October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month |
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In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Ellie Fund is partnering with many local businesses as part of our annual Do Good Campaign. Many of our partners are small businesses. We are overwhelmed with their generosity despite the impacts of the COVID-19 shutdown. Our partners have gotten creative in their ways to help Ellie Fund and to spread awareness about our mission. We want to say a sincere thank you to all of our Do Good partners and supporters.
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COVID-19 Should Not Postpone Your Annual Screening:
A Letter From Board Member Dr. Amy Comander
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Dear Ellie Fund Community,
As an oncologist specializing in breast cancer treatment, I cannot overstate the importance of routine screenings such as mammograms. The goal of breast cancer screening is to identify a cancer early, when it is easier to treat, and before it has a chance to grow or spread. Research has shown that screening mammography improves survival from breast cancer.
This spring, as the COVID-19 pandemic hit our area, non-emergency medicine slowed to a crawl and routine medical examinations, including mammograms, were postponed. In turn, my colleagues and I witnessed a dramatic decline in new diagnoses of breast cancer. As much as I wish this decline were due to a decrease in breast cancer incidence, I know breast cancer is as present as ever. This difference is due to a marked decline in breast cancer screening.
It is important for women to know that at this time, it is safe to see your doctor, and get your annual mammogram. During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals and doctors’ offices are taking precautions to ensure safety. Please do not let fear of COVID-19 prevent you from getting your annual mammogram. In fact, some of my patients have told me that they were relieved that the process seemed more efficient and streamlined than before the pandemic.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. My wish is that all women who are eligible for screening will call their doctor, and schedule their mammogram appointment. And let’s encourage our friends and family members to do the same. At this time, when so much of our lives is out of our control, we all have the opportunity to take charge of our health and self-care.
2020 has been a stressful year, with great uncertainty and many unknowns. However, I know this much is true- early detection of breast cancer is key to saving lives.
Amy Comander, MD
Director of Breast Oncology and Survivorship, Mass General Cancer Center at Waltham and at Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Medical Director, Mass General Cancer Center at Waltham
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Rhoda: Mom, Wife, and Breast Cancer Survivor |
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Rhoda debated skipping her annual mammogram in April 2017. She had just received a clean bill of health from a similar screening a few months earlier for a specific issue her doctor was following. As an ultrasound and imaging professional, Rhoda knew she should still go to the appointment just in case.
Soon after, the call came, additional tests were run, and she received a breast cancer diagnosis. It was overwhelming news to receive. Thoughts raced through her mind, “How will I cope? Can I work?" Rhoda and her husband knew they had to get through the next week, to her youngest daughter’s college graduation, before they could tell their kids.
It was a picture-perfect day with her four children and husband together celebrating the momentous occasion of her baby receiving her college diploma. After lunch and before her kids went their separate ways, Rhoda broke the news of her diagnosis to her adult children. With conviction and strength, she consoled her children, “This will be okay. It’s treatable. You hear things happening to others and now it’s happening to our family, but it will be okay. We just have to help each other out.” That positive, straightforward outlook is how Rhoda got through her year of treatment.
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Rhoda was fully employed and insured and was surrounded by friends, family, and her church community. Ellie Fund was still able to become part of her support system when she was introduced to them through her oncologist’s office. No one plans for a cancer diagnosis. Patients can be financially secure but as treatment goes on for months and sometimes years circumstances change, and work benefits diminish. |
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Ellie Fund allows patients to pick their top needed services as every patient’s priorities and needs are different. Grocery and gas gift cards were the biggest help to Rhoda and her family.
“Ellie Fund was the most welcoming thing or me,” Rhoda noted. “At first, you think this is the end of everything. Then they come to your side and ask what you need and help you the best they can. I didn’t realize there was someone out there fighting for me and that I was not alone.”
Throughout the pandemic, Rhoda thought of the people getting a breast cancer diagnosis while being laid off or furloughed due to COVID-19 and the additional financial stress and isolation they would feel. When her daughter Vimbai mentioned she wanted to positively contribute to the community through fundraising, Rhoda reminded her of Ellie Fund’s impact on their family. Vimbai is now hosting a running fundraiser this month which has already raised more than $2,000!
Ellie Fund is able to serve close to 1,000 patients each year because of the generosity of our community members like Rhoda and her family.
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On September 22, Ellie Fund hosted its annual Real Golfers Wear Pink tournament at Brae Burn Country Club. Taking all the appropriate precautions, our 100+ golfers took the greens and fundraised over $108,000. Our generous golfers' support will make a positive impact on breast cancer patients in treatment. |
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Ellie Fund was recently awarded an $8,000 grant from our new community partner Sientra. Sientra is a leader in breast implant reconstruction. Their commitment to breast cancer patients makes them a great partner for Ellie Fund! |
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October 17
Drive-in Movie Night
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Drive-in Movie Night at Patriot Place
5pm Lot Opens | Dusk Showtime
Join us for an outdoor showing of the original Karate Kid.
$50 per carload which includes a snack pack for 4.
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October 18-24
Wellesley Goes Pink
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Stores in Wellesley and Linden Squares are “Turning Wellesley Pink for Breast Cancer” by participating in a variety of different ways including fundraisers, decorations, and outreach.
Head to the both squares to “Sip, Shop, Savor and Do Good.”
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Does all this time at home have you adding a lot more to your Amazon cart? Amazon just streamlined their Amazon Smile program to make it easier to support Ellie Fund on their app!
Open the amazon app on your phone or tablet, click settings, tap AmazonSmile and follow the on-screen instructions.
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Become a Monthly Donor
Ellie Fund has launched a new monthly giving initiative!
We are asking our supporters to become a Partner in Hope by committing to a monthly donation. Your monthly gift will ensure Ellie Fund has reliable funding to support our patients.
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