of you reading this are in a season of survivorship, but we are all part of a tribe like no other. We all know how good that feels, so spread the word to your medical team and anyone you know who could benefit from joining us. We can provide you with flyers to share.


And to see what an impact we make, invite your friends and medical team to the third annual OctoBRAfest, coming up on Sept. 30. This annual fundraiser helps us keep the program available to everyone and to expand to other areas of the country that need us. Like the stranger I met on vacation.


In connection,

Nancy Brown

BRA Co-founder | Executive Director


By BRA Groups June 24, 2026
Life after a breast cancer diagnosis often comes with new questions about healing, wellness, and how to support your body moving forward. In this episode of BRA Banter, we sit down with Monica Guirguis, PharmD, founder of Full Body Pharmacy , for an insightful conversation about personalized care during and after cancer treatment. Monica shares her patient-centered approach to helping individuals navigate recovery, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all path to healing. Drawing on her expertise in functional and integrative pharmacy, she discusses how thoughtful supplementation, nutrition, movement, and lifestyle support can help survivors feel more empowered in their wellness journey. At BRA Groups, we know that survivorship is about more than completing treatment. It's about finding resources, support, and information that help you move forward with confidence and hope. Monica's compassionate approach offers practical guidance while honoring the unique experiences of every survivor. Post-Chemotherapy Support Considerations As discussed during the episode, Monica shared several common areas of nutritional support that may be considered after chemotherapy. Every individual's needs are different, and survivors should consult their healthcare team before starting any new supplement regimen. Common post-chemotherapy support considerations include: High-quality multivitamin Methylated B-complex vitamins Vitamin D3 + K Omega-3 fatty acids Magnesium (glycinate, threonate, or malate) High-quality probiotic support NAC (N-acetylcysteine) Oral or injectable glutathione when appropriate DIM (with oncologist approval for estrogen-related cancers) Curcumin Vitamin C and other antioxidants (timing matters during active treatment) Adequate protein intake based on individual needs A Note from Monica "You don't need all of these at once. They are listed in order of importance. Ideally, bloodwork should be completed before beginning supplementation, but many individuals recovering from chemotherapy may benefit from evaluating these areas with their healthcare team." Questions about the information shared in this episode can be directed to Monica at drmonica@fullbodypharmacy.com .  Watch the episode above to learn how personalized, whole-person care can support healing, strength, and wellness after treatment.
By BRA Groups April 6, 2026
Don’t miss an intimate recorded discussion with Luchi Ajoku, two-time breast cancer survivor and creator of Diary of A Breastie. Luchi shares the highs and lows of her journey, the lessons that kept her fighting, and what she has learned about the power of storytelling. In her own words, Luchi says, “before breast cancer, I was living but after breast cancer, I'm alive.” This is a must-listen for anyone seeking courage, community, and actionable support. Watch the session on April 15 and be encouraged by a fellow survivor who turned her pain into purpose.
By BRA Groups March 23, 2026
Thank you for joining us! Our 2026 session at Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee was an educational and empowering event focused on living well with lymphedema. Topics ranged from diagnosis through ongoing management, and provided helpful resources, practical guidance, and supportive connection. Check out some pictures from the great session!
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