What started as two women sharing late-night messages while navigating their own breast cancer diagnoses has grown into one of Harford County’s most compassionate communities. In just one year, Breast Friends of Bel Air has connected more than 200 local women and supporters, offering a lifeline of encouragement, resources, and real understanding.
Their mission is simple but powerful: make sure no one fights breast cancer alone. Through their signature “Breastie Bags” — care packages filled with comfort items for those undergoing treatment — the group delivers hope and a reminder that someone is in their corner.
Now, to celebrate their first anniversary, they’re going big. The group is hosting its inaugural Breastival, a family-friendly fundraiser designed to fuel their efforts — from filling even more Breastie Bags to providing extra holiday support for local patients.
What is Breast Friends of Bel Air?
Breast Friends of Bel Air is a local nonprofit community founded in September 2024 by Jennifer Walker Gerhart and Danielle Shriner - two women who connected while facing their own breast cancer diagnoses. Their mission is to uplift, empower, and connect breast cancer patients to ensure that no one in Harford County and the surrounding area fights breast cancer alone.
What does this organization do?
The group provides emotional support, encouragement, and practical help to patients currently undergoing treatment. Their signature project, Breastie Bags, are care packages filled with comfort items and essentials designed to bring a little light to those difficult days in treatment. They also host monthly events, provide resources, and connect survivors, thrivers, and supporters so that no one feels isolated.
How can people get involved?
There are many ways to join the movement:
- Volunteer: Help assemble Breastie Bags, deliver them to treatment centers, or assist at events.
- Donate: Financial contributions, wish list items (tea, cozy socks, journals, etc.), or gift cards go directly toward supporting patients.
- Spread the Word: Follow, share, and engage on social media to help reach more local patients who may need support.
- Join the Group: Patients and supporters are welcome to be part of the Breast Friends of Bel Air private support group on Facebook.
- Buy Merch! Grab a tee shirt, water bottle, and other fun items to support our mission. Message us for more info!
Upcoming Events/Initiatives
- Breastival 2025: The first-ever family-friendly fundraiser to celebrate one year of Breast Friends of Bel Air. Proceeds will fund more Breastie Bags and holiday support for patients in active treatment. Join us on Sunday, 10/19 1-4 at The Vine Natural Health Center (9 Newport Dr suite 200, Forest Hill, MD 21050)
RSVP HERE: https://fb.me/e/3ywv2KyD0?mibextid=wwXIfr - Monthly Sip & Supports
How can people get in touch or learn more?
- Facebook Group: Breast Friends of Bel Air
- Instagram: @BreastFriendsofBelAir
- Email: breastfriendsofbelair@gmail.com
- Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1PUM837XJR0KX?ref_=wl_share
