Yael Cohen Braun is a South African-Canadian businesswoman and health activist best known for founding the non-profit organization F*ck Cancer. She launched the initiative in 2009 after her mother, Diane, was diagnosed with breast cancer, with the goal of revolutionizing how millennials engage with early detection and cancer prevention. By utilizing frank language, humor, and digital savvy, she transformed a personal family crisis into a global movement that bridges the gap between medical information and youth culture.
Beyond her activism, she has been recognized as one of the most influential figures in modern philanthropy, receiving honors such as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award. While her high-profile marriage to music mogul Scooter Braun frequently placed her in the celebrity spotlight, she has maintained a distinct professional identity as a senior advisor to major platforms like Bumble and as a founder of specialized medical ventures like Clarify Clinics.
Early Life and Educational Background
Born in South Africa in 1986 to a Jewish family, Yael Cohen Braun immigrated to Canada in 1994. She was raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, in an environment that valued both entrepreneurial spirit and academic achievement. Her father, David Cohen, was a successful businessman, and her mother, Diane, was the primary inspiration for her eventual shift into health advocacy.
She attended the University of British Columbia (UBC), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 2008. Following her graduation, she briefly entered the finance sector, working in a professional capacity before her mother’s illness altered her career trajectory entirely. This background in finance and political science provided her with the organizational and strategic tools necessary to build a sustainable non-profit from the ground up.
The Rise of F*ck Cancer
The genesis of F*ck Cancer was a simple, defiant act: Yael made a T-shirt for her mother that bore the organization’s eventual name. The viral reaction to the shirt convinced her that there was a massive, untapped desire for a more authentic, less sanitized conversation about the disease. Officially launched in 2009, the organization focuses on three pillars: early detection, prevention, and communication.
Under her leadership, the charity has utilized celebrity endorsements and technological partnerships to reach millions. In 2016, she notably collaborated with jewelry designer Jennifer Fisher to create “fashion wearables” that served as both fundraisers and awareness tools. Her work has been praised for moving beyond traditional “awareness” to provide actionable tools for families navigating a diagnosis.
Career Expansion and Social Entrepreneurship
While F*ck Cancer remains her most visible achievement, Yael Cohen Braun has expanded her reach into various business and health sectors. In 2018, she joined the dating and networking app Bumble as a senior advisor after the company acquired her blog, Motherluckers, which provided a platform for mothers to share honest experiences about parenting.
She also founded Clarify Clinics, a medical venture focused on “subtractive medicine”. The clinics utilize the Clari procedure, a CE Mark-approved treatment designed to remove harmful substances such as microplastics and PFAS from the blood. This move reflects her evolving interest in environmental health and the long-term preventive habits that are central to the F*ck Cancer mission.
Personal Life and Family
Yael Cohen Braun was famously married to music executive Scooter Braun from July 6, 2014, until their divorce was finalized in September 2022. The couple’s wedding in Whistler, British Columbia, was a star-studded event attended by many of Scooter’s high-profile clients, including Justin Bieber.
The couple has three children together: sons Jagger Joseph and Levi Magnus, and daughter Hart Violet. Following their separation in July 2021, the pair has remained committed to amicable co-parenting. Recent media reports in early 2026 have linked Yael to former NFL star Tom Brady, following a star-studded party in Los Angeles where the two were seen spending the evening together. Despite the tabloid speculation, Yael continues to reside primarily in Los Angeles, focusing on her various business ventures and her children.
Philanthropic Recognition and Awards
Throughout her career, Yael has received numerous accolades for her innovative approach to social change:
Conclusion
Yael Cohen Braun has successfully navigated the transition from a private individual to a global leader in health activism. By refusing to follow the traditional, often passive path of celebrity philanthropy, she built a brand that prioritizes raw honesty and technological engagement. Whether through her pioneering work with F*ck Cancer or her newer ventures in subtractive medicine, she remains a leading voice for a generation that demands transparency in healthcare. Her significance lies not just in the millions of dollars raised for cancer research, but in her ability to empower young people to take control of their own health narratives.
