United Breast Cancer Foundation Responds to the Federal Trade Commission's recent Complaint against Kars-R-Us.com

UBCF disputes and corrects misleading and incomplete characterizations

JONESBORO, Ark., Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- United Breast Cancer Foundation (UBCF) strongly disputes the misleading and incomplete characterizations of the Foundation contained in the recent Complaint against Kars-R-Us.com, Inc. (Kars) filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on September 25th. The allegations fail to provide an accurate or balanced picture of UBCF's programs and business practices, causing inappropriate confusion about UBCF's operations and programs. UBCF believes in its mission and accomplishments to fulfill its mission, and thus will vigorously defend its reputation against misleading statements and improper characterizations.

UBCF's mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer. The Complaint against Kars states UBCF is an "organization that purports to assist individuals affected by cancer across the country." The FTC's use of the word "purports" intentionally sows seeds of doubt with the community, implying that the statement is false. Without a doubt, UBCF assists individuals affected by cancer - UBCF program services are open to women, men and families nationwide. Since 2000, UBCF has supported the breast cancer community, and this October, UBCF is celebrating 25 years of dedicated service. In FY 2023, UBCF's financial grant programs assisted more than 3,220 individuals with more than 112,800 assisted through UBCF's Gifts-in-kind (GIK) program activities. UBCF is finalizing FY 2024 numbers and estimates more than 2,280 individuals serviced through financial grants and more than 45,330 serviced through GIK. 

UBCF is highly rated with numerous charity watchdogs including having the Platinum Seal of Transparency with Candid (previously GuideStar) and holds a 4-star rating with Charity Navigator, earning 96% across 4 assessment areas. Additionally, during the timeframe of the Complaint, UBCF was an approved charity with the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). At the Foundation we agree and encourage donors to check with services like Charity Navigator, and review charitable organizations Form 990 directly to learn about the charities they are considering supporting. UBCF is proud of the trajectory of our program growth.

Vehicle donation programs, like the one offered by UBCF, benefit donors who are provided a safe, free and convenient vehicle pick-up, eliminating the burden and stress of selling a vehicle while recycling and repurposing an unused car. In return, donors receive a potential tax deduction and the opportunity to support individuals and families impacted by breast cancer through UBCF's various program services.

UBCF has numerous patient and family program offerings, including:

• Community Service: includes Network of Giving (Gifts-in-Kind), Organizational Grants, and Educational campaigns
• Individual Grant - customized financial support for women and men
• Child Sponsorship - supporting children directly impacted by breast cancer
• Holistic Care Grant - covering alternative and complementary therapies
• Breast Screening - funding early detection screenings nationwide
• Breast Reconstructive Surgery - restoring confidence
• Audrey B. Mastroianni College Scholarship - helping make higher education dreams a reality
• The Wish Fund (new in 2024) - providing respite travel for families managing Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer

The Complaint against Kars selectively addresses only one of the programs listed above, UBCF's Breast Screening Program, despite the fact that additional ad placements ran educating the public about key breast cancer facts, reducing risk, and the wide array of UBCF program service offerings. While financial grants for breast screening services during a five year period may have been $393,644, that program is just one part of UBCF's extensive program activities. In 2022 alone, as shown on UBCF's Form 990 filing, the Foundation gave out over $28 million dollars in benefits. Over the course of the time period that the Complaint against Kars addresses, as reported in UBCF's Form 990, UBCF distributed more than $4.4 million in financial grants and more than $83.9 million in essential GIK support.

Like many other charities, UBCF works with professional fundraising organizations to help raise funds for its charitable purpose. Professional fundraisers (PFR) are expected to operate according to law, professionally and ethically. The enforcement action of the FTC was directed to the conduct of PFR Kars-R-Us. However, in making their case, the FTC has juxtaposed certain facts about UBCF which create a false impression. Properly run PFRs are a standard and necessary part of nonprofit fundraising, and their purpose is to help organizations like UBCF continue serving those in need. 

UBCF's largest program is its Network of Giving where donated Gifts-in-Kind (GIK) are distributed to the community, including breast cancer patients, survivors and families at zero cost to the recipient. UBCF conducts numerous GIK distribution events throughout the year. Click the link for UBCF's YouTube video of a recent Mattress & Pink Bag Event to see UBCF in action (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1apD15sUL8). Events are held on a rolling near-monthly basis in Huntington Station, NY. Larger, off-site events are held throughout the year. UBCF recently hosted a Mattress & Pink Bag Event in Tallahassee, Florida distributing more than $1.45 million in donated goods to 130 breast cancer patients and survivors. People from as far as Maine, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Texas attended the event. UBCF is planning a Mattress & Pink Bag Event at its new facility in Jonesboro, Arkansas October 23-31, 2025. This multi-day event will deliver much needed support to the South Central region of the United States.

UBCF has received more than 3,300 "love notes" of gratitude from 2017 - 2022 (but who's counting!). UBCF has in fact received testimonials stating, "UBCF saved my life," or to that effect. Below are just a sampling of the incredible notes of gratitude that UBCF clients have shared (emphasis by UBCF):

"United Breast Cancer Foundation has been a Godsend to me and my family… I was so happy to hear I was awarded the grant for the ultrasound because now the abnormalities found on results can be addressed with my regular doctor and I don't have to stress over the financial part while trying to figure out what's next for my 'little ladies' I thank this foundation from the bottom of my heart for helping me even with just the scan but also helping many others who are cancer patients or survivors to ease the stress during the difficult times. I will never forget this and will always tell everyone about how UBCF saved my life. THANK YOU!" Aggie ~ Breast Screening Program

"I am literally crying so hard, I can hardly type this. Your foundation just saved my home, I'm not exaggerating. This is absolutely amazing. Please thank EVERYONE for me!!! What a wonderful day!" ~ Kathleen, Individual Grant Program

"...THANK YOU SO MUCH! I literally could not have made it this far without you and UBCF. You helped save my family!" ~ Kathy, Holiday Give

"Ohhhhh my goodness! I'm flabbergasted! What a surprise! I can't thank you enough! I just had my third reconstruction attempt... Your charity is a lifesaver!" Debbie, Holiday Give

"THANK YOU!!!!! I AM TEARS!!!!! UBCF, you have saved me sooooo much!!!!! GOD BLESS YOU !!!!!" ~ Sara, Individual Grant Program

"Your financial assistance came at a time when I truly needed it, and it allowed me to prioritize my health without added stress. This screening was an important step for my peace of mind and overall well-being. UBCF made it possible for me to receive essential care, and for that, I am deeply grateful.. Warmly, Blanca" ~ Breast Screening Program

"I cannot thank you enough for the assistance I received from the United Breast Cancer Foundation! I am still in awe of the support! I have been sleeping on the bed which is so comfortable…. My husband is ill with pancreatic cancer and some of the items were helpful to him. I can't thank you enough during this very difficult time for helping me! It is wonderful to know that this resource is available!" Sharon ~ Mattress & Pink Bag Event

UBCF's President and Executive Director, Stephanie Mastroianni, has led the organization since 2001. The Complaint against Kars misleadingly compares Ms. Mastroianni's "total compensation" to the "amount spent on breast screening", ignoring the tens of millions of dollars spent on other programs, as reported in UBCF's Form 990's. The Complaint against Kars also fails to report that Ms. Mastroianni's compensation is reviewed by a third party and found to be fair and reasonable. Ms. Mastroianni's compensation is also reviewed and voted on by the UBCF Board of Directors. Additionally, throughout her years of dedicated service, Ms. Mastroianni did not receive compensation for 6 years of her tenure.

UBCF continues to expand its mission and services - standing as a pillar of hope for the breast cancer community, a trusted partner, and a responsible steward of donor support - ensuring contributions make a meaningful impact where they're needed most.

About UBCF

United Breast Cancer Foundation is a non-profit founded in 2000 with a mission to make a positive difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer. UBCF is committed to gifting helpful and supportive donated items, providing financial grants to those in need, and funding breast health and wellness services focused on education, screening, treatment, recovery, overall wellness, and beyond. The platinum rated, 4-star charity offers numerous life-supporting patient and family programs available to women, men, and families nationwide. Tax-deductible contributions (consult your tax advisor) may be made towards UBCF's mission and programs. UBCF accepts contributions through Donor Advised Funds as well as vehicle and property donations. Learn more https://ubcf.org/

SOURCE United Breast Cancer Foundation