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Celebrating diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice within the craft beer community
Celebrating diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice within the craft beer community
Beer Culture

Scars Are Beautiful: A Previvor Pairs Beer with Breast Cancer Awareness

Beer is for Everyone
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July 8, 2022
5 Mins read
unnamed6

by Kerri Brown

 

We’ve seen a number of campaigns in the craft beer industry that support and spread awareness around different health conditions and issues. In fact, the craft beer community is a particularly charitable bunch. The Brewers Association reported that in 2016, craft breweries in the United States donated an estimated $73.4 million to charitable causes, with much of that amount going towards health and healthcare-related causes.

 

What makes charitable giving in the craft beer industry unique is that it is often breweries’ communities that spearhead and inspire initiatives. When an issue hits close to home, breweries become creative spaces to raise money and start important conversations.

 

Kinship Brewing Co. in Waukee, Iowa became such a space when brewer, Jess Mitchell, was diagnosed with the BRCA2 gene (or the “breast cancer gene”) last year at the age of 27. 

 

Jess Mitchell

 

“I received a diagnosis of 90% risk factor for breast cancer, 84% risk factor for ovarian cancer and 56% risk factor for pancreatic cancer,” Jess said. 

 

She knew that she needed to make an urgent decision. “I have a wonderful cancer care team and they advised a double mastectomy since my risk for breast cancer was so high.” Two months later, in May, Jess underwent a double mastectomy and decided against reconstruction. During the surgery, her doctors discovered a precancerous tumor. 

 

Her risk of breast cancer is now 5%. She plans on undergoing what is known as a “radical hysterectomy,” or the removal of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, which will decrease her risk of ovarian cancer to 1%. Her risk of pancreatic cancer won’t decrease since she is unable to have her pancreas removed.

 

Both her life and her healthcare routine have been altered forever following her diagnosis. “I see [my] OBGYN every 6 months… and I see my cancer center every 3 months! Lots of surveillance. I usually have about six blood draws per year, [and] about seven scans per year.”

 

Before entering the craft beer industry four years ago, Jess was a firefighter EMT in California. She’s a fighter who doesn’t give up easily, and she loves to help others. “It’s been a journey, but I didn’t want this aggressive diagnosis to stop me from living life.” 

 

After her surgery and during her recovery, Jess looked for a breast cancer 5K to participate in. However, she learned that the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the nation’s largest breast cancer awareness organization, had discontinued their operations in Iowa in March of that same year.

 

This motivated her to organize her own 5K. “I went to my team at Kinship Brewing Co. and asked if we could start a 5K and we started planning right away! In [three] months we raised $30,000, had 29 sponsors, and almost 600 registrants!” Kinship Brewing Co.’s first Fighting Through Kinship 5K took place in October of 2021, with proceeds going towards three nonprofit organizations.

 

But Jess didn’t stop there. Earlier this year Jess started the “Scars Are Beautiful” campaign, for which she collaborated with 22 breweries in Iowa to brew a West Coast IPA. “It’s about the journey you go through after a double mastectomy and the large scars you receive. It’s a tough journey to go on but you are beautiful and so are your scars.”

 

Scars are Beautiful IPA

 

One dollar per pint sold will go towards the Blessing Box Project, a donation-based organization run by breast cancer survivor Dawn Compton that provides post-mastectomy care items such as hand-sewn pillows and drain shirts. Jess’ plan is to have 100 boxes sent to Iowa to be distributed to the Des Moines community. 

 

The Scars Are Beautiful West Coast IPA was launched on May 14 in Iowa. “The 22 breweries have been so amazing with helping and raising this awareness. They have it on tap at their own breweries or have cans of it to sell.”

 

The campaign has gained traction and will go nationwide in September of this year, with 33 (and counting) breweries across nine states pledging their participation. “I am so ready for this next chapter of this beer, and I hope that people see how special it really is.”

 

The risk of developing breast cancer is 13% for women and .1% for men in the United States, meaning that most of us are either directly or indirectly affected by a breast cancer diagnosis, and that that diagnosis will inevitably affect our working lives. But Jess’ initiative draws attention to an often-overlooked population: Young women workers who are forced to take life-altering preventive measures to ensure long-term health. Kinship Brewing Co. did it right. “Kinship has been a rock for me throughout my journey,” Jess says. “From testing to finding out the news at the bar, to throwing me a good luck party and even setting up meals during my recovery, they have been amazing. They have let me take my news and shine a light on how we can take action and help those who need it the most.”

 

Many breweries do not provide such support. In a 2018 survey conducted by Beervana of 397 brewery employees in the United States, 71% of respondents reported that they either had no employer-provided health plan, or a “bad” plan. Just 29% reported having a “good” plan. 25% of respondents reported not having any paid time off, including sick time. 

 

Preventive health measures and care for chronic conditions can necessitate far more than what many employee benefit packages cover, including benefits and services such as mental health care, disability support, childcare, and flexible work schedules. But such benefits are crucial in guaranteeing workplace equality and the overall well-being of employees. 

 

“…I would hope every brewery supports the idea of women being in that role and listening to them. I would say there is a lot to learn from your employees and having those discussions are crucial in my opinion,” Jess says. 

 

Kinship Brewing Co.

 

The campaign that Jess has led is still going strong. In addition to Scars Are Beautiful being brewed nationwide, the second annual Fighting Through Kinship 5K will take place on October 2, 2022, in Waukee. Those interested can sign up and find more information here.

 

Jess’ mission is all about community, awareness, and resilience. “I hope that I can be a mirror for those finding their self-love again and an advocate for those who are struggling with the news and surgery. Please reach out if you have any questions about the beer or if you want to participate. But also please reach out if you want to vent or talk. My email is always open.”

 

Jess’ email address is jess@kinshipbeer.com, and you can find more information about Scars Are Beautiful on the campaign website. For support and/or information about breast cancer, check out the Blessing Box Project group on Facebook, which includes over 10,000 members and provides a supportive community for those affected by breast cancer. The National Cancer Institute also provides extensive information about the BRCA1 and BRCA2 “breast cancer genes”. 

 

Scars are Beautiful

 

Blessing Box Project Breast Cancer Cancer Charity Beer Fighting Through Kinship Iowa Beer Iowa Breweries Jess Mitchell Kinship Brewing Scars are Beautiful Social Cause Beer social justice beer Susan G. Komen
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Attention #PinkBootsSociety members 📣

Reminder of our upcoming Webinar on March 21 at 1pm Central Time with Guest Speaker: Ren Navarro, @beer_diversity

We will have a living exposé of people from diverse backgrounds exchanging perspectives –  sharing a true testament of their lifestyle and culture. We will consider Cultural and Lifestyle lexicons that should be considered to be a true reflection of Cultural Appreciation. We will explore the colloquialisms that have been used to gain profit but not empathy for understanding. We will share  practical tips on how to plan and promote an event that celebrates and respects culture in an authentic way. 

“The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of people”
~ Unknown

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**Interested attendees must register at least an hour before the webinar to ensure access.**

Register today and check out upcoming Webinars & Roundtables on our website. LINK IN BIO.
#Repost from @beerbanshee • Women were the first #Repost from @beerbanshee
•
Women were the first brewers. This is a statue of Ninkasi, the Sumerian goddess of beer.

"You are the one who holds with both hands the great sweet wort,
Brewing [it] with honey [and] wine
(You the sweet wort to the vessel)
Ninkasi, (...)(You the sweet wort to the vessel)" -from the Hymn to Ninkasi

https://www.worldhistory.org/article/222/the-hymn-to-ninkasi-goddess-of-beer/
THIS 💯 from @thehoppiestshop • There will be THIS 💯 from @thehoppiestshop
•
There will be a ton of performative post today 
At this point in 2023 it is the “fun/ good” thing to do 
But remember words don’t equal actions! 
-check to see what they stand for
-check who is on their team
-do they have a history of being performative? 
-dive deep they could be getting started remember we all start somewhere but if you don’t dive deep you could just be tricked by the surface level they are showing
#Repost from @sarah.epperson • “If your femini #Repost from @sarah.epperson
•
“If your feminism doesn’t include #TransWomen, then it’s not #feminism it’s misogyny.” - @MuchachaFanzine a #InternationalWomensDay reminder. 
⠀
“400+ anti-trans bills in 41 states supposedly aim to “protect kids” & “protect women,” but in reality, are clear attempts to eradicate trans people.” - @PinkMantaray
⠀
“As for the assertion that these bills are driven by a concern about #WomensRights - the right-wing lawmakers behind them have shown little concern about funding for #WomensSports, #EqualPay & treatment in the workplace, or #ReproductiveRights (& have sought to take away access to #contraception & #abortion)” - @TheAdvocateMag
⠀
“#TransAthlete s want to participate in #SchoolSports for the same reason as anybody else: to find a sense of belonging & social engagement, be a part of a team & challenge themselves. But states & schools across the country are trying to exclude trans people from enjoying the benefits of #sports on equal terms with their cisgender peers. These proposed laws discriminate against #TransYouth in ways that compromise their health, social & emotional development & safety + raise privacy concerns.
⠀
Just like it was never about restrooms, today’s fight is not about sports. It’s about erasing & excluding #trans people from participation in all aspects of public life. It’s about creating “solutions” to “problems” that don’t exist & in the process, harming some of the most vulnerable young people in the country” - @ACLU_Nationwide
⠀
“46% of trans people reported experiencing verbal harassment because of their gender identity in the last year, with nearly 1 in 10 physically attacked over their gender identity. The reason Trans Women of Color are particularly susceptible to violence involves a complex intersection of their trans identity & race, as well as poverty, over-policing & housing” - @VoxDotCom
⠀
☎️ EMERGENCY LIFELINES:
@TransLifeLine 877-565-8860⁣⁣
@TrevorProject 866-488-7386
⠀
💥Fight #AntiTrans Legislation: @PinkMantaray .com/TransBills
⠀
💞@PinkMantaray hosts support groups for queer & trans folks + workshops for allies who want to take action: Get more info & sign up: PinkMantaray.com
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ID: 📌
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Definitely ready for some post- #craftbeerhour & #topbrewstues action! We both fell for the beautiful astringent tang, deep dry cherry & oakey funk of @americansolera ‘s Foeder Cerise so had to bring a pack back from Tulsa-cheers y’all! ☺️🍻👌🏽#beergal #tuesdaybeer #funkybeer #foederbeer #americansolera #beerisforeveryone #southasianbeerlady
#Repost from @_hoppenstance • Everyday should be #Repost from @_hoppenstance
•
Everyday should be women’s day! We are quite literally the past, present, and the future. 

Women are the backbone of society, households, communities, the beer industry, and so much more!! Take the time to appreciate and thank the amazing women that you know but not just today, always. 

The future is [still] female!  Go over to @womenofthebevolution and support their merch fundraiser with @beerisforeveryone - you won’t be disappointed ✌🏽

Cheers!

🍻: Pole Shift Black IPA 7.5% @odellbrewing 

#internationalwomensday #women #thefutureisfemale #womenruletheworld #womenempowerment #beerwomen #womenincraftbeer #womeninbeer #craftbeerwomen #beertography #bekindtoyourself #hoppenstancea
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An event from @pinkbootssociety • Attention #Pin An event from @pinkbootssociety
•
Attention #PinkBootsSociety members 📣

Reminder of our upcoming Webinar on March 21 at 1pm Central Time with Guest Speaker: Ren Navarro, @beer_diversity

We will have a living exposé of people from diverse backgrounds exchanging perspectives –  sharing a true testament of their lifestyle and culture. We will consider Cultural and Lifestyle lexicons that should be considered to be a true reflection of Cultural Appreciation. We will explore the colloquialisms that have been used to gain profit but not empathy for understanding. We will share  practical tips on how to plan and promote an event that celebrates and respects culture in an authentic way. 

“The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of people”
~ Unknown

-- 
**Interested attendees must register at least an hour before the webinar to ensure access.**

Register today and check out upcoming Webinars & Roundtables on our website. LINK IN BIO.
#Repost from @beerbanshee • Women were the first #Repost from @beerbanshee
•
Women were the first brewers. This is a statue of Ninkasi, the Sumerian goddess of beer.

"You are the one who holds with both hands the great sweet wort,
Brewing [it] with honey [and] wine
(You the sweet wort to the vessel)
Ninkasi, (...)(You the sweet wort to the vessel)" -from the Hymn to Ninkasi

https://www.worldhistory.org/article/222/the-hymn-to-ninkasi-goddess-of-beer/
THIS 💯 from @thehoppiestshop • There will be THIS 💯 from @thehoppiestshop
•
There will be a ton of performative post today 
At this point in 2023 it is the “fun/ good” thing to do 
But remember words don’t equal actions! 
-check to see what they stand for
-check who is on their team
-do they have a history of being performative? 
-dive deep they could be getting started remember we all start somewhere but if you don’t dive deep you could just be tricked by the surface level they are showing
#Repost from @sarah.epperson • “If your femini #Repost from @sarah.epperson
•
“If your feminism doesn’t include #TransWomen, then it’s not #feminism it’s misogyny.” - @MuchachaFanzine a #InternationalWomensDay reminder. 
⠀
“400+ anti-trans bills in 41 states supposedly aim to “protect kids” & “protect women,” but in reality, are clear attempts to eradicate trans people.” - @PinkMantaray
⠀
“As for the assertion that these bills are driven by a concern about #WomensRights - the right-wing lawmakers behind them have shown little concern about funding for #WomensSports, #EqualPay & treatment in the workplace, or #ReproductiveRights (& have sought to take away access to #contraception & #abortion)” - @TheAdvocateMag
⠀
“#TransAthlete s want to participate in #SchoolSports for the same reason as anybody else: to find a sense of belonging & social engagement, be a part of a team & challenge themselves. But states & schools across the country are trying to exclude trans people from enjoying the benefits of #sports on equal terms with their cisgender peers. These proposed laws discriminate against #TransYouth in ways that compromise their health, social & emotional development & safety + raise privacy concerns.
⠀
Just like it was never about restrooms, today’s fight is not about sports. It’s about erasing & excluding #trans people from participation in all aspects of public life. It’s about creating “solutions” to “problems” that don’t exist & in the process, harming some of the most vulnerable young people in the country” - @ACLU_Nationwide
⠀
“46% of trans people reported experiencing verbal harassment because of their gender identity in the last year, with nearly 1 in 10 physically attacked over their gender identity. The reason Trans Women of Color are particularly susceptible to violence involves a complex intersection of their trans identity & race, as well as poverty, over-policing & housing” - @VoxDotCom
⠀
☎️ EMERGENCY LIFELINES:
@TransLifeLine 877-565-8860⁣⁣
@TrevorProject 866-488-7386
⠀
💥Fight #AntiTrans Legislation: @PinkMantaray .com/TransBills
⠀
💞@PinkMantaray hosts support groups for queer & trans folks + workshops for allies who want to take action: Get more info & sign up: PinkMantaray.com
⠀
ID: 📌
#Repost from @amethyst_heels • Definitely ready #Repost from @amethyst_heels
•
Definitely ready for some post- #craftbeerhour & #topbrewstues action! We both fell for the beautiful astringent tang, deep dry cherry & oakey funk of @americansolera ‘s Foeder Cerise so had to bring a pack back from Tulsa-cheers y’all! ☺️🍻👌🏽#beergal #tuesdaybeer #funkybeer #foederbeer #americansolera #beerisforeveryone #southasianbeerlady
#Repost from @_hoppenstance • Everyday should be #Repost from @_hoppenstance
•
Everyday should be women’s day! We are quite literally the past, present, and the future. 

Women are the backbone of society, households, communities, the beer industry, and so much more!! Take the time to appreciate and thank the amazing women that you know but not just today, always. 

The future is [still] female!  Go over to @womenofthebevolution and support their merch fundraiser with @beerisforeveryone - you won’t be disappointed ✌🏽

Cheers!

🍻: Pole Shift Black IPA 7.5% @odellbrewing 

#internationalwomensday #women #thefutureisfemale #womenruletheworld #womenempowerment #beerwomen #womenincraftbeer #womeninbeer #craftbeerwomen #beertography #bekindtoyourself #hoppenstancea
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Beer is for Everyone

SMALL NON-PROFIT MEDIA PUBLICATIONS

Beer is for Everyone is a grass roots project that was born from the need for more diverse bodies, spaces, and voices within the craft beer community. We look to encourage the inclusion of all people who love craft beer.

Most Popular

Lone Star Riddles

Yellow plastic crates with beer bottles in a brewery.,Bairds Brewery,Japan

The Beer Boom

Sharing beer

Colonialism and the Legacy of Lager in Mexico

Mexican alcohol cocktail chelada with light beer and lime juice
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