How We Got Started
Call us crazy… but BRA was founded in 2021 in the middle of a global pandemic, with no funding. What we did have was a lot of experience and a huge passion for helping others who have heard those words, “you have cancer.”
As survivors ourselves, collectively we have personally spoken with and “mentored” thousands of women over the span of more than two decades. We know firsthand the power of a healing community, and have more than 15 years of experience in creating programming that helps breast cancer survivors not only find their “new normal,” but to embrace it and thrive.
Our Mission and Vision
BRA’s mission is to empower breast cancer survivors physically and emotionally by creating inclusive communities where all can grow in strength, resilience, and joy.
Our vision is that BRA programming will become part of the breast cancer continuum of care in all geographic areas, improving quality of life through four core components: exercise, nutrition, emotional health, education.
Our Team
Nancy Brown
Co-founder
Executive Director
Nancy was a mother of two young children when she was diagnosed just weeks after her 45th birthday. With experience in navigating the healthcare system, she soon began helping others find their way as well. As a 20+ year survivor, she has used her knowledge and compassion to help guide more than 1,500 survivors through their own experience.
Namaste Anderson
Co-founder
Community Relations Director
Diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 28, Namaste has informally mentored other survivors for more than 20 years. Her understanding of the issues facing young survivors has been especially helpful to many. She is a wife and mom to two daughters.
Jenadi Talbot
Co-founder
Director of Operations
Jenadi received her breast cancer diagnosis at the age of 35. With four young children, including a toddler, she knew she needed a tribe to lean on. Recently diagnosed young mothers frequently call on Jenadi for advice and comfort, which she has freely given for close to 10 years.
Bev McGee
Regional Director
Bev McGee is a 7-year breast cancer survivor who first took BRA classes in Middle Tennessee (Murfreesboro). She retired from teaching middle school in 2021, and moved closer to family in Bristol. Now, she’s able to “pass it on” as she facilitates BRA classes in Bristol.
Melanie Cavender
Regional Director
Since her diagnosis more than 15 years ago, Melanie has worked tirelessly to help more than 800 survivors find a better quality of life. As a fitness professional who raised two daughters as a single mom, she is particularly passionate about healthy living.
Trainers
Lydia Fowler
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Personal Trainer
Dietitian
Brittany Cardwell
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Board of Directors
Lyn Haddad
5 Year Survivor
Jennifer Darling
5 Year Survivor
Jenadi Talbot
5+ Year Survivor
Namaste Anderson
20+ Year Survivor
Shauna Billingsley
2 Year Survivor
Suzanne Fletcher-Thompson, MD
10 Year Survivor
Sara Hanai
8 Year Survivor
Medical Advisory Board
Brent Rexer, MD
Medical Oncologist
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Cristina Kline-Quiroz, DO
Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Mary Darden, ONP
Tennessee Oncology
Galen Perdikis, MD
Plastic Surgery Department Chair
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Linda Bloodworth, MS, PT, PhD
Regional Rehabilitation Manager
National Healthcare Corporation
Community Partners
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