About the MNBCC
Mission
The MNBCC is a grassroots organization dedicated to our mission of ending breast cancer by advocating for increased research funding and access for all to evidence-based screening and treatment. The MNBCC formed in October 1991, a few months after the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) organized to focus the nation’s attention on the breast cancer epidemic. Working together with the NBCC, the Minnesota Coalition advocates for passage of national legislation related to breast cancer. The MNBCC is committed to educational and legislative advocacy in Minnesota. Our organization is made up entirely of volunteers who commit their time and energy to the fight to end breast cancer.
Advocacy
To achieve our mission, the MNBCC works on many initiatives designed to provide education about the disease. We also participate in several grassroots legislative advocacy efforts. MNBCC representatives do everything from speaking at support groups and conferences to updating Minnesota's legislative delegation about the importance of continued funding for peer-reviewed breast cancer research. Find out more about the work we do on our Advocacy page.
Resources
We also serve as a helpful resource to Minnesotans who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, as well as their friends and families. Our representatives offer information about clinical trials and support groups. If you would like more information, feel free to reach out to us through our Contact page. The MNBCC also provides free books to Minnesotans who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. We have distributed more than 20,000 helpful books since 1997.
Funding
The MNBCC is a 501(c)(3) designated non-profit organization with no administrative costs or fundraising expenses. Our primary sources of funding include private donations, corporate donations, fundraising events hosted by social organizations and individuals. Donations made to the MNBCC are tax-deductible. The money donated goes directly to fund our legislative and educational advocacy work in Minnesota.
Christine Norton
MNBCC Co-Founder and President
Christine Norton was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1990 at age 44. Just nine months after her diagnosis, Chris’ advocacy began. She was the Minnesota State Captain for the “Do the Write Thing” letter-writing campaign that was spearheaded by the newly formed National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) to urge Congress and President George H.W. Bush to increase breast cancer research funding.
In October 1991, Chris and Cher Johnson co-founded the Minnesota Breast Cancer Coalition to continue to build on the momentum generated by "Do the Write Thing." Chris is NBCC’s Field Coordinator for Minnesota and on both the c3 and c4 Boards of NBCC. She was on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Avon Foundation for six years and was a Public Member of the Minnesota Board of Nursing for 8 years. Chris has served as a peer-reviewer on scientific grants for the Department of Defense, the National Cancer Institute, the Avon Foundation, and the University of Minnesota.
Chris retired in 2005 after nearly 40 years as a high school English teacher. She and her husband have three children and four grandchildren.
