Ed Smith interviewed Christina Thompson, the Executive Director and Meredith Utman, Director of Special Events at Breast Cancer Coalition.
-Christina talked about their new strategic plan initiative. They are evaluating the services they provide and determining what is working and what needs to be adjusted. They are going to make the changes to their Rochester programs first and then roll out adjustments to the 27 counties they serve.
-She said they are fully staffed right now and that has allowed them to really focus on the programs they offer to the community.
-She talked about the gynecology services they offer as well and how they discovered a need to support people dealing with that type of cancer.
-Christina explained what the Young Survivors group is and how it was created to support younger people dealing with cancer. They found that their needs could vary greatly from older people dealing with cancer.
-Christina shared a personal story about how she was diagnosed with breast cancer at 39 years old with two little kids at home.
-She said in conjunction with the Young Survivors group they have an Emerging Leaders group. The idea is to teach young people about the mission of Breast Cancer Coalition, demonstrate the value of the services they offer and teach them how to fundraise. They also try to keep this group engaged with the community. Christina says the plan is to keep them close to the organization and involved as they will be the future of the organization.
-The Emerging Leaders will also be going to Washington DC to an attend an advocacy training summit and talk to elected leaders.
-Christina said they will be advocating for the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act. This would allow people under 62 years old access to Social Security benefits if they are diagnosed with Metastatic cancer.
-Meredith talked about their upcoming fundraising event: Pink and Teal Challenge
She said collaboration is important to Breast Cancer Coalition and they are proud to have UR Medicine as a sponsor and providing free mammograms at the event with their mobile unit.
-Meredith encouraged people to make a team with friends and family members and fundraise and walk together at the event.
-She talked about how all the money raised stays local and helps them provide services to people dealing with cancer at no cost.