Give a ‘Gram This October
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and in recognition West Cancer Foundation has launched Give a ‘Gram, a campaign that makes it easy for people to pitch in and help fund free mammograms for Memphis women in need. In Memphis, almost one-third of our population is either uninsured or underinsured, making getting a mammogram close to impossible. It’s these women who need a helping hand. Go to giveagram.org to help out for as little as $20. Better yet, make it a monthly donation so that you can Give a ‘Gram all year long. And don’t forget to schedule your own mammogram too or remind those you love that regular screenings save lives.
Check out our commercial on WREG TV Channel 3 and stay tuned to our social media to see the buzz about Give a ‘Gram.
West Cancer Foundation Increases Breast Screening Locations
Women who receive free breast cancer screenings, courtesy of West Cancer Foundation and generous supporters like you, now have more locations to choose from. Two new Saint Francis locations in Bartlett (2986 Kate Bond Rd) and East Memphis (5959 Park Avenue) are now part of our footprint, in addition to our existing breast screening locations at West Cancer Center (7945 Wolf River Boulevard) and Regional One (6555 Quince Road and 880 Madison Avenue). “We’re delighted to join with Saint Francis to offer more locations and convenience for breast cancer screenings,” said Foundation Executive Director Leighanne Soden. The expanded locations, combined with our ability to provide free transportation, allows us to expand our mission to ensure every woman has access to breast cancer screenings, regardless of her ability to pay.”
Breast Cancer Survival Rates Improving
There’s been a tremendous increase in awareness of breast cancer over the last few decades, thanks to national campaigns, community awareness events, corporate sponsorships and exposure through mass media. Pink ribbons are ubiquitous, and breast cancer education, mammogram promotions, survivor celebrations and honorariums for those we’ve lost seem to be everywhere. But with all of this awareness generally, let’s take a moment to focus in on some recent good news about breast cancer survival.
According to recent study published by The BMJ, a weekly peer-reviewed medical journal published by the British Medical Association, most women treated for early breast cancer are likely to become long-term survivors. Researchers analyzed the health data of more than 512,000 British women who had been diagnosed with early breast cancer (confined to one breast and possibly the lymph nodes under an arm) and found that the five-year risk of death from breast cancer fell from about 14% for women diagnosed in the 1990s to about 5% for women diagnosed later in the 20-year study. The scientists attribute the improved survival rates to better treatments, improved imaging, and increased breast cancer awareness and screenings.
Ride 2 RosemarySM Team Shows Once Again What it Takes to Be a Hero
The Ride 2 RosemarySM team of more than 60 cyclists successfully completed their 525-mile journey from Germantown, TN, to Rosemary Beach, FL, on October 4 raising more than $255,000 with donations still coming in! The inspirational story of the initial nine men who started R2R in 2011 and the dozens of men who continue to carry on the commitment was featured in The Daily Memphian. Subscribers can view the story here.
According to the article, Dwayne Accardo, an associate professor in the college of nursing at University of Tennessee Health Science Center and head of the nurse anesthesiology program, is riding for his third straight year, a pilgrimage he struggles to sum up and can’t imagine missing. “It’s like a brotherhood. It’s hard for me to describe it to anyone, even my wife, but for all of us, every year when you come back, you come back a better man, a better human,” he said. “It gives you a much-needed perspective for the year ahead or just life in general and what you need to be doing to be a good person.”
Check out our 2023 West Fight On video on YouTube and make plans for next year’s West Fight On September 7!
West Cancer Foundation is Hiring!
We’re growing so that we can provide more cancer services to the community, and that means we’re looking for several great additions to our team. We currently have openings for a Grants Writer and an Administrative Assistant. This incredibly rewarding work is an opportunity to work with a small team of dedicated professionals who all have the same goal in mind: Breaking Barriers to Cancer Care in Memphis. If you, or someone you know, have what it takes to make a difference in the fight against cancer, we’d love to talk with you. Learn more about our open positions at Adams Keegan:
Administrative Assistant: https://loxo.co/job/MTAyMDItZjdjZXRibzVoNzR3MnFpcA==
Grant writer: https://app.loxo.co/job/MTAyMDItc3c4aDllN3JwcXh3ZnhnMA==?t=1692222054178
Our Mission
West Cancer Foundation’s mission is to break through barriers to cancer care and improve patient outcomes by providing accessible patient resources, early detection and education, and community-based research.
