BROOKINGS – Yes, Brookings is tough enough.
The 2016 Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign raised $2,234 to help kick off a new Breast Cancer Patient Champion (BCPC) program at Brookings Health System to support local breast cancer patients.
Mary Oien Reed – recently named Brookings Health System BCPC – is a breast cancer survivor, registered nurse and trained Reach to Recovery volunteer with the American Cancer Society. Reed is available to meet one-on-one with area patients newly diagnosed or currently living with breast cancer.
“Hearing you have breast cancer can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate through your journey alone,” Reed said. “I’ve been there myself, and I welcome this opportunity to help Brookings area breast cancer patients and their families.”
As the BCPC, Reed is available to listen, encourage and educate. She helps patients bridge the gap between the medical, emotional and personal challenges of breast cancer. In addition, she can provide information on local services and care options to assist patients down their personal path.
More than $48,000 has been raised to date through the annual Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign. The Swiftel Center works with Brookings Health System Foundation to effectively distribute funds.
In addition to the BCPC program, Tough Enough funds provide specialized cancer education and training to local cancer care teams at Brookings Health System.
Funds also provide financial assistance to families in need through the PINKAP program. Area cancer patients are encouraged to apply to help cover the cost of chemotherapy infusion performed at Avera Medical Group Brookings or Brookings Hospital as well as breast biopsies, ultrasounds, lymphedema therapy, mastectomies and reconstructive surgery performed at Brookings Hospital.
Thanks to community support, the Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign has assisted many cancer patients in Brookings County with 100 percent of proceeds staying local.
For more information about the BCPC program or to obtain a PINKAP form, contact Reed at 692-4432 or (515) 231-4432.
For more information about Tough Enough to Wear Pink, contact the Swiftel Center at 692-7539 or visit www.swiftelcenter.com.
