About BRA Society
BRA Society (Breast Reconstruction Advocate Society) is dedicated to empowering women who are facing mastectomy surgery due to breast cancer or the high risk of breast cancer. We provide essential knowledge, resources, and support to help women make informed decisions about their breast reconstruction options including Aesthetic Flat Closure (AFC), Autologous Breast Reconstruction (using your tissue to reconstruct like DIEP Flap), Goldilocks Mastectomy and Implant-based reconstruction.
Through education, advocacy, and community engagement, we guide women through their medical journeys, assist with understanding insurance coverage, and encourage seeking multiple opinions to make well-informed decisions.
Our mission is to increase access to breast reconstruction. We provide grants to Oregon individuals who need to travel for mastectomy and/or reconstruction (including aesthetic flat closure). We also advocate for policy change to increase access to newer techniques in breast reconstruction including SB 1137 in Oregon that became law January 1, 2026.
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About the Founder
Gail Menasco’s personal journey as a breast cancer survivor inspired her to launch BRA Society. Diagnosed at age 38, Gail faced a double mastectomy and the challenge of navigating breast reconstruction options and navigating insurance. After undergoing her own journey, Gail felt compelled to help other women facing similar challenges.
Today, Gail empowers women across the United States, helping them access multiple expert opinions to make informed decisions about their reconstruction. She has also assisted countless women in overcoming insurance hurdles and navigating getting multiple opinions to make an informed decision. Through her work, Gail is creating a community of women who support and learn from each other and advocate for increased access to breast reconstruction.
Your Support Changes Lives
How Your Donation Can Make an Impact
Your donation directly impacts the lives of women navigating their breast cancer journey. Contributions to BRA Society help fund educational resources around Breast Reconstruction options, navigating insurance challenges and advocacy for policy change to increase access to reconstruction and newer procedures.
Real-World Impact of a Donation
With your support, we can ensure that more women have the opportunity to make decisions based on knowledge and empowerment and advocate for policy change to increase access to newer forms of breast reconstruction.
Did you know?
1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and over 100,000 women in the U.S. will undergo a mastectomy this year.
BRA Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit – TAX ID: 33-2272847
Our Advocacy Goals
Policy Change and Grant Program Goals
BRA Society is a 501(c)(3) with an H-election. We helped advocate for SB 1137 in Oregon, which expands access to Autologous breast reconstruction.
The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (WHCRA) mandates coverage for breast reconstruction and allows for double mastectomy (even if cancer is in one breast) for symmetry, but WHCRA is still subject to insurance networks and limitations which are getting smaller as many PPO plans have exited the ACA Marketplace.
We listen to patients’ stories and advocate for change to increase access.
BRA Society is also providing grants to Oregon women who need to travel for breast reconstruction to help offset the costs of travel.
Join Us in Empowering Women
By supporting BRA Society, you help create a future where all women can make informed decisions about their breast reconstruction options. Want to learn more or get involved? Fill out the form below, and we’ll be in touch with you soon.
Featured On Test Those Breasts Podcast
