BUFFALO — The Breast Cancer Network of WNY announced today that it has been awarded a five year grant in the amount of $133,925 from the New York State Department of Health for implementation of “Community-Based Breast Cancer Support and Wellness Services.”
The Breast Cancer Network of WNY (BCN), a local non-profit organization dedicated to the support of breast cancer survivors, will use the funding to conduct wellness education programs for breast cancer survivors in the western New York area. A series of monthly wellness seminars with local guest speakers will be conducted in a variety of area venues. BCN has established collaborations with Catholic Health, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, and Windsong Radiology to host components of the planned seminar series and plans to involve additional host venues in an effort to optimize availability to as many survivors as possible.
According to BCN Executive Director Rob Jones, the intent of the program is to reach out to area breast cancer survivors and offer wellness education programs that could positively impact their quality of life New York state cancer statistics show that over 1400 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed annually in the eight counties of western New York which, compounded over years, creates a substantial population of survivors in need of support services.
Currently, BCN hosts an active schedule of support groups, restorative health classes, and education activities at its facility at 3297 Walden Avenue in Depew. The grant funding from the New York State Department of Health will give BCN the ability to expand its wellness programming to reach more breast cancer survivors throughout western New York. BCN Executive Director Rob Jones stated, “Our regular programming is extremely informative and helpful, but is currently conducted in mostly suburban locations. By hosting these new educational programs in different locations, including urban areas, we will be able to serve many more breast cancer survivors as well establish stronger relationships with area providers.”
The Breast Cancer Network of WNY was founded in 1988 by a small group of breast cancer survivors committed to offering support, education, and advocacy to others afflicted with breast cancer. Since that time, thousands of area women and families have benefited from the efforts of BCN’s volunteer staff.
Originally posted by Buffalo Healthy Living Magazine . Republished with permission.
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