Support Pink Ribbon Vets: A Lifeline for Veterans with Breast Cancer

Building a Community of Advocacy, Connection, and Hope for Those Who’ve Served

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The Mission

Pink Ribbon Vets is a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to creating a supportive, empowering community for veterans with breast cancer.
This program provides advocacy, connection, and resources to veterans navigating the challenges of treatment, recovery, and survivorship—especially those facing Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC), which currently has no cure. By addressing the unique needs of veterans, Pink Ribbon Vets aims to bridge gaps in care, provide critical resources, and raise awareness about the urgent need for metastatic breast cancer research.

The Story

Hi, I’m Ellen K. Martin—a disabled Navy veteran, breast cancer thriver, and founder of CourseLauncher, an agency dedicated to building immersive and engaging learning and support communities.

I’m reaching out to you today with a mission close to my heart: building Pink Ribbon Vets, a support program dedicated to veterans with breast cancer.

Imagine serving your country—putting everything on the line—only to face a new battle you never saw coming: breast cancer. Now imagine trying to fight that battle alone, without the right support, without understanding where to turn, and without anyone who really gets it.

That was me.

When I was diagnosed, I relied on the VA for my care. And while I’m grateful for the treatment I received, it wasn’t easy to navigate. I spent hours—sometimes days—figuring out what I needed and advocating for myself. And I know I’m not alone.

Veterans with breast cancer need more than medical care. They need connection. They need guidance. They need community.

As a veteran who has navigated the VA system while undergoing treatment, I know how challenging it can be to find the right care, resources, and community. I also know how isolating this journey can feel.

That’s why I’m building Pink Ribbon Vets—to create a lifeline for those who served and are now fighting for their health and hope.

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Why Pink Ribbon Vets Matters

The statistics are clear:

1 in 8 women

Will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

Women Veterans

Are at higher risk for breast cancer due to unique exposures during their service.

The VA System

While essential, can be hard to navigate, especially when you’re already overwhelmed with a cancer diagnosis.

Behind these statistics are real women.

Real veterans who answered the call to serve and now need someone to answer their call for support.

Pink Ribbon Vets will change that by offering:

Advocacy

Helping veterans navigate the VA system and access timely, effective care.

Connection

Support groups and safe spaces to share experiences, hope, and strength.

Resources

Practical tools and tailored programs to empower veterans on their healing journey.

Budget Breakdown

We’re raising $50,000 to launch and sustain Pink Ribbon Vets during its first year.
  • Platform Development
    $15,000
  • Program Content & Resources
    $10,000
  • Community Moderation & Support
    $7,500
  • Outreach & Awareness
    $7,500
  • Ongoing Platform Costs
    $5,000
  • Wellness & Virtual Retreats
    $5,000
  • Total $50,000
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How Your Donation Helps

Your generosity is more than a donation—it’s a lifeline for the women who served our country and are now facing a new battle.
Entrance to our virtual retreat.
Your support will directly fund the creation and growth of Pink Ribbon Vets, including:
Building the Pink Ribbon Vets Online Platform

Creating an online virtual community where veterans can interact in forums and live video/audio meeting spaces.

Developing Advocacy Resources

Tools and personalized guidance to help veterans navigate the VA.

Hosting Support Groups

Safe, moderated spaces where veterans can share their stories, challenges, and victories.

Developing Veteran-Centered Resources

Programs tailored to the unique needs of breast cancer thrivers who’ve served our country.

Launching Future Programs

Laying the foundation for retreats, wellness initiatives, and national outreach.

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Why Now?

There are veterans out there right now—alone, overwhelmed, and unsure where to turn. They’ve fought for us. It’s our turn to fight for them.

The Pink Ribbon Vets program is ready to take shape, but I can’t do it alone. Together, we can create a space where veterans feel seen, heard, and supported—a space where they can find hope in the hardest moments.

As a Navy veteran and breast cancer thriver, I’ve experienced these challenges firsthand. I fought to navigate the VA system and advocate for disability benefits while also battling for my life. I’ve walked this road, and I know I’m not alone. Pink Ribbon Vets was born from this struggle to ensure that no veteran has to face these battles without support.

Other Ways to Help

I understand not everyone can give financially. Here’s how you can still make a difference:
Volunteer Your Time

Helping veterans navigate the VA system and access timely, effective care.

Spread the Word

Share this campaign with your network, family, and friends. Every share creates a ripple of impact.

Join the Mission

If you’re a veteran or someone passionate about helping, let's collaborate! Together, we can make Pink Ribbon Vets a reality.

Connect With Me

Reach out via https://meetwithellen.com

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A Personal Note From Me

As a Veteran, and someone who’s walked this road, I know the struggles firsthand. I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed, lost in the system, and uncertain where to turn. But I also know the power of community—of people coming together to lift each other up so that everyone feels understood and supported.

This is about more than me. It’s about the thousands of veterans fighting this battle today—and the ones who will come tomorrow.

I’m stepping out of my comfort zone to ask for your help because I believe in this mission. I believe in them. And I believe in us.

Together, we can build Pink Ribbon Vets. Together, we can change lives.

I’m building Pink Ribbon Vets not for me—but for every veteran who deserves better. Together, we can create a space of advocacy, connection, and hope—a place where veterans can thrive, not just survive.

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The Future Vision of Pink Ribbon Vets

A National Network of Support

Accessible online and in-person communities for veterans with breast cancer across the country.

Tailored Advocacy Training

Programs to equip veterans to advocate for themselves and others navigating the VA system.

Wellness and Healing Programs

Integrating holistic approaches like mindfulness, nutrition, and movement alongside conventional care.

In Person and Virtual Retreats

Opportunities for veterans to gather, reflect, and heal together in a nurturing, supportive environment.

A Dedicated Resource Hub

A centralized platform with trusted tools, resources, and information tailored to veterans with breast cancer.

Partner with organizations like METAvivor

To amplify efforts to fund metastatic breast cancer research. Metastatic breast cancer accounts for a large portion of breast cancer deaths, yet only 2-5% of breast cancer research funding is allocated to metastatic research. For veterans—who face unique risks due to military exposures, delayed diagnoses, and systemic challenges within the VA—the stakes are even higher.

A National Network of Support

Accessible online and in-person communities for veterans with breast cancer across the country.

Tailored Advocacy Training

Programs to equip veterans to advocate for themselves and others navigating the VA system.

Wellness and Healing Programs

Integrating holistic approaches like mindfulness, nutrition, and movement alongside conventional care.

In Person and Virtual Retreats

Opportunities for veterans to gather, reflect, and heal together in a nurturing, supportive environment.

A Dedicated Resource Hub

A centralized platform with trusted tools, resources, and information tailored to veterans with breast cancer.

Partner with organizations like METAvivor

To amplify efforts to fund metastatic breast cancer research. Metastatic breast cancer accounts for a large portion of breast cancer deaths, yet only 2-5% of breast cancer research funding is allocated to metastatic research. For veterans—who face unique risks due to military exposures, delayed diagnoses, and systemic challenges within the VA—the stakes are even higher.

This is Only The Beginning

I envision Pink Ribbon Vets growing into a comprehensive movement of advocacy, healing, and empowerment—one that transforms the lives of veterans facing breast cancer today and for generations to come.

One of the long-term goals for Pink Ribbon Vets is to establish a nonprofit foundation, ensuring the sustainability of its programs and creating a lasting legacy of support for veterans facing breast cancer. As a 501(c)(3) organization, the Pink Ribbon Vets Foundation would expand funding opportunities through grants, corporate sponsorships, and tax-deductible donations. This transition would allow us to broaden our reach, provide more comprehensive services, and host wellness retreats, advocacy programs, and educational initiatives tailored to the unique needs of veterans. By creating a foundation, we aim to secure the future of Pink Ribbon Vets, ensuring it remains a beacon of hope and resilience for generations to come. This legacy would honor the strength and service of our veterans, empowering them to thrive through connection, advocacy, and community.

I can’t wait to see where we’ll take it—together.