One out of every eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. This means that each and every one of us will be affected by this condition, either directly or indirectly, during the course of our life. And at just 62%, Utah ranks below the national average of 69% in terms of screening mammography rates. This is a staggering statistic, especially considering the strong emphasis on motherhood and breastfeeding/nursing in our state. In addition, according to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the third most frequent cause of cancer-related deaths in Utah (American Cancer Society). This is of dire concern given that breast cancer is both preventable and treatable with early detection and diagnosis. Why aren’t women getting their mammograms? These simple, 20-minute procedures are lifesaving and nearly universally covered 100% by health insurance. Moreover, many resources exist to provide funding for those who are un- or under-insured. The Boob Bus, of which I am a co-founder and 51% owner, will offer mobile screening mammography, risk assessment, and genetic testing to help women better understand and reduce their lifetime risk of breast cancer. As a licensed and certified genetic counselor and woman with a strong family history of breast cancer, I understand the opportunities and nuances around breast cancer risk assessment and genetic testing. Deeply integrating education, counseling and testing opportunities with screening mammograms is a winning combination; frankly, it is unbelievable that this opportunity has not been made so readily accessible previously. I turned 40 last year and had my first mammogram. It was neither as painful nor as scary as I made it out to be. And although the process was fast and professional, I left with more questions than I did answers. What is dense breast tissue? How does this impact my mammogram results? Should I schedule an ultrasound or biopsy? The vocabulary surrounding breast health should be at least as familiar to young adult women as those regarding pregnancy, labor, and delivery. The Boob Bus will be a revolutionary business that destigmatizes everyday discussion about breast health. It is inspired by my late grandmother, Doris Jean, who was a hardworking businesswoman and feisty breast cancer survivor. The bus itself will bear her name and be filled with black & white photos of her and her friends & family to honor a life so well lived despite breast cancer. In August of this year, I am returning to school at the University of Utah, David Eccles School of Business, to pursue a Master’s in Business Creation (MBC). This 9-month program helps entrepreneurs launch and refine their fledgling businesses. Because the program is highly intense and immersive, we are asked not to pursue work outside of our start-up business. As such, I aim to obtain grant and scholarship funding to cover living expenses for myself and my two children during the program until The Boob Bus becomes revenue-generating. Thank you so much for your consideration of my application. I welcome any further questions you may have!

I am a single mother of two energetic and seemingly sleepless boys. Emmett is a sensitive 7-year-old who says “awwww” every time he sees a baby animal and Pearce is a rambunctious 5-year-old who knows no stranger. Amidst their tee-ball games, our individual counseling sessions, and my new work schedule as a bus operator, I am returning to school to pursue a Master’s in Business Creation (MBC). This 9-month program, starting in August 2023 at the University of Utah, helps entrepreneurs launch and refine their fledgling businesses. Because I am in the pre-launch phase and not projected to draw revenue until the fourth quarter of this year, I aim to obtain grant and scholarship funding to cover living expenses in the interim. The Boob Bus, of which I am a co-founder and majority owner, will offer mobile screening mammography and genetic testing to help women better understand and reduce their lifetime risk of breast cancer. This business is inspired by my late grandmother, Doris Jean, who was a hardworking businesswoman and feisty breast cancer survivor. This business is in honor of past generations (my grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and several aunts and cousins) who battled breast cancer and will become the legacy I pass on to Emmett, Pearce, and their families. As a single parent with seventy percent custody, it is challenging to find the right balance between quality (read: costly), professional childcare and reliance on my social network to look after and engage my boys during my work hours. But I know it is a pre-requisite for me to create a mission-driven and meaningful legacy for them. Without a doubt, guilt is the biggest challenge for me as a working parent. Guilt about sitting in class three full days a week moving my business forward when I could be working with my boys on their math homework, reading comprehension, or soccer skills in the front yard. Guilt that Emmett isn’t going to track practice with his friends because I was too absorbed in my work to sign him up before the deadline. Guilt that a call from an important potential vendor will steal my attention from Pearce’s wrestling battle re-enactment. Guilt that these missed opportunities will intensify once my business launches and for several years thereafter. I know this because revenue-generating Boob Bus events will be added to my schedule, and I will be on the bus virtually 100% of the time (I’m in the process of obtaining my commercial driver’s license in my bus operator position so that I can safely and confidently drive the mobile unit, which will be called the Doris Jean). By obtaining this scholarship, I will be better equipped to cover daily living expenses without taking another job (and thus even more time away from my growing boys) throughout the program. By obtaining this scholarship, I will be setting a good example for them that one must work hard, think outside of the box, and self-advocate to achieve their dreams. I will be showing them how to create, act, and do good rather than just telling them those things. I sincerely appreciate your attention and consideration of this application; thank you (and go get your mammogram if you are due)!