One of Coppafeel’s posters – one of the most philanthropic boob tubes I’ve ever seen. ristin Hallenga, founder and CEO of Coppafeel is such an inspirational lady. Having been diagnosed with breast cancer in her twenties, she strives to spread the word about breast cancer awareness all year round, not just in October. Coppafeel is a charity which stives to raise awareness about checking your breasts regularly for any signs of change and to act quickly should any be found. ‘One day we WILL live in a world where no one dies of breast cancer due to late detection.’
Can You Tell Me A Bit About How Coppafeel Ccame Tto Be?
Kristin: CoppaFeel! was started out of my own frustrations and a severe lack of awareness amongst young people. I didn’t know I needed to check my boobs, or how to and I didn’t know breast cancer could happen to me> i was blissfully unaware and because of that my cancer was found late. I soon realised that a lot of my friends were in the same boat and what dawned on me then is that no one was telling our generation to check themselves or feel empowered to go to the doctor if something wasn’t quite right. So we had to do something about it and I set up CoppaFeel! What is the best and the worst thing about being a part of the Coppafeel charity? Kristin: Best: I can take time off when I want to! Worst: I never take time off! What do you think is the link between bras/lingerie, Breast Cancer and Copping-a-feel? Kristin: Do I think the wrong bras lead to breast cancer? No. But the lingerie business can play a massive role in educating their customers to look after their boobs.
You wear a bra every day, why not check your boobs whilst you’re putting it on?
What will Coppafeel be doing for Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Kristin: We have launched our student campaign. We have student Boob Teams across 15 universities who are spreading our Hello Boobs campaign and encouraging their fellow student bods to sign up to our text message reminder service.
What is Coppafeel’s greatest achievement?
Kristin: Saving a life – by encouraging a young woman to return to her doctor and getting a referral. Her breast cancer was found at a time when it can be treated successfully.
How has social media and celebrity endorsements/statements benefited the charity?
Kristin: Having Fearne Cotton and Dermot O’Leary onboard as patrons means we can reach an even bigger audience. They are adored by millions of young people so basically, anything they say is gospel. It helps reinforce our message and its a total bonus that they also happen to be fantastic people and totally passionate about the message we want to get out there. How does raising awareness really help in the fight against cancer? (As opposed to fundraising efforts that you do etc.)
What is the most important aspect?
Kristin: Awareness is the core of our operation. Fundraising just helps us keep going. I just know that from my own personal experience having CoppaFeel! introduced to me 3 years ago may have made a massive impact on my health and how long I will be able to keep doing what I’m doing. It makes absolute sense to be more aware of what our bodies are upto. It’s empowerment and a key to beating this disease.
