NBCC Celebrates the Life of Christine Brunswick
On Monday, February 25, 2013, the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) lost a phenomenal advocate and incredible friend. Christine Brunswick, NBCC Vice President, succumbed to a long, courageous battle with breast and cervical cancer. She was 60.
Ms. Brunswick, a longtime leader in breast cancer advocacy, was a volunteer leader for NBCC since the early ‘90s and a member of its Board of Directors and Executive Committee. She represented NBCC on many committees and panels, from the Department of Defense (DOD) Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) to the Institute of Medicine and the Cochrane Collaboration. Passionate about reaching out to women internationally, Ms. Brunswick was a leader in women’s health globally, as NBCC’s delegate to the 1995 United Nation’s Beijing Women’s Conference, a speaker at any number of various breast cancer science and advocacy meetings in numerous countries, and an instructor and mentor at NBCC’s international Project LEAD® courses.
“Chris was the embodiment of NBCC advocacy,” said Fran Visco, president of NBCC. “She knew the science and public policy and she knew and cherished grassroots power. She believed without question in our mission to end breast cancer. She wanted to bring her ferocious self to NBCC because, as she often said, she knew we would make a real difference.”
Ms. Brunswick spent many days walking the halls of Congress on behalf of the coalition, leading teams of advocates, taking the lead on complex issues, debating with Senators and Representatives. All with one focus: to end breast cancer. She testified before several Congressional committees and before the FDA in support of NBCC’s agenda. She was often quoted in the media, both print and broadcast, representing NBCC.
“I recall so many of those appearances, especially when she was the lone voice on our side of a controversial issue. But she had the intelligence, the grace and the courage to stand up for all of them,” said Visco.
Born in Iron River, Michigan, Ms. Brunswick was a graduate of Michigan State University where she earned a degree in economics. She was the American Bar Association (ABA) Tax Section Executive Director for 25 years and recipient of the ABA Tax Section’s 2013 Distinguished Service Award.
She is survived by her son Daniel Kemp of New York City.
At the family’s request, NBCC has established a tribute fund in honor of Ms. Brunswick. The Vance Wall Foundation has generously pledged to match all donations to The Chris Brunswick Fund.