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Cancer Care Center- Read Family Challenge Grant
Your Gift Will
- Improve in patient and out patient treatment by dedicated social workers and patient navigators who will work directly and only with cancer patients
- Enhance education and research programs that will provide patients with treatment options and alternative therapies
- Create a central location for information on cancer
- Update equipment used for diagnosis and treatment
Background
In 1997, Carol Read, mother of three, wife, community activist and long-time Orinda resident, lost her courageous war with breast cancer. Determined to help others battling cancer, Mrs. Read's family offered Alta Bates Summit Foundation a challenge grant to develop and expand the Cancer Care Center located on the Summit Campus. Succinctly stated by Mrs. Read's dauther, Gilan, "The human fight against cancer, particularly breast cancer, is a challenge about which we as a family have a great passion. Our lives, like far too many other people, have been left scarred forever by cancer's merciless devastation. The Read Family is very pleased to be able to aid in winning the war against this disease.
The Challenge:
Every year, close to 1.3 million Americans receive a cancer diagnosis. Through early detection, advanced treatment and education on prevention, over 50% of all cancer patients have survival rates that go beyond five years in diagnosis. Cancer Care expansion plans include:
Helping patients 'navigate' their way through the medical system. Staff members known as Patient Navigators will help cancer patients and their families access the services they need and offer information on resources, treatment options, and ancillary programs.
Providing a Geneticist to counsel patients on their risk of getting cancer and perform risk assessments for patients in families with a history of cancer. The fear of cancer is often worse than the disease. For many patients, information on their personal genetic link associated with a cancer diagnosis will provide valuable insights on decisions that may empower them if faced with the disease.
Implementing a research component to improve diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. Researching specific information regarding community of patients is necessary to improve our quality of care. |
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