Breast and cervical cancer have touched the lives of many people. Early detection
and awareness is the key in the battle against these life-threatening diseases,
yet many women who are uninsured, under-insured or lack access to funds can not
afford to pay for these services.
Through funds raised by Community Memorial Healthcare Foundation’s annual
Gold Dust Gala along with the generous support of the Wallis Foundation,
Community Memorial Health System is able to offer breast cancer screening
and treatment, and cervical cancer screening and vaccine to women in our
community who lack access to pay for these life-saving exams.
Breast Cancer Screening & Treatment
In 2008, an estimated 182,460 new cases of
breast cancer occurred in the United States.
This is an alarming number, yet through the
funds raised at the Gold Dust Galas, we have
been actively taking care of women in our
community who lack access to life-saving tests
and treatments to combat this disease. Last
year, 81 women received breast care treatments
ranging from mammography exams to biopsies
and surgical interventions at the Breast
Center at Community Memorial Hospital.
We are very proud to help these individuals
because without access to our program, many
of these women would have few other options.
In fact, our unique program is the only one
in the county that offers these treatments to
women under the age of 40.
Cervical Cancer Screening & Vaccine
Each year 13,000 women are diagnosed with
cervical cancer in the United States. Cervical
cancer continues to be the second most
common type of cancer in women worldwide
after breast cancer.
Cancer of the cervix is almost always caused
by the human papilloma virus, commonly
known as HPV. It is estimated that at any
given time 20-40 million Americans are
infected with HPV. The good news is that
most cases of cervical cancer can be
prevented through early detection and
treatment, and through funds raised at
this year’s Gold Dust Gala we are excited to
expand our services to women in need in
this particular area.
Through our Centers for Family Health clinics
located throughout western Ventura County,
we will now offer qualified women access to a
Papanicolaou test (Pap smear). The Pap test can
identify abnormal or pre-cancerous changes in
the cervix so that they can be removed before
cancer develops. In addition, the HPV vaccine
treatment series, Gardasil, will be available.
This vaccine series protects against 4 strains
of HPV (6, 11, 16, 18) that are responsible for
approximately 70% of cervical cancers.
Women We Have Helped
Adriana's Story
When 31-year-old Adriana Contreras discovered a
large lump while showering, she called her doctor
at the CMHS Centers for Family Health. Concerned,
physicians there quickly referred her to The Breast
Center for a diagnostic screening and fur ther
evaluation. That’s when the uninsured, married
Ventura mother of three found out she had invasive
ductal breast cancer. Because of the funds raised
at the Gold Dust Gala, Adriana was able to receive
a mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy and surgical
intervention at no cost. “I was worried because I didn’t
know how I was going to pay for this. Once I found
out about the services offered at the center, I was
relieved.” Amanda’s post-surgical treatment has
included chemotherapy and radiation, and she’s
undergoing it all with a positive, grateful spirit. “The
doctors and nurses did everything possible to get me
the care I needed. Everyone has been so caring. I’m
thankful to God that this program was available.”
Amanda's Story
The comprehensive program at The Breast Center
located at Community Memorial Hospital can also provide
peace of mind when the diagnosis is not cancer.
Amanda Gonzales-Van Buren discovered a lump three
years ago. The mother of two small children was
running her own day care center in Santa Paula and
didn’t have insurance. Her doctor referred her to
surgeon Dr. Jim Woodburn, and it was determined
that the lump wasn’t cancerous. However, over time
the lump grew is size. Worried, Amanda went back to
Dr. Woodburn for a follow-up exam, and surgical
removal of the infected cyst was recommended.
“I knew I couldn’t afford thousands of dollars for a
surgery,” Amanda recalled. “When I found out that the
surgery would be covered through the Foundation’s program,
I went home and my mother and I cried. It was like
seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. It was a miracle.”
Amanda had surgery this past summer and she feels
terrific. “I’m beyond thankful to this day.”
Joanne's Story
When Joanne Azoo was diagnosed with infiltrating
ductal breast cancer, she thought she was going to die.
Her 43-year-old sister and aunts had already succumbed
to the disease. Joanne was referred to The Breast Center
at Community Memorial Hospital. The highly trained,
all female staff at The Breast Center assured Joanne
they would be with her every step of the way. They
guided her through her battle with breast cancer with
the most technologically sophisticated medical care
available in Ventura County.
After a diagnostic mammogram, Joanne
had an ultrasound
core biopsy to confirm
the detection.
What followed was
a full mastectomy
of her right breast
and six chemotherapy
treatments. Assistant
Director of Radiology at The Breast
Center, Becky Trevino, urges women to get
regular mammograms. “With early detection,
we can see things so tiny, so early. It changes
the outcome.” At The Breast Center, under and
uninsured patients, such as Joanne Azoo, can
qualify for a free mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy
and surgical procedures with aid available
from the funds raised at the Gold Dust Gala.
Post-surgery and post-chemotherapy, Joanne
is upbeat about life and feels great. She is contemplating
reconstructive surgery, beginning to
focus on a new career and has published a poem.
Most importantly, she has been given the opportunity
to spend time with her family and her son
Brandon.
