Dustin came into the Tour de Pink family as a co-survivor. He started his own organization FCancerUp.com as a way for everyone affected by breast cancer to take power back from the disease. He has used his company and cycling industry connections to spread awareness of the YSC mission to thousands of people each year. For 2 consecutive years, he has raised $80,000 for Tour de Pink. He has also facilitated the relationship between Shimano and YSC. For several years, Shimano has donated cycling shoes and pedals to all survivor riders who receive donated bikes. Dustin is team captain of Team Weiser's Army and continues to recruit new riders and fundraisers every year for the Tour de Pink ride. We are honored to present Dustin Brady as one of the YSC Game Changers for his support through Tour de Pink.
What inspires you in your work to support, empower or educate young women affected by breast cancer?
Sometimes I think about stopping. I wonder if what I’m doing is making a difference. But then I receive a random letter in the mail from someone asking for a free sticker which I offer on my website (fcancerup.com). That letter is usually thanking us for what we are doing, and for me, knowing that what I do has helped one person get through a tough situation makes it all worthwhile.
Also, I travel a lot for work, and when I see someone in an airport or in a city that I can tell is going through cancer … that look of loneliness eats at me. Everything I do - fundraising and giving away stickers, selling shirts or license plate frames - is a message to them to let them know they are not alone. It’s a message built on an idea to turn any negative energy into something of power: people they don’t even know are in this fight with them.
What about your work for young women affected by breast cancer makes you most proud?
Knowing that I help one person get through a tough time. Seeing the community come together at TdP. Seeing a cancer survivor come alive socializing is pretty rewarding.
What are your hopes for the future, with regard to YSC and young breast cancer survivors?
That women, young or old, don’t face the battle alone. That they continue to get information and support which helps them get through tough situations.
What is your message for YSC on its 20th anniversary?
Don’t forget your roots. Don’t forget where you come from.
About YSC and Game Changers
Young Survival Coalition was founded in 1998 by young women diagnosed with breast cancer under age 35.
YSC is made up of people: survivors, co-survivors, volunteers, donors, healthcare providers. Our strength comes from our community. So in our 20th year, we will honor our roots — the people who have helped build YSC into what it is today — and also look forward, recognizing those in our community who are changing the future of breast cancer in young women.
We are highlighting these individuals as Game Changers throughout 2018 and sharing their stories with the world to thank them for their contributions to our community.
