The original concept
Where it Began: The BOok of Boobs (Nov 2023)
"Filmed in November 2023, this early conversation with the Co‑Founders captures the origins of what began as The Book of Boobs — the very first spark in a journey shaped by lived experience, representation and community voice.
Since this moment, the project has evolved significantly. We led and commissioned Project BeliEVE, a community‑based study exploring what women needed from visual decision support before mastectomy, with our without reconstruction. The insights from BeliEVE directly informed the creation of BRAVE 1.0, our first printed response to those findings.
BRAVE 1.0 has now been evaluated with women and clinicians, shaping the development of BRAVE as it stands today — a resource grounded in evidence, co‑creation and the realities of breast cancer pathways.
This video offers a glimpse into where it all began: the mission, the inspiration, and the early themes of resilience, representation and advocacy that continue to guide BRAVE’s work."
TONI WARD & LOU MCKENNA-MAYES
CO-FOUNDERS TONIBOBANDLOU CIC
"in my 9 Years in the cancer arena, I've never seen anything like it"
—Avril Chester, Founder Cancer Central UK & CTO at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society
DISCLAIMER
References to patients, nurses, surgeons, partners & supporters on this website are made based on their alignment with our values and meeting our research criteria. Any other healthcare provider demonstrating comparable skill, compassion, and education to patients will also be considered and recognised here. However, it's important to note that the information provided on this website is not intended to replace or be interpreted as medical advice. For medical advice, please consult a licensed breast cancer specialist.