Pink Ribbon Campaign Increases Breast Cancer Awareness
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
In October of each year, organizations throughout the nation present programs and activities to increase awareness and promote early detection of breast cancer as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month. The Pink Ribbon Campaign is designed to do that and more.
Deborah O’Meara and Monica Aranda from St. Joseph Church in Mission San Jose organized the Pink Ribbon Campaign to help others understand more about breast cancer and recognize the importance of early detection. They also wanted to help provide mammography services within the community for those who might not be able to afford them.
When they heard of Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation’s Mammography Services Fund, they knew they had a match. The Pink Ribbon Campaign was started last year by Deborah, Monica and several women in the St. Joseph Community who have been personally touched by breast cancer.
"It is a cause very close to our hearts," said O’Meara.
Within the committee, two women have had breast cancer, one has two sisters who are survivors and four others have lost a sister, sister-in-law or cousins to breast cancer. The St. Joseph community was very excited to help support this worthwhile cause.
Donations to the Pink Ribbon Campaign will support Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation’s Mammography Services Fund. This fund was formed to provide mammograms to qualified women and men who have no health insurance coverage and who reside within the boundaries of Washington Township Health Care District.
To make a donation to the Pink Ribbon Campaign, call the Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation at (510) 791-3428.
Women’s Health Care Close at Hand
Washington Hospital Healthcare System offers several women’s health programs to promote the health and well-being of District residents.
Prevention is key. That is why Washington Hospital Healthcare System provides state of the art Digital Mammography Services in the Mammography Department at 2500 Mowry Ave., Fremont.
Digital mammography is different from a standard mammogram. With digital pictures, the physician can zoom in, magnify, and optimize different parts of the breast tissue in the picture without having to take an additional image.
In terms of preparation, positioning, and the look of the machine, the patient experience is unchanged. However, the result of the test offers several advantages, including a more powerful diagnosis. Included in the advantages are:
- Less anxiety as pictures are generated immediately
- Less time for appointments, as results are obtained faster
- The ability for physicians to magnify and optimize mammography results.
Mammogram appointments require a physician’s order and referral. Please call 510-791-3410 to schedule your mammogram appointment or obtain more information.
Also on the Washington Hospital campus is Bras for Body & Soul, a specialty shop for women, with bra sizes for every woman, sizes AA to N. Women of every size shape and circumstance can benefit from the shop’s services, which cater to women who have undergone breast surgery, as well as those that are just seeking a comfortable fit. The shop provides swimsuits, prostheses, wigs, hats and scarves.
Personal fittings are available for customers’ privacy and convenience. Breast health seminars are held to foster understanding among health professionals, women’s groups and others about breast care, as well as the proper fitting of bras and prostheses.
To learn more, call (510) 790-1911 or visit Bras For Body & Soul’s Web site at
<http://www.BrasForBodyAndSoul.org>. The shop is located at 2500 Mowry Avenue, Suite 130 in Fremont.
