Silver Lining Foundation

What Silver Lining Foundation does

A Silver Lining Foundation (ASLF) is a Chicago-based 501(c)-style nonprofit founded in 2002 by Dr. Sandy Goldberg and Gregory N. Hines following Dr. Goldberg's breast cancer diagnosis in 2000. The foundation funds the full spectrum of cost-free breast health testing — screening mammograms, diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds, MRIs, and biopsies — for uninsured, underinsured, undocumented, and otherwise ineligible individuals in the greater Chicagoland, Rockford, Elgin, and Evanston areas. The flagship Buy A Mom A Mammogram (BAMAM) program, launched in 2006 in partnership with UI Health, has served nearly 30,000 women; FY2024 alone funded 2,669 tests for 2,155 women and identified 17 breast cancer diagnoses. Service delivery runs through a network of 17 partner hospitals, with approximately 60% of participants referred via the foundation's own Chicagoland Cancer Information Coalition (CCIC) and additional referrals through Chicago's 311 City Services, federally qualified health centers, and community organizations.

The foundation's operating model is built around five additional programs alongside BAMAM: Survive to Thrive (diagnostic testing for uninsured survivors), the Evelyn Goldberg Mammography Center at UI Health, Keep aBreast (educational presentations), Finally Fits (cost-free bras and prostheses via Second Act Cancer Recovery Boutique, launched 2025), and CCIC as the referral backbone. There is no proprietary technology stack; the model is voucher-based, with clients selecting a partner hospital and presenting a 12-month voucher for cost-free service. Revenue is sourced entirely from individual donations, corporate sponsorships (Marshall Gerstein, Ford Motor Company, Peninsula Chicago, Kendra Scott, Brookfield Properties), special events (Glitz & Glamour luncheon, A Sterling Event Gala, Dancing with Chicago Celebrities), employee matching programs, and memorial funds. ASLF turns no one away based on documentation, residency, age, or insurance status, and partners commit to provide cost-free treatment through public programs or charity care if cancer is diagnosed.

Operations are lean — 1-10 employees headquartered at 134 North LaSalle, Suite 2050 — and leadership transitioned in September 2025 with the appointment of Wendelyn (Wendy) Mitchell Gill as Executive Director, succeeding retiring co-founder Dr. Sandy Goldberg. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors drawn from healthcare, financial services, and media, plus an Associate Board. ASLF has demonstrated counter-cyclical resilience, scaling to fund 8,001 procedures for 6,185 women during Illinois' 2016-2018 budget impasse and expanding service to pandemic-affected workers in 2020.

Name

Silver Lining Foundation

Legal name

A Silver Lining Foundation

Website

https://asilverliningfoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Chicago-based nonprofit founded in 2002 that funds cost-free breast health testing for uninsured, underinsured, and undocumented individuals across Chicagoland, Rockford, Elgin, and Evanston through a 17-hospital partner network and six interrelated programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Breast Health Nonprofit Services

NAICS

Individual and Family Services (6241), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Disease-Specific Research & Support (e.g., Cancer, Diabetes, ALS) (BPAGACAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Cash & Voucher Assistance (CVA) and Emergency Livelihood Support (BPAGAAAJ)

Keywords

• Breast health screening
• Cancer screening access
• Nonprofit healthcare services
• Mammogram financial assistance
• Community health advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Individual donors contribute to general programming and operational needs through the foundation's website. Donations are processed via credit card with options for one-time or recurring monthly/yearly contributions.
2. Special Events: Annual fundraising events including Glitz & Glamour luncheon and fashion show, A Sterling Event Gala, and community events generate significant revenue. The 2026 Glitz & Glamour raised $67,000 (50% over goal).
3. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate partners sponsor events and provide grants. Examples include Marshall Gerstein law firm's Marshall Gerstein Gives program, Ford Motor Company's Built For program, and ongoing partnerships with The Peninsula Chicago, Kendra Scott, and others.
4. Program-Specific Donations: Donors can designate contributions to specific programs such as Buy A Mom A Mammogram or general funds. Memorial funds are also available including The Linda Goldberg Memorial Fund, The Nancy Amicangelo Memorial Fund, and The Audrey Elrod Lakin Memorial Fund.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

A Silver Lining Foundation (ASLF) is a nonprofit organization that funds cost-free breast health testing for uninsured, underinsured, and undocumented individuals regardless of age, residency, or documentation status. It operates a portfolio of six programs including Buy A Mom A Mammogram (BAMAM), Survive to Thrive, Finally Fits, Keep aBreast, the Evelyn Goldberg Mammography Center, and the Chicagoland Cancer Information Coalition (CCIC). The foundation issues service vouchers that eligible recipients redeem at a network of 17 partner hospitals for screening mammograms, diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds, MRIs, and biopsies.

Product overview

A Silver Lining Foundation operates as a single unified offering—a portfolio of six interrelated nonprofit programs focused on breast health. The core program is Buy A Mom A Mammogram® (BAMAM), which funds the entire spectrum of cost-free breast health testing. This is supplemented by Survive to Thrive for breast cancer survivors, the Evelyn Goldberg Mammography Center for in-person care, Keep aBreast for education, Finally Fits for post-treatment support (bras and prostheses), and the Chicagoland Cancer Information Coalition (CCIC) as a referral network. All programs are funded through donations, grants, and fundraising events, with no cost to eligible recipients.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Buy A Mom A Mammogram: Program that funds cost-free breast health testing for uninsured, underinsured, and those ineligible for other programs. Includes screening mammograms, diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasound, MRI and biopsy.
• Survive to Thrive
• Evelyn Goldberg Mammography Center
• Keep aBreast
• Finally Fits
• Chicagoland Cancer Information Coalition (CCIC)

Products and services

• Buy A Mom A Mammogram® (BAMAM) Flagship program funding cost-free breast health testing — screening mammograms, diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds, MRIs, and biopsies — for uninsured, underinsured, and ineligible individuals regardless of age, residency, or documentation status.
• Survive to Thrive Program providing cost-free diagnostic testing for women and men previously diagnosed with breast cancer who are uninsured or underinsured.
• Evelyn Goldberg Mammography Center Named in honor of Dr. Sandy Goldberg's mother; located at UI Health, providing a warm and welcoming environment with current equipment and technology for those referred by the BAMAM program.
• Keep aBreast In-person multimedia presentation featuring candid discussions among breast cancer survivors, educators, and young women, teaching proper breast self-exam and health advocacy.
• Finally Fits Program funding cost-free bras and prostheses for breast cancer survivors who have undergone surgery and treatment, with private fittings at Second Act Cancer Recovery Boutique.
• Chicagoland Cancer Information Coalition (CCIC) Coalition of advocacy groups, social service organizations, community-based health organizations, and city/county departments dedicated to fighting cancer; refers approximately 60% of women in the BAMAM program.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 30,000 women have received cost-free screening mammograms and diagnostic testing since 2006
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, core and minor.

• La Casa NortestrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 September 2025Wendy Mitchell Gill's previous employer where she led implementation of the organization's annual gala, making it the most successful fundraiser in their 20-year history.
• UI HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerASLF's first hospital partner and home to the Evelyn Goldberg Mammography Center. UI Health has been partnering with ASLF since 2006, providing cost-free breast health testing to uninsured and underinsured individuals through the BAMAM program.
• AdventHealth HinsdalecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdded as ASLF's 16th partner hospital in July 2022. Provides cost-free breast health testing for uninsured and underinsured patients in the Hinsdale area.
• Advocate Christ Medical CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner hospital providing cost-free breast health testing services through ASLF's BAMAM program.
• Ascension Saint Joseph - ElgincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner hospital where more than 400 people received free breast health tests in fiscal year 2022. Continues to serve ASLF clients with cost-free testing.
• Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner hospital in the ASLF network providing cost-free breast health testing.
• Holy Cross HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner hospital providing cost-free breast health testing services.
• MercyhealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner hospital serving the Rockford area with cost-free breast health testing.
• Mount Sinai HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner hospital in the ASLF network providing cost-free breast health testing.
• Swedish HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner hospital providing cost-free breast health testing services.
• West Suburban Medical CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner hospital that has offered free 3D screening mammograms to eligible women through ASLF.
• American Cancer SocietystrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding partner in the Chicagoland Cancer Information Coalition (CCIC); referral partner for ASLF's programs.
• Gilda's Club ChicagostrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of CCIC referral network; provides cancer support services and refers clients to ASLF.
• The Peninsula ChicagostrategicGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue sponsor for Glitz & Glamour annual event; Peninsula in Pink program donates $10 per afternoon tea during October to ASLF for 7 consecutive years.
• Second Act Cancer Recovery BoutiquestrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for the Finally Fits program providing certified mastectomy fitters for breast cancer survivors needing properly fitting bras and prostheses.
• Chicago WolvesstrategicGTM or Marketing PartnerHockey team partnership since 2009; Stick It To Breast Cancer initiative raises funds through ticket sales during October games. Lisa Aprati, ASLF Board Member and breast cancer survivor, honored as Hometown Hero in 2026.
• Marshall GersteinstrategicGTM or Marketing PartnerLaw firm's Marshall Gerstein Gives program supported ASLF during Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024 through events including Wall of Strength, bake sale, and Wear It Pink Day.
• Kendra ScottminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRetail partner for Breast Cancer Awareness Month; 20% of purchases donated to ASLF during October events.
• Brookfield PropertiesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate fundraiser engaged nearly 200 employees, generating funds for over 70 individuals to receive free breast health testing.
• Bank of AmericaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEmployee Daniel Fiorito leveraged employer's matching program to double Eshanthika's Living Room Mix donation from $5,000 to $10,000.
• Dancing with Chicago CelebritiesstrategicGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual fundraising event where media, sports and entertainment personalities participate in celebrity dance-off; ASLF is a beneficiary.
• 311 City ServicescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorChicago's 311 service connects residents to ASLF's programs; unique partnership established in 2002 with (then) Mayor Daley's support.
• Access Community Health NetworkcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMember of CCIC referral network; federally qualified health center referring uninsured patients to ASLF.
• Aunt Martha'scoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMember of CCIC referral network; community health center referring clients to ASLF.
• Lawndale Christian Health CentercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMember of CCIC referral network; community health center in underserved area.
• SharsheretstrategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMember of CCIC referral network; national breast cancer organization supporting Jewish women.

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• American Cancer Society: National cancer nonprofit offering screening programs, patient support, and a 24/7 helpline; an existing CCIC referral partner of ASLF. Comparable in mission (cancer access) but with far broader scope.
• Breast Cancer Research Foundation: Funds breast cancer research worldwide. Comparable as a high-profile breast cancer nonprofit but focused on research rather than access/screening — a partial thematic peer rather than a direct competitor.
• Susan G. Komen: The largest national breast cancer nonprofit, funding screening, treatment support, and research across the U.S. Highly comparable as a breast-health funder, but operates at national scale rather than as a regional voucher-based program.
• National Breast Cancer Foundation: Provides free mammograms and patient navigation services nationwide, including to uninsured women. Overlaps directly with ASLF's BAMAM mission but at significantly larger scale and geographic reach.

Direct peers

• Sharsheret: National nonprofit supporting Jewish women facing breast and ovarian cancer with culturally relevant education, outreach, and community referrals. An existing CCIC partner of ASLF with overlapping referral model and target audience.
• Gilda's Club Chicago: Chicago-area cancer support community offering free programming for individuals and families affected by cancer. An existing CCIC partner of ASLF with overlapping geographic focus and referral relationship.
• Pink Fund: Provides financial assistance to breast cancer patients in active treatment to help cover non-medical costs. Adjacent but directly comparable as a cost-removal charity targeting breast cancer patients.
• Living Beyond Breast Cancer: Provides trusted information, community, and support to people diagnosed with breast cancer, including a strong emphasis on underserved populations. Comparable in its survivor-focused, education-driven model.
• Young Survival Coalition: Focused on young women under 40 affected by breast cancer — a subsegment ASLF increasingly serves (51% of women under 50 in 2022). Comparable mission around access and survivorship for an underserved demographic.

Regional players

• Access Community Health Network: Federally qualified health center network in Chicago serving uninsured populations; an existing CCIC referral partner. Comparable as a regional safety-net provider that channels underserved patients to ASLF.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/asilverliningfoundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Silver Lining Foundation