Markey Breast Center Receives Komen Grant

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 28, 2009) -- Efforts led by a 20-year breast cancer survivor in Frankfort have resulted in a $35,000 grant to support clinical services for breast cancer patients at the University of Kentucky's Markey Cancer Center. 

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Monika Clark was diagnosed with breast cancer in September of 1989, but her fight against the disease didn't end when her treatment did.  Clark became active with the Lexington affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Seven years ago, she initiated Rally for the Cure, an annual women's golf tournament in Frankfort to raise funds for the foundation.  

"I just knew that I had to do something to help find a cure," Clark said. "I am very grateful to be here. Rally for the Cure is my contribution, to help other women who are going through the same struggle I went through." 

The event, which typically takes place the second Tuesday in June, has steadily grown. This year's tournament, planned by a committee of 10 volunteers, attracted 125 participants.  For the past three years, a gala and auction have taken place the night before the tournament, to raise even more money and awareness for breast cancer treatment and research. 

This year marked the first time that Rally for the Cure has named a local beneficiary. Clark, who comes to the Markey Cancer Center's Comprehensive Breast Care Center for regular mammograms, says Markey was a natural choice. 

"Our wish was to keep it local to benefit women in our community," Clark said. "My experiences here have been wonderful."

Proceeds from the grant will help cover the costs of certain services for underinsured and uninsured patients who don't qualify for other assistance programs, says Dr. Heather Wright, medical director of the Comprehensive Breast Care Center. The grant identifies four areas of previously unmet needs: hormonal therapy, which can affect overall survival outcomes in certain types of breast cancer; genetic counseling and testing, which can help guide treatment decisions and alert patients to risks for other types of cancer; reconstruction, which can provide psychological benefits to the patient; and treatment for the occasional student patient who does not have adequate coverage.

"We have witnessed how helpful the Komen foundation has been with our patients and we feel very privileged to be partners in this process," Wright said. "We especially want to thank Monika Clark and her efforts to raise these funds and make this assistance possible." 

At a reception at the Comprehensive Breast Care Center on Friday, Wright accepted a check for $35,000, presented by Anne Gorham, president of the Lexington affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, along with Monika Clark and fellow Rally committee members Glenna Glass, Carol Foster and Cheryl Wainscott. 

For more information about the Rally for the Cure, please contact Monika Clark at (502) 695-3969 or e-mail fraumwc@fewpb.net.  For more information about the Markey Cancer Center's Comprehensive Breast Care Center, visit the UK HealthCare Web site. To make an appointment, please call (859) 257-1000 or toll-free at 1-800-333-8874.