The Chapel Hill Breast Cancer Foundation
Tax ID#: 56-2197563

Despite tremendous success in both detection and treatment, breast cancer still claims the lives of more than 100 women every day in the US alone. We know that the underlying cause of breast cancer is a complex interaction of risk factors, genetics and hormones. But, after more than 50 years of research these complex interactions remain poorly understood. New and novel approaches to prevention, detection and treatment are desperately needed if we ever hope to unravel the mysteries and truly cure breast cancer. 

The Chapel Hill Breast Cancer Foundation (CHCBF) is a 501(c)(3)nonprofit organization with the singular mission of supporting  discovery phase research projects at  Duke, UNC and Wake Forest Universities. These institutions represent three of the premier breast cancer research centers in the country.

The CHBCF was established in 1997 and since that time has raised more than $1 million for our local universities through private donations, sporting events and silent auctions. CHBCF supporters donate their time and talents to manage all administrative and operational functions. As a result, 100% of the money raised by the CHBCF goes directly and equally to the three research institutions.

The CHBCF was founded by three North Carolina women, Ann Petersen, Debbie Howard and Karen Elliott who faced their own personal battles with breast cancer and were treated at Duke, UNC Chapel Hill and Wake Forest. Karen lost her battle, but Ann and Debbie continue the fight through their foundation’s unique focus of support.

The trio realized that although there are many well-known national organizations that raise money for the fight against breast cancer, innovative ideas in the treatment and diagnosis of this disease were being marginalized, or lost entirely due to the lack of seed money for proof-of-concept research.  Through the dedication of these three women the CHBCF was created. 

The CHBCF is supported by dozens of volunteers that donate their time and talents, numerous businesses that provide products and services and hundreds of businesses and individuals that participate and/or sponsor the fundraising events.

Breast cancer is diagnosed in over 275,000 and kills over 40,000 women and men annually. Please join us in support of vital research in the on-going fight to prevent and cure this disease that touches the lives of so many.

Our  Mission 

The Chapel Hill Breast Cancer Foundation's singular mission is to support discovery phase breast cancer research projects focused on discovery of prevention strategies, early detection and personalized treatment approaches.

Our vision

A day when breast cancer is diagnosed early, treated only when necessary and is survivable for all.
Your past donations are making a difference today.  
Today's donations will make a difference tomorrow.