Advocate Condell Raises $17,750 for American Cancer Society

employees exceeded their fundraising goal last month with a $17,750 contribution to the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign.

Hospital staffers sold T-shirts, hats and raffle tickets for gift baskets and an IPad2, and participated in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on Oct. 16 at Independence Grove, which was sponsored by .

More than 100 associates and community members worked together to raise the $17,750, which was well above the $10,000 target set by hospital leaders.

“We are pleased to be able to partner with the American Cancer Society and its mission to improve the quality of life of cancer patients and the health of the community through prevention and education,” said Ann Errichetti, M.D., M.B.A., president.

Other Initiatives in October

In addition to participating in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, marked Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October with numerous initiatives, including walk-in diagnostic mammograms throughout the month; an Open House and Expo in the hospital’s Women’s Center; dedicated chapel services; a tulip bulb blessing; a women’s education program focusing on major health issues; and the Centre Clubs’ Pink Ribbon Run, a fundraiser that this year raised $4,000 to benefit Cancer Care Services at the hospital.

It’s all done to raise awareness about breast cancer, screenings and early detection.

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 40,000 women will die of breast cancer this year. Statistics also show that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and more than 70 percent of those diagnosed will have no family history of breast cancer.

"Although the risk of breast cancer is higher with a family history, most breast cancers found have no prior family history of the disease," said Dr. Eileen Morrison, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist at who presented at last month’s community education program. "The earlier that cancers are detected, the better are the chances for improved treatment results."

Early detection of breast cancer includes:
•       Yearly mammograms beginning at age 40, earlier if you have a family history of the disease. As you begin to have mammograms, it is important to have your previous mammography images available for comparison to your current exam.
•       Consult your physician about planning your personal schedule for mammograms and yearly physical examinations.
•       Perform breast self-exams monthly. For instructions, ask your doctor or visit www.cancer.org.
•       See your physician right away if you notice any unusual changes, abnormalities or lumps in your breast, even if you've had a normal mammogram.
From fundraising events like Relay for Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, employees have supported breast cancer prevention and research. The Libertyville-based hospital is a designated American Cancer Society Patient Resource Center that links families with the many resources the Society has to offer. The medical center also offers the Society’s “Look Good … Feel Better” program at various times during the year.

Information provided by .