About Us
Here to Shine Light on Holistic Breast Health and Break Down Barriers to Care
Breasts nurture, excite, evoke all sorts of feels but we don't really talk about their health until faced with a potentially bad diagnosis. Breast health education needs to begin before we're at that point - we all have breasts, chests, boobs - whatever you want to call 'em! BOSOMii intends to become a great nonprofit public charity notable for its comprehensive online breast health resources while still maintaining a physical presence in the CT Valley Region. Learn about our mission, vision and values here.
Why We Continue to Use the Word "Breast"
We understand that language matters. We also understand that the word breast can carry complex associations for people of all genders, particularly those who have experienced gender-based harm, dysphoria, or discrimination in healthcare. We want to acknowledge those experiences with care and compassion - and we also want to share openly about why we continue to use the term breast in our materials and programming.
Breast is a medical term, not a gendered one.
As healthcare professionals, many of us are credentialed in breast imaging and care. Our use of the word breast is grounded in anatomy and biology, not gender. Breast tissue is a type of tissue found in all human bodies, regardless of sex or gender identity. It consists of ducts, lobules, connective tissue, and fat - and is present in varying amounts in people of all genders. The way this tissue develops and presents is influenced by a range of factors, including hormones, genetics, age, and health status - not by gender identity alone.
We recognize that culture has gendered this tissue - but we do not hold that belief. Society has historically assigned breasts to one side of the gender binary. At BOSOMii, we reject that framing. We do not believe body parts define a person’s identity or worth. Instead, we seek to provide care and education that respects each person’s wholeness - body, mind, and spirit - without reducing anyone to their anatomy.
Language that is both inclusive and clear matters in clinical contexts. In medical and educational settings, clarity and accuracy save lives. The term breast is the recognized descriptor in medical literature, clinical guidelines, and diagnostic tools. Using consistent terminology allows us to advocate effectively for patients across the spectrum of gender identities who need access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment - particularly in a healthcare system that often fails to meet the needs of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive people.
We are committed to body-liberating care.
Whether someone has undergone top surgery, wears a prosthetic, binds, chooses reconstruction, or lives comfortably with or without visible breasts; our goal is to support and affirm them. Our name - BOSOMii - is a nod to the sacred complexity of this region of the body: a place of nourishment, intimacy, identity, and strength. We believe in reclaiming the term bosom as expansive, not restrictive. We use the word “breast” because it reflects the anatomical reality we work with - not because we believe in a binary definition of bodies.
If you have questions about our language, we invite conversation. If you're seeking care or community that seeks to understand you as a whole person, you’re in the right place.
Our Origin Story
#LightTheValleyCT was conceived September 25, 2020 as a social media (COVID-safe) fundraising movement to spread awareness about breast cancer and honor survivors.
BOSOMii was an extension of the #LightTheValleyCT initiative, born in March, 2021 with the intent to expand awareness about holistic breast health, body positivity, prevention of breast disease through early detection, and increasing survivorship. BOSOMii is an avenue to discuss more than just breast disease, cancers or pathology. The exploration embraces health perspectives or healing paradigms that are not completely in line with the allopathic care model which has become standard practice here in the west. BOSOMii is also a natural extension of the passion its founders bring to the role of breast navigators.
The primary role of a healthcare patient navigator is to eliminate barriers to care. Education is extraordinarily important so that individuals can make appropriate choices about their own unique healing journey our own research about barrier to breast care in our community is what has led us to where we are now. We believe in empowerment through knowledge - so learn everything you can, teach us a thing or two also, please!
One day we hope to help disrupt the current paradigm of how medicine is practiced, cultivating an appreciation of more integrative practices in person centered care models. We also yearn for the day that all insurance companies will support screening breast ultrasounds, MRIs and genetic testing to aid in the early detection of breast diseases and prevent breast cancer. Health equity is a hot topic too - the field is getting there and we're trying to help.
Our Advisors
We're so grateful!
Our Community
The CT Valley area has been incredibly receptive and generous to this cause. We are looking forward to working with local vendors and establishing more relationships within our community.
Mary MacDonald
forever our Mammo Mother
Award winner of Fairfield County Doctors of Distinction in 2019 - we're so proud of our mammo-mamma. We were Mary's first proteges in Connecticut. We feel incredibly lucky to have been trained by this fabulous woman. Thanks for everything mom!
Our Friends & Families
Our friends and families were our first volunteers, without their support we would not be able to dedicate so much time and energy to this endeavor. We love you and thank you, thank you, thank you!