History
In 2013, a group of family and friends assembled to form a team for the Susan G.
Komen Breast Cancer Race for the Cure. Team Fabulous was created on behalf of their
loved ones who had lost their battles with Cancer. While planning for the Race, the
group recognized the greater need for more ground root assistance in our community
for individuals and their families going through cancer treatment.
The Benjamin & Yancy Foundation was created in loving memory of Velma C.
Benjamin, Ph.D. and Elmira Bridges Yancy, BS, MS - two remarkable women and
distinguished educators, both in the field of Health, Physical Education and Dance.
They worked as classroom teachers, basketball and tennis coaches, sponsors for
majorettes, cheerleaders, pep squads, modern dance groups and most importantly,
mentors for a multitude of adolescents, particularly young women and men in the City of
New Orleans.
The Benjamin & Yancy Foundation has undertaken the mission to provide education,
transportation, screenings and supportive therapies to Breast and Prostate Cancer
Patients and their caretakers.
Jean Benjamin-Vappie and Elizabeth A. Bridges had been primary caregivers and
understood the broad scope of needs and responsibilities of this important role. In
October 2016, their commitment to make a difference, steered them to Incorporate and
Register the Foundation with the City of New Orleans and State of Louisiana.
The Benjamin & Yancy Foundation Inc., was certified February 2017 by the
Federal Government as a 501(C)(3) organization.
Membership in the BY Foundation is open to all who desire to help cancer patients and
their families. Our earnest desire is that we can be a beacon of hope and light in the
lives of those battling Cancer. Therefore, this alliance has been created to make
significant contributions to families of those suffering with Breast & Prostate Cancer.