Susan G. Komen San Antonio Race for the Cure

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IF YOU ARE
DIAGNOSED

Susan G. Komen for the Cure is best known for the Race for the Cure®. What you might not realize is the work the organization does the other 364 days of the year — educating the community about breast cancer and helping those diagnosed with the disease. If you or someone you know is diagnosed with breast cancer, a simple phone call can launch a tirade of support.

“During the initial phone call with a woman recently diagnosed with breast cancer, we first find out what her needs are and provide names and contact numbers of organizations who can assist her,” explains Pilar Jimenez, program manager for the Komen San Antonio Affiliate. “Whether the group receives funding from Komen or not, our focus is making sure the patient has the information and resources needed to get treatment and support. Second, we ask if she would like to receive what we call a newly diagnosed survivor gift basket containing educational brochures and pamphlets, inspirational books and feel-good items,” says Jimenez.

The baskets contain materials in English or Spanish and include the Bexar County Breast Cancer Resource Guide, the book How the Race is Run by Nancy Brinker, founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the booklet I’ve Just Been Diagnosed With Breast Cancer: What’s Next? and the booklet Questions To Ask The Doctor. Also included is the book Nuestras Historias, Hispanic Women Surviving Breast Cancer and the brochure titled After Breast Cancer, What You Need to Know About Your Gynecological Health. The materials include comfort items like a mastectomy pillow, writing journal and pen, pink ribbon bracelet and pin and a pink mug and tea.

Jimenez said most women look forward to receiving the gift basket and find it very useful. The gift baskets are delivered to the patient’s home by a Komen volunteer, usually herself a breast cancer survivor, within one week of the initial phone call.

The organization also hosts the Komen Mentor Program, consisting of breast cancer survivors willing to share their story, answer personal questions and provide support to recently diagnosed women. This service is offered to those recently diagnosed.

“Many women are embarrassed or simply forget to ask their doctor some questions,” said Jimenez, “so this is a great way to ensure they receive all of the information they need. If they are interested, we have a Komen Mentor contact them for support. Many of these women contact us a few months later and not only give us an update on their condition, but express interest in volunteering with us or participating in the Komen San Antonio Race for the Cure®, where survivors are celebrated with special T-shirts and a ceremony in their honor.”

To get more information about the newly diagnosed baskets, to volunteer for the Komen Mentor Program or register for the 10th Annual Komen San Antonio Race for the Cure® call 210-222-9009 or go to www.komensanantonio.org.