MEMPHIS, TENN., January 5, 2023 – The Breast Cancer Eradication Initiative (BCEI) and the Pink Ribbon Open awarded West Cancer Foundation with a $40,000 grant to help fund its Lymphedema, Post-Mastectomy and Breast Screening Programs for underserved cancer patients in the Memphis area. This is the third grant awarded to West Cancer Foundation since its inception in 2020 for a total of $110,000, the largest amount of funding the non-profit organization has received for its breast outreach programs. BCEI previously awarded over $361,000 to Wings Cancer Foundation to support similar programs.
“We are so thankful and grateful that the Breast Cancer Eradication initiative chose West Cancer Foundation for this $40,000 grant that will allow us to continue to help underserved breast cancer patients in the Mid-South,” said Leighanne Soden, Executive Director of West Cancer Foundation.
Part of the West Cancer Foundation mission is to provide quality patient support and fund patient programs like the Breast Screening, Lymphedema, and Post-Mastectomy programs, filling the void in the community for those who are undergoing cancer treatment and are uninsured or not able to afford the co-pay amount for their insurance.
The Lymphedema Assistance Program at West Cancer Foundation provides medical compression garments to individuals with lymphedema, or those at risk of developing the condition, to help alleviate the painful symptoms such as severe swelling of the arm or leg, a feeling of heaviness or tightness, and restricted range of motion. The Post-Mastectomy Supply Assistance Program provides mastectomy patients with supplies and/or prosthesis free of charge.
“Supporting local programs that provide much needed services to breast cancer patients in this community is our mission at the Breast Cancer Eradication Initiative,” said Jim King, Treasurer, Breast Cancer Eradication Initiative. “Our goals have aligned for years. Together, our hope is to prevent this horrible disease with early detection and ease the burden for those women fighting breast cancer.”
The Pink Ribbon Open originated in 1994 and is an annual LPGA event, hosted by The Breast Cancer Eradication Initiative, with 100% of the proceeds remaining in Shelby County for the benefit of the medically underserved. For more information on the Pink Ribbon Open, visit https://www.pinkribbonopen.org.
West Cancer Foundation is a Memphis-based nonprofit organization founded to advance the fight against cancer through local research, education, patient support and community outreach. The organization is committed to developing collaborative partnerships and innovative community initiatives that will improve health inequities, increase research, and leave a lasting impact by removing barriers to cancer care. For more information, visit westcancerfoundation.org.
PHOTO:
Photo: Left to Right- Rachel Brown, Community Engagement and Outreach Manager, West Cancer Foundation; Keri Burnette, Operations and Donor Relations Manager, West Cancer Foundation; Jim King, Treasurer BCEI/Pink Ribbon Open; Cameron Spann, Board President, BCEI/Pink Ribbon Open; Jennifer Strain, Special Initiatives Manager, West Cancer Foundation
West Cancer Foundation can be found online:
Website: https://westcancerfoundation.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westcancerfoundation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westcancerfoundation/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/westcancerfdn
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/west-cancer-foundation
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6TxneRv6xtIhfkGBN7RBw
About West Cancer Foundation:
West Cancer Foundation is inspired by the work of Dr. William H. West who felt that he received a commission to perform his life’s work when his mother, Margaret West, died after her battle with breast cancer.
The West Cancer Foundation’s mission is to advance the fight against cancer through research, education, patient support, and community outreach with the vision to shape oncology research and education so that cancer is no longer a burden for future generations. West Cancer Foundation funds programs that address the West Cancer Foundation core values of community, diversity, discovery, and stewardship. The programs West Cancer Foundation currently funds are Breast Screenings, Lymphedema Assistance, Post-Mastectomy Assistance, Online Wig Boutique, Patient Transportation, and Research and Fellowship Programs at University of Memphis and University of Tennessee Health Science Center. For more information visit https://westcancerfoundation.org/.
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