The Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization announced on April 4 that it has granted more than $500,000 to local organizations to fund breast cancer diagnostics, screening, and purchase of post-mastectomy items in San Diego, California. The organization, which bills itself as “the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists committed to ending breast cancer forever,” has faced major budget cuts this year, and counted its current donation as less than half of what it granted in 2009.
“As we face the repercussions of major budget cuts and fundraising challenges as a result of the economy, it is important for San Diegans to realize that in these tough times, the need for health services increases,” said Laura Farmer Sherman, breast cancer survivor and executive director of Komen San Diego. “We are challenging the community to step up and support us in our efforts to ensure that everyone has access to the services they need to live long and healthy lives.”
The 2010 grant applications were reviewed by a panel of independent public-health, breast-cancer, and community experts, and grants were awarded to local organizations based on priority areas identified in an extensive community assessment taken by Komen for the Cure, San Diego.
According to Farmer Sherman, “At Susan G. Komen for the Cure, we believe everyone deserves the same opportunity to become breast cancer survivors and to have an assurance that their future healthcare needs are properly managed. As a survivor myself, I understand the importance of having access to information and resources that guide women in their journeys to survival. We are going to keep working hard to do everything we can to close the gaps in San Diego County and ensure our community needs are met.”
Susan G. Komen for the Cure of San Diego funded grants to 13 organizations, including the following:
San Diego County Medical Society Foundation-Project Access San Diego-Breast Cancer Initiative: This program provides emergency financial assistance for costs not covered by insurance plans such as MRI; ultrasound; radiation therapy; ambulatory services; medications (related to breast cancer that are not available through pharmaceutical assistant programs); co-pays; nutritional supplements; and supplies (wigs, breast prosthesis, compression garments). One-hundred percent of the money is dispersed to patients.
Grossmont Hospital Foundation-Vital Spirit: This program provides emergency financial assistance for costs not covered by insurance plans, such as MRI; ultrasound; radiation therapy; ambulatory services; medications (related to breast cancer that are not available through pharmaceutical assistant programs); co-pays; nutritional supplements; and supplies (wigs, breast prosthesis, compression garments). One-hundred percent of the money is dispersed to patients.
