Erika Rech of Middletown and Michael Ruane of Red Bank were just 15 years old when they Co-Founded Breast Intentions. In 2007 the cousins learned that three family members had been diagnosed with the disease. They learned first hand the struggles that go along with a breast cancer diagnosis and they wanted to make a difference. They pooled their money and contacted a lawyer to set up a not-for-profit organization. They launched Breast Intentions to provide emotional and financial support and other resources to patients and their families who were in crisis while they were battling breast cancer.

The mission of Breast Intentions is to provide crisis intervention for patients who are facing financial hardship as they battle breast cancer. Additionally, through the Pink Pact Initiative, it is the goal of Breast Intentions to educate young women about breast health and the need for regular breast self examination.

To date Breast Intentions has raised almost 2 million dollars that has all gone back to patients in crisis. The charity is all volunteer run so every dollar donated makes a difference!

Today Erika Rech is a VP at JP Morgan Chase in NYC and Mike Ruane is a CFA at Morgan Stanley.