Story
All money donated goes back into the app in order to fund the monthly running costs and go towards marketing the app, getting it infront of the right people as often as possible. Your help will make all the difference! Thank you so much x
The reason behind the App:
In 2024, just after I turned 42, I was diagnosed with an aggressive stage 3, grade 3 breast cancer that was growing at an epic rate. I learnt that it had been sitting there waiting to be found; growing for around 18 months, but because I wasn't paying attention to my body, I didn't spot it early. And I could have! I was angry at myself and at the lack of education and encouragement that I'd been given around keeping an eye on my boobs from a young age - I knew I had to do something to help others.
During my recovery from a 12 hour life saving operation, 16 rounds of intense chemotherapy, and 3 weeks of radiotherapy, I designed the My Breast Friend App - a really friendly self-care focused app that I truly believe will save lives by helping people get into a regular routine of checking their boobs.
I reached out to Amy Dowden to see if she's like to join me on this mission. I'm so grateful that she said absolutely she would, and so excited about what this means for the App.
My Breast Friend is a FREE monthly reminder app - a friendly little nudge to have a look and a feel. Focused on self-care and looking after yourself - the app is not centered around breast cancer - it's about gaining a new superpower - the ability to know what's normal and what's not. Not all changes can be spotted through self exam, but isn't it better to be in the position to recognise change if it's possible to? If I'd been reminded to check in on my chest, I would have found it earlier and my diagnosis could have been a lot more positive.
Did you know 40% of breast cancer cases are spotted from a self exam.
Through the utter kindness of a 'Breast friend', the Pink Ladies Charity Guernsey, numerous creative experts, medical professionals, and a top legal firm, I have been able to bring my idea to reality.
But the financial requirements to sustain the app need to be addressed...
The app is FREE and has not been designed to make money. It will take roughly £15,000 a year to support the upkeep of the monthly server fees, and any minor development tweaks. On top of this we want to market the app as often as possible so any extra funding would feed into a marketing pot that allows us to get the app out into all the right places as often as we can. There are lots of avenues we'd like to explore, but to do any of this, we need your help.
Together, we can make a huge difference and be part of something really special - truly life changing for so many people - futureproofing lots of lives. And if nothing else, My Breast Friend simply introduces a really positive routine into lots of lives.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, I will withdraw funds directly. It's the most efficient way to donate and saves time and costs.
Gemma & Amy x