#SpotlightOnCLT: Breast Cancer Awareness
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, all October long we are highlighting our nonprofit partners who work to provide resources to those affected by breast cancer as part of our monthly Spotlight Series.
Did you know? 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. This makes breast cancer the second most common cancer among women, coming in close behind skin cancer. To put it in perspective, on average, every two minutes another woman is diagnosed, every two minutes someone’s world is completely rocked.
And while there will be a projected 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer found in women this year alone, it is not only women who can be affected by this disease. According to our friends at Susan G. Komen Foundation there will be a projected 2,670 new cases of invasive breast cancer found in men in 2019 as well.
The GOOD news about breast cancer trends? Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since the early 1990’s, in part due to better screening technology, early detection, increased awareness, and continually improving treatment options.
Every year when October rolls around, awareness about breast cancer is brought to the forefront. And while this month is impactful and important, we take comfort in knowing that there are local nonprofits (like our partners listed below) who are raising awareness and providing resources so that no one walks alone through the fight, 12 months out of the year:
Carolina Breast Friends offers customized resources and support to individuals during any stage of their cancer journey. Located at The Pink House, Carolina Breast Friends provides a variety of health and wellness programs and seminars. They provide exercise, wellness, and education programs as well as support groups, mentoring, and arts and crafts workshops. All of their programs and outreach items are offered free of charge.
The Go Jen Go Foundation is dedicated to providing critical financial assistance to local individuals and families who are battling breast cancer. They also provide aid during diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Their goal is for no survivor to be distracted by financial burdens while fighting breast cancer.
The DeAngelo Williams Foundation
DeAngelo Williams started The DeAngelo Williams Foundation in 2006 in honor of his mother and his four aunts that all passed away from breast cancer. In December 2014, The DeAngelo Williams Foundation started “53 Strong for Sandra,” an initiative for which the foundation funded 53 mammography screenings for uninsured/underinsured women in partnership with a local hospital in Charlotte. The number of mammograms provided was a tribute to the age of DeAngelo’s mother, Sandra Hill, who was 53 years old when she passed away. In 2016 and 2017, the foundation expanded the outreach of “53 Strong for Sandra”by funding mammograms to women in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Memphis, Tennessee, while continuing service in Charlotte. This foundation’s ultimate goal is to spread “53 Strong for Sandra” to all 50 states.
The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service. The Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest fundraising event to fight every cancer in every community. The Relay For Life movement fuels the mission of the American Cancer Society, an organization that touches the lives of so many – those who are battling cancer, those who may face a diagnosis, and those who may avoid a diagnosis altogether thanks to education, prevention, and early detection.
Susan G. Komen is the world’s largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Komen Charlotte is working to better the lives of those facing breast cancer in the local community. Komen Charlotte contributes 25% of its net funds raised annually to Susan G. Komen’s research program {with 6 "Komen Scholars" (medical researchers utilizing Komen research funds) working in Chapel Hill/Durham area}, and the remaining 75% stays in the local community to fund community outreach programs for under-/uninsured people.
Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America, is a volunteer organization that inspires a passion for and commitment to its partnership with the land and people of Israel. They support medical care and research at the Hadassah Medical Organization in Jerusalem. Through opportunities for personal growth, education, advocacy and Jewish continuity Hadassah empowers their members, supporters and youth globally. Charlotte’s support of Hadassah Medical Organization has led to life-saving research for Heart Disease, Melanomas, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Breast Cancer.
Angel in Disguise provides complimentary transportation for breast cancer patients to Dr. appts, to get medicine and to run light errands. They offer support to patients and their families through staying with patients during their appointments and serving as patient advocates. In addition, Angel in Disguise provides comfort bags to newly diagnosed patients.
Have you or someone you love been affected by breast cancer? Join the fight this #Pinktober by attending an event hosted by one of the above organizations or giving time, funds, or GOODs to support the work they do every single day.