April 26, 2011

In an effort to combat breast cancer, the Mid-Missouri Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure donated more than $32,000 to the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center in the form of three grants.

The grants will allow the center to provide many services to the next year’s breast cancer patients and survivors.

“These donations will touch a number of different breast cancer patients and survivors who are at different levels of treatment or recovery from breast cancer,” MU Health Care spokesman Matt Splett said.

Of the entire donation, a $13,731 grant will provide 10 underinsured and underserved women with cancer risk assessments and genetic testing. In addition, the program will raise breast cancer awareness and knowledge via outreach programs.

Fifty breast cancer survivors with limited finances will receive free wigs as the result of a $12,488 grant. Breast cancer patients often lose their hair in the treatment process, and this resource will help them cope. Also included in the donation is free a wig fitting, care kit, cut and styling at a Columbia salon.

Through a $6,555 grant, 75 breast cancer survivors will engage in a one-day workshop to help them learn to overcome the emotional turmoil that often coincides with a breast cancer diagnosis. Therapies involving nutrition, exercise and peer support will help them do this. The workshop will be held in the fall.

“This grant is actually designed to help breast cancer survivors who may have completed treatment or are in the process of receiving treatment,” Splett said. “They will be provided valuable resources in different areas of their cancer diagnosis, from the emotional support to exercise and nutrition.”

The Mid-Missouri Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation has shown continued support for the center, Splett said.

“They have provided grants in the past,” he said. “They are a supporter for the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center and have been in the past years.”

And the center is quite appreciative of this support, employees said.

“We are grateful for all the support Ellis Fischel Cancer Center receives from our local Mid-Missouri Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure,” said Kristi Gafford, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center executive director, in a news release. “These programs will have a lasting impact on the lives of our breast cancer patients and survivors.”

Comments

The Maneater has the right to remove comments that do not comply with policies surrounding hate speech.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Skip to content