Download 1 - Avon 39

Avon Foundation Support in the Charlotte Area through 2009
Advancing Access to Care and Finding A Cure
New awards will be announced at the Avon Walk Charlotte closing ceremony
Over $12.3 million has been awarded by the Avon Foundation to organizations and institutions in North
Carolina and South Carolina, including:
Research
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Clemson University received a $195,000 grant to support a research project that seeks to develop
new ways to improve reconstructive surgery following a lumpectomy with a novel application of
drugs to reduce tumor recurrence or metastasis.
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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill received $300,000 to support a research project
which aims to identify differences in the biomarkers present in healthy breast tissue adjacent to
breast cancer and will research how these markers vary within and between individuals. The hope
is that this research can help doctors understand who is at highest risk for breast cancer recurrence.
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The Avon Foundation has provided over $2.5 million in North Carolina to support eleven clinical
trials and clinical research projects through our “Progress for Patients” partnership with the
National Cancer Institute and the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences
(NIEHS). These clinical projects at UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke University, and NIEHS focus on:
o Novel approaches to treat large cancers of the breast.
o Development of biomarkers (distinctive markers in one’s blood) to monitor disease progression
and a patient’s response to cancer therapy.
o Determination of short term breast cancer risk through measurement of markers in fine-needle
aspirates.
o Phase 2 trial of estradiol therapy in advanced breast cancer.
o Developing a novel therapy that stimulated a person’s own immune system to fight breast
cancer.
o A Phase 2 clinical trial for brain metastasis (spreading of cancer) in patients with certain forms
of breast cancer.
o A novel combination of drugs for women who have “triple negative” breast cancer.
“Safety Net” Care

Medical University of South Carolina/Hollings Cancer Center, Charleston, SC has received
$707,000 since 2004 to support culturally sensitive patient navigators and a patient coordinator to
support both the breast center and mobile health unit, with the goals of ensuring quality care for
medically underserved women and increasing enrollment in clinical trials.
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Presbyterian Cancer Center, Charlotte, NC has received $675,000 since 2005 to support a
Program Community Nurse Educator and create a central database management program in the
Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Clinic, which delivers care to the medically underserved population
regardless of insurance status.

Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, NC has received $625,000 since 2005 to support
patient navigation and education services and to engage new patients among the medically
underserved, including the 25% of the patient base without health insurance.

North Carolina Baptist Hospital at Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC has received
$500,000 since 2006 to support new community outreach efforts to increase mammography
screening among minority populations and to provide patient navigation to those women diagnosed
with breast cancer.

Duke University, Durham, NC has received $380,000 since 2007 to support the expansion of
Duke’s outreach to the African-American community in Raleigh, Greensboro and Charlotte, and
support patient navigation services as needed.

Palmetto Health, Columbia, SC has received $250,000 since 2006 to purchase a digital
mammography unit for the hospital’s mobile mammography van.
Support Services

Since 2000, the AVONCares program at CancerCare has provided direct financial assistance for
transportation, child care, or elder care so that lower income, medically underserved women do not
face logistical barriers to breast cancer screening or treatment. Nationwide, support has been provided
in 85% of all U.S. counties.
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In North Carolina, 1,407 women to date received a total of $441,500 in direct financial
assistance during breast cancer treatment, or about $313 each.
In South Carolina, 796 women to date received a total of $221,200, or about $277 each.
Outreach, Education and Screening

Foundation supported North Carolina as one of seven sites in the nation through our Avon-CDC
Foundation Mobile Access Program. This $3 million national initiative supported mobile
mammography for rural populations through the Goshen Medical Center's mobile unit in rural western
North Carolina.

Avon Foundation funding supports community-based outreach and education programs nationwide,
which in 2009 linked over 100,000 women to mammography and clinical breast exam and educated 1.5
million about breast cancer. Organization supported in North and South Carolina include:
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Beaufort Jasper Hampton Comprehensive Health (SC)
Charleston Breast Center (SC)
The Rural Health Group in Roanoke Rapids (NC)
Volunteers in Medicine Clinic (SC)
YWCA of the Greater Triangle in Raleigh (NC)
The Avon Foundation was founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women, and today is focused on the
issues of breast cancer and domestic violence. For information on funded programs and research
throughout the U.S., grant guidelines, breast cancer information and resources, and much more, visit
www.avonfoundation.org.
Program inquiries:
Media inquiries:
Marc Hurlbert - 212-282-5560 – [email protected]
Karyn Margolis – 212-282-5666 - [email protected]