Healthy Pink: the Color of Life

What’s up with pink, anyway? Well, when people see pink, we want them to remember that early detection saves lives. When detected early, breast cancer has a 99 percent survival rate. This is a statistic that must not be forgotten. By helping Komen Oregon/SW Washington increase access to breast cancer screenings for the most vulnerable women in our community—women who face financial barriers, language barriers, fear, differences in culture, anything that prevents them from easily accessing care—you are helping increase the number of women who have access to lifesaving early detection services.

This week, 61 women in Oregon and SW Washington will be diagnosed with breast cancer. And this week, 11 women will die. By helping an uninsured woman have access to that early detection, you very well may be helping to save her life. Komen Oregon/SW Washington is the largest provider of breast cancer screening services for uninsured women in Oregon and SW Washington.

The work we are doing every day is making a difference, with five year survival rates up, and mortality rates down.

Because of our community’s support, we have invested over $20 million to ensure that tens of thousands of low income and uninsured women have access to screening, treatment and support; we have invested millions of dollars in cutting-edge breast cancer research, including here at home at Oregon Health and Science University and Providence Cancer Center; and, we have helped to pass state legislation in Oregon expanding access to breast cancer treatment for more women.

Our lifesaving work is entirely dependent on public support. Funds donated and raised from others is what makes our work possible—with 75% of donated monies staying here to help families in Oregon and SW Washington, and 25% invested in global breast cancer research. We are the only organization uniquely positioned to provide support and resources for anyone touched by breast cancer, no matter where they are in their journey. Whether they are newly diagnosed, in the midst of treatment or a survivor facing long-term side effects, we are here as their local, trusted resource for whatever their concern may be. Your support enables us to be an advocate for those touched by breast cancer. Your support fuels our mission; your support may save a life.

Visit www.komenoregon.org to learn more about our programs and to make a donation today. Help us save lives, and end breast cancer forever.

Thomas Bruner is the chief executive officer of the Oregon and SW Washington Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Category: 2012_October, Health