Keep A Breast Foundation (KAB) marks a historic milestone with a return to Vans Warped Tour in Orlando this weekend. The festival is the final touchpoint of KAB’s 25th anniversary year as a breast cancer early detection-focused organization, as well as Vans Warped Tour’s 30th anniversary. With KAB joining the tour in 1998, this final weekend brings to a close a celebration of two organizations that have grown up together, united by a mission to meet people where they are and create lasting positive impact through music, education, action and community.
“Vans Warped Tour holds a special place in KAB’s story,” KAB’s Founder Shaney jo Darden said. “It shaped who we are as an organization and how we show up in the world—bold, fun, and uniquely ourselves when it comes to breast health education. But it’s also home. A place where I know I’ll always find my people, and always meet new people excited to engage around our shared humanity and health.”
From the days of the "i love boobies!" awareness campaign inception to today's comprehensive breast health education programs, Keep A Breast and fellow social good organizations have been integral to Warped Tour's tradition and identity of combining music with meaningful social impact.
"My brand has always been three words: music, philanthropy, and education," said Kevin Lyman, Founder of Vans Warped Tour. "When you're having fun, you want to learn. If 10% of the 40,000 people here engage differently—dropping off cans, signing up for Keep A Breast’s [self breast-exam app], asking questions—that's 4,000 people going back into their communities with a different train of thought. That's the power of what we've built together."
Lyman's philosophy of nonprofit integration through "osmosis rather than preaching" has been foundational to Warped Tour's approach since its start. Rather than creating separate, educational programming, organizations like Keep A Breast are woven into the fabric of the festival experience, allowing attendees to engage naturally while having a great time.
At the Orlando festival this weekend, KAB will be offering interactive educational experiences, distributing resources on breast self-examination and early detection, and providing opportunities for fans to engage directly with the organization's mission.
Additionally, fans will have the opportunity to win a custom “i love boobies!” electric guitar, courtesy of Schecter Guitar Research, and to purchase limited edition 25th anniversary commemorative apparel and accessories designed by legendary contemporary artist and activist Shepard Fairey, proceeds of which directly fund KAB’s programming – all a part of KAB’s focus on reaching people in unconventional ways through art, music, education and a punk-rock ethos.
The organization looks ahead to future partnership with Vans Warped Tour and the evolution and expansion of several of its programs supporting the breast cancer community and young people worldwide with education and resources.
