New Komen COVID-19 Action Fund Supports People Facing Breast Cancer


New Komen COVID-19 Action Fund Supports People Facing Breast Cancer

Susan G. Komen® Chicago recently announced the creation of a new Komen COVID-19 Action Fund to help the organization support the unique needs of people facing breast cancer during this health and economic crisis.

Rising unemployment, mandatory stay at home orders, and an overburdened healthcare system is causing a perfect storm for breast cancer patients who have questions or need care. Funds raised will ensure that Komen Chicago is able to help those in need of support during this crisis.

“As COVID-19 continues to create uncertainty in our world, breast cancer patients, as well as survivors, are some of the most vulnerable to the virus and they need to know they will be able to access the care they need now, more than ever,” said Dr. Tiosha Bailey, executive director of Komen Chicago. “Komen Chicago is here, and we are reaffirming our commitment to the well being of those in our community and people seeking information and support – financial, emotional and beyond.”

According to a news release, the Komen COVID-19 Action Fund supports urgent needs of members in the breast cancer community today-- ensuring important services continue for those in need, including:

-Providing Lifesaving Services, such as free or reduced mammograms, ultrasounds, biopsies, genetic counseling and genetic screening.

-Research Funding lifesaving research and clinical trials to discover new treatments.

-Komen’s Treatment Assistance Program, which provides financial assistance to patients going through treatment

-Komen Helpline Komen’s breast care and clinical trial information helpline

-Advocacy for breast cancer patients Komen’s and their needs among policy makers.

People and companies interested in supporting the unique needs of breast cancer patients during this health crisis are encouraged to visit komenchicago.org/covid to learn more and to donate to the Fund. All donations will be generously matched up to $15,000 by Ellen Murtack and Eve and Rich Biller.

As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, Komen Chicago recently recommended that women who have had a normal screening mammogram in the past year and are asymptomatic, to delay scheduled mammograms. How- ever, the organization strongly encourages people that are currently in treatment to continue and advocates for women to know what is normal for them and to report

any changes to their health care provider. The warning signs for breast cancer are not the same for all women. The most common signs are changes to the look or feel of the breast. A full list of warning signs for breast cancer can be found on komenchicago.org.

COVID-19 has additionally impacted Komen Chicago’s community events in 2020. Th e Komen Chicago team was abundantly cautious in making the choice to postpone or change logistics of the educational, community and fundraising activities.

-Illinois Advocacy Day will be held virtually on Tuesday, May 5, 2020.

-The Metastatic Breast Cancer Conference has been

postponed from April 3-4 to August 21-22, 2020 at the

Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in Chicago. Planned by women,

for women, this event brings the most current information on treatments, research trials, patient support and national issues for metastatic/stage IV breast cancer (MBC).

-The iconic Mother’s Day Race for the Cure will now be held on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at Montrose Harbor

“While we are excited to continue to provide these events and services to those who have come to anticipate them every year, Komen Chicago is conscientiously monitoring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and will adjust plans as needed. Th e safety and wellbeing of our participants and team is at the forefront of all of our

decisions,” added Dr. Bailey.

For people looking for support, Komen Chicago’s Breast Care Helpline can provide information, social support and help with coping strategies related to anxiety or concerns during these uncertain times. Calls to the helpline are answered by a trained and caring staff member in English or Spanish, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET. You can reach the helpline by phone at 1-877-GO-KOMEN (465-6636), or by email at helpline@ komen.org. For anyone experiencing abnormal breast symptoms or in need of diagnostic or treatment support during/aft er breast cancer treatment, please visit ko- menchicago.org or call the local offi ce at (773)444-0061.

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