Local race has raised $4.5 million for testing, treatment, education
Race for the Cure is the biggest single fundraiser that occurs in Texarkana. Since it began 16 years ago, $4.5 million has been raised for diagnostic testing, treatment of breast cancer and breast health education.
In the past year, Susan G. Komen Texarkana awarded grants totaling more than $225,000.
The programs funded through race funds are life-saving and life-changing. “We’ve saved lives by providing these women with mammograms and education,” said Amber Lawrence, executive director of Komen Texarkana. “The importance of education is prevention. The more we can educate our community on prevention and awareness of breast cancer, the more likely we are to save these lives. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the outcome.”
The grants were awarded to programs focused on breast health and education, and the money was raised at the 2014 Race for the Cure. To apply for funding, organizations must be nonprofit and have programs that fit with Komen’s mission.
“They must be providing some sort of breast health education or diagnostic service for uninsured and underinsured men or women in our service area,” Lawrence said. Komen and Race for the Cure’s efforts have gone a long way toward changing the way people view breast cancer.
“Years ago … we didn’t know anything about breast cancer, and we didn’t want to talk about it,” Lawrence said. “Most people wanted to keep it private and personal. Through the years, we’ve learned it’s something we can face head-on, and we’re working to help these people. It’s still one of our leading cancers, and we still need to raise funds to cure it.” Grant recipients this year include:
Wadley Regional Medical Center Auxiliary Take Charge program received $68,983. Take Charge provides breast health education, screening and diagnostic services by the Wadley Breast Center to underserved populations. The auxiliary works with Wadley’s marketing staff and Breast Center staff to provide breast health education throughout the year. The addition of digital mammography at Wadley at Hope, Ark., provides screening services there.
CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System Breast and Cervical Care Outreach received $136,304. The program provides breast health education and breast screening for 475 uninsured or underinsured men or women and diagnostic workups including bilateral diagnostic mammograms, unilateral diagnostic mammograms, breast MRI, ultrasound and biopsy for 672 women. The hospital’s program also conducts two awareness campaigns and a seminar on breast health.
Hospice of Texarkana received $4,500 for its program Providing End of Life Care to Underfunded Breast
Cancer Patients. Hospice uses the funds to support women or men in need of end-of-life care. The hospice also participates in education efforts at breast health fairs.
Genesis PrimeCare Genesis Breast Screening Project received $10,000. The Genesis Breast Screening Project provides breast cancer exams and other resources to uninsured/ underinsured women of Bowie, Cass and Miller counties. Genesis PrimeCare clinical staff conducts clinical breast examinations to women as part of their well-women checkups and will refer low-income women to CHRISTUS St. Michael for mammograms and diagnostic care.
Little River Memorial Hospital Hope for Tomorrow with Mammography received $5,200.
The Girl Scouts-Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas Pink U program received $500. The goal of this program is to normalize the issues surrounding breast health and cancer where girls and adult participants learn how to make positive changes resulting in healthy lifestyle choices. Participants earn breast health awareness patches by educating their family and friends about breast cancer.
Facts about breast health:
All women are at risk for breast cancer. The most common risk factors are being female and growing older.
Breast cancer is more common in women older than 40, but younger women get can also get breast cancer.
Men can also get breast cancer, but it’s rare. It is 100 times more common in women.
With regular screening, breast cancer can be found early and treated quickly.
Healthy choices can lower a person’s risk of getting breast cancer. Stay active, eat healthy, stay at a healthy weight, limit alcohol intake, avoid hormone replacement therapy after menopause and breastfeed.
Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40.