The Tyler affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure has awarded grants totaling $225,000 to support Smith County’s breast health education and breast cancer screening programs.

The Komen Tyler Affiliate’s local fundraising efforts, along with the Komen Tyler Race for the Cure®, have enabled it to fund several projects for 2008. The largest grant, $180,000, was awarded to the Northeast Texas Public Health District“ Breast Health and Screening Initiative” to pay for breast diagnostic services for women who can’t afford them. East Texas Medical Center received an $11,560 grant for their second annual Pink Ribbon Getaway. The retreat is held in October and presents topics and speakers for breast cancer survivors. Trinity Mother Frances Health System received a $13,850 grant for “A Hopeful Journey” program which provides rehabilitation products, training sessions for breast self exams and programs for the Hispanic population. Trinity Clinic Medical Genetics received a $7,146 grant to provide genetic testing and evaluation for high risk breast cancer patients while Cancer Foundation for Life received a $12,444 grant for a conditioning program for breast cancer survivors through education, exercise and treatment.

“In order to ensure our funds are making the greatest impact, the Komen Tyler Affiliate works with local medical experts and community leaders to conduct comprehensive community needs assessments,” said Clay Thompson, Komen Tyler Affiliate Grants Chairman and board member.

Up to 75 percent of funds raised by a Komen Affiliate remains in the community to fund local breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs. Remaining income supports the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Award and Research Grant Program, which funds groundbreaking breast cancer research and educational and scientific programs around the world.

The Komen Foundation was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. The Komen Foundation is the world’s largest private funder of community-based breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs. Together with its affiliate network, corporate partners and generous donors, the Komen Foundation has raised over a billion dollars.

The 2008 Komen Tyler Race for the Cure will be held at Bergfeld Park on May 10.

To register for the race or for more information on breast health visit www.komentyler.org

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