Profiles/Success Stories

Coalition of Hispanic Women Against Cancer

The Coalition of Hispanic Women Against Cancer receives a Program Grant a from Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Kansas City for their Lay Health Educators Addressing Breast Health Disparities Program. This program educates community leaders to provide breast health outreach to the under/uninsured in the Latino community.

The Coalition of Hispanic Women Against Cancer also receives a Mobile Grant from the Greater Kansas City Affiliate to provide mobile mammogram outings for under/uninsured women. This survivor’s story is rewarding proof of the importance of the mobile mammography program.

Sarah* heard about the mobile mammography program and decided to make an appointment.  Little did she know that this screening would lead to further testing to confirm that Sarah did indeed had cancer on her right breast.  With the help of the Hispanic Women Against Cancer, she was able to get treatment right away.  Sarah was shocked, but soon realized she had to relax to get through the treatment process.  Her family was a wonderful support system and was there for her throughout the entire treatment process.  Now, Sarah is a dedicated volunteer who attends the mobile outings to talk to other women about the importance of early detection.

“All throughout my treatment and breast cancer journey, I have been amazed by the people I have encountered. I consider them all to be angels.” – Sarah

*The name of the client was changed for HIPPA privacy reasons.

Spelman Medical Foundation/Saint Luke’s Northland

One of the standard medical exams women over 40 are encouraged to get annually is a mammogram. Some women may be hesitant because they have heard it’s uncomfortable. But some women may not be getting mammograms simply because they cannot afford one.

“The mobile mammogram program is so important because many of these patients would not be able to get an annual mammogram without it,” said Kelly Szala, MSN, RNC, WHNP, Nurse Navigator at the Saint Luke’s Northland Hospital Center for Women’s Care. “It serves the population that is caught in the middle—they don't have insurance or are underinsured but can't qualify for Medicaid/Medicare. This population usually struggles to receive health care.”

Through the support of  Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Kansas City, the Spelman Medical Foundation has been able to provide a grant to Saint Luke’s Northland Hospital’s Center for Women’s Care  for free mobile mammograms to uninsured and underinsured women in the community since 2005. What began with one location annually now averages five to six locations per year, reaching approximately 125 women yearly.

“If breast cancer is detected in its early stages before it spreads out of its original duct, survival is approaching 98 percent, so it’s important for all women to get this screening annually,” said Sallie Brackman, RT (RM), Lead Mammographer at the Center for Women’s Care.

The women who attend the mobile outings not only get a screening mammogram, but also receive a clinical breast exam, along with education on performing a self breast exam. The clinical breast exam is preformed by a staff member who is certified through Mammacare and is able to perform a standardized, systematic exam. Each year, women who have previously attended are privy to the first spots, and there are always many repeat patients.

“For me this is very personal,” Brackman said. “Twelve years ago I began participating in Race for the Cure where I got to help raise money and encounter people who care enough to support this cause. Now, through the mobile mammography grants, I am privileged to meet the women who are actually helped. I love being able to put a face to the people who are benefitting from this Race.”

While a few locations are at Saint Luke’s entities, most are at outside businesses who help out of their goodness of their hearts. At each outing, the staff hears many compliments on the ease and convenience, in addition to the friendliness of the staff and how appreciative the women are of the service.

YWCA St. Joseph

Statistics showing a high incidence rate of breast cancer in Buchanan County. Early detection can save lives by funding cancer early, when it is the most treatable. The YWCA St. Joseph ENCOREplus serves 17 rural counties in northwest Missouri with breast health education. The program provides aggressive breast cancer outreach, referrals to free screenings, addressing barriers and collaboration with other entities sharing the goal of addressing breast health. Funds from Komen Kansas City enabled the YWCA St. Joseph to redefine their outreach efforts by establishing an outreach to the Latino community through the position of a bilingual educator. 

With Komen Program Grant, YWCA St. Joseph also conducts a Valentine’s Day card campaign that reaches women from 35 to 49. The Valentine’s Day card encourages women to get annual mammograms and informs them of free mammograms availability for eligible women. Each recipient also receives an additional card and envelope to forward the message on to another woman for whom they care.
 
Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center

Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center (SURHC) provides screening mammograms, diagnostic mammograms, ultrasounds and educational opportunities to the most vulnerable members of our community with the support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

As the primary provider of care for immigrants from all over the world, over 45% of SURHC’s patients are best served in a language other than English.  The cultural and medical vulnerability of new Americans and refugees requires extensive accommodation, knowledge, and sensitivity.  SURHC is the only Health Center in the region that provides culturally competent care with interpreters who speak over 13 different languages. 

Recently, SURHC hosted a “Beauty and the Breast Day” to improve access to free mammograms for uninsured and underinsured women.  The day provided women with a mini facial or hand wax treatment after receiving their mammogram and breast self-awareness education. 

SURHC is launching a texting campaign to educate women about breast health and to encourage them to schedule their annual exam.  SURHC is committed to providing women with resources to take charge of their health. 

The following is a quote from a participant who benefited from Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center Komen Greater Kansas City Affiliate grant: “Your compassion is natural, it’s clear you put your heart in your job. I put off having my mammogram for three years. I won’t forget how you took the time to talk with me, set my appointment and follow up with me to make sure it was done. To most people it may not seem like a big deal, but for me it’s something I’ll never forget.”

For more information about Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center, please visit www.rodgershealth.org . 

Cancer Action

No woman should face the challenge of breast cancer alone. Cancer Action is a local nonprofit agency serving cancer patients in the Kansas City metropolitan area. They offer programs and services that address the physical, social, emotional, financial and spiritual needs of persons with cancer, their family, and friends.

With the support from Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Kansas City, Cancer Action provides an array of services for over 1,000 breast cancer patients each year.  Services that are available include; nutritional supplements, prescription assistance, lymphedema/breast prosthesis assistance, survivorship programs, medical equipment and supplies, mastectomy supplies, transportation, wigs, turbans, scarves and comfort items. For more information, please visit our website at www.canceractionkc.org.