1999-2001
In 1999, volunteers on behalf of the Breast Health Awareness League (original organizers of the former Komen Indianapolis Race for the Cure® event), conducted a licensed raffle with net proceeds of just under $25,000. This money, which fell outside of the Komen-sanctioned events, would later become the seed money for the for the Indiana breast cancer license plate.
Shortly after, in 2000, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation implemented new requirements for Race for the Cure® organizing bodies to become Komen Foundation Affiliates. The Breast Health Awareness League 501(c)(3) non-profit organization was “repurposed” to become the Indiana Breast Cancer Awareness Trust, Inc. This was made possible by having missions that were similar.
That same year, Nancy Jaynes, a well-loved teacher and breast cancer survivor from Plymouth, Indiana, showed up at the Statehouse with pink balloons and busload full of schoolchildren. With great media attention and strong political support, the legislature passed the bill allowing for the establishment of a breast cancer license plate in Indiana and paved the way for Nancy’s dream of a “rolling billboard” of awareness.
2002-2007
2002-2007
Plate sales are launched in 2002.
2004
Beth Knapp (center, above) contracted as Director of Operations.
Senator Tom Wyss began discussions with BMV for special recognition plates to be sold directly at BMV branches (HB 1301).
Pat Moon, IBCAT’s processing coordinator since its inception, resigned.
First IBCAT screening and education grants were awarded in the amount of $92,250 to nine agencies for programs implemented in January 2005.
2006
IBCAT made a formal request to the BMV to “opt in” to the direct sale program.
A new Strategic Plan, which established four committees of the board (finance, governance, grants and marketing), is adopted by the board.
2007
Michele Wood, founding Board President, stepped down.
Sheila Hauck (above) became the Trust’s third president.
Breast cancer plates became available at license branches. Beth Knapp hired as IBCAT’s Executive Director.
2008-2013
2008-2013
In March of 2008 IBCAT founder, Nancy Jaynes, lost her 11-year battle with breast cancer.
In May of 2008, the first round of Mini-Grants were approved. Mini-Grants are six-month programs with a maximum funding of $2,500 each. $29,700 in Mini-Grants funded to 15 agencies.
IBCAT Board approved the establishment of the Nancy Jaynes Memorial Scholarship.
2008–2013 🎓✨Scholarship Snapshot:
- 2008: The IBCAT Board established the Nancy Jaynes Memorial Scholarship Program.
- 2009–2013: Awarded 11 Nancy Jaynes Memorial Scholarships totaling $11,000.
- 2012: Introduced the Nancy Jaynes Continuation Scholarship for previous recipients maintaining full-time college enrollment and a 3.0 GPA.
- 2012–2013: Awarded 7 Continuation Scholarships.
- By the end of 2013, the program had awarded 18 scholarships and $12,500 in scholarship funding.
2014-2019
2014-2019
2014–2019 🎓✨ Scholarship Snapshot
- Awarded 27 Nancy Jaynes Memorial Scholarships to graduating high school seniors.
- Awarded 36 Nancy Jaynes Continuation Scholarships to past recipients maintaining full-time college enrollment and a 3.0 GPA.
- Increased the maximum scholarship award to $2,500 in 2018.
- By 2019, the Nancy Jaynes Memorial Scholarship Program had awarded $80,000 to students impacted by a parent’s breast cancer diagnosis or loss.
2020-2025
2020-2025
2020
The new website was launched.
2020–2024 🎓✨ Scholarship Snapshot
- Continued investing in students impacted by a parent’s breast cancer diagnosis through both Memorial and Continuation Scholarship programs.
- Awarded 16 Nancy Jaynes Memorial Scholarships totaling $27,000.
- Awarded 28 Nancy Jaynes Continuation Scholarships to previous recipients maintaining full-time college enrollment and a 3.0 GPA.
- Surpassed $100,000 in total scholarship funding in 2021.
- By 2023, total Nancy Jaynes Scholarship funding exceeded $131,500.
In 2023 seven additional IBCAT board members joined and Erica Hazel was contracted as Executive Assistant.
March 2024 IBCAT began partnership with Cancer Support Community Indiana. Also began to provide grocery and gas assistance for Hoosiers undergoing breast cancer treatment.
In April 2025 IBCAT Participated and presented during in inaugural Pink Out the Statehouse event.
2026 – Present
2026 – Present
Introduced Patient Assistance Fund to assist breast cancer patients with grocery and gasoline gift cards.
Partnered with Breastie Boxes to bring support boxes to the Anderson, Indiana community by sponsoring the first Pack the Box event.