THE POWER OF PINK IS COMING TO TRACY
August 2004
Soroptimist International of Tracy/Daybreak and the Tracy Hospital Foundation are partnering together to bring the Greater Tracy Community the "Power of Pink" through the 5th Annual Run for the Ribbon and Women’s Health Fair.
Soroptimist International of Tracy/Daybreak is selling pink ribbons through the "Power of Pink" campaign from September 1 through October 31st. Local businesses are being asked to sell these commemorative ribbons for a minimum of $1.00 each. All money raised stays locally in support of the Tracy Breast Cancer Project. The Project’s ultimate goal is to provide local diagnostic and treatment services; so residents no longer have to travel outside the community to fight this disease.
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death among women ages 35 – 54. Over 215,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 40,000 will die. Right now, there are over 2 million women living in the United States who have been treated for breast cancer. And in San Joaquin County, 335 women will be diagnosed and 55 women will die from the disease in 2004, according to the American Cancer Society.
Rose Miller from Soroptimist International of Tracy/Daybreak says, "We are taking on this project because there have been members of the Tracy/Daybreak Club, both past and present, who have been affected by breast cancer. Everyone knows someone who has been affected by this disease," she adds.
"Twenty five years ago, a breast cancer diagnosis was often a death sentence. Results from a biopsy took many days to come back and if the tests were positive, a radical mastectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy with often toxic levels of medication were the standard treatment," said Dotty Nygard, R.N. of Sutter Tracy Community Hospital (STCH).
Sutter Tracy Community Hospital recently opened up the new Sutter Tracy Imaging Center – focusing on Women’s Health. Offering digital mammography with magnified images for a better diagnosis, and stereotactic breast biopsies, a minimally invasive procedure with a 24 hour diagnosis; these services have revolutionized local care. This technology is available in only 5% of hospitals nationwide.
"Although the fight is far from over, there is much to be celebrated as we look at the progress of diagnostic options, increased technology and expansion of services here in the greater Tracy community," said Cheryl Nickerson of the Tracy Hospital Foundation.
"There are many ways you can help," Rose continues. "One is to gather a team to walk or run on Saturday, October 9th, or simply make a pledge of any amount!" If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Rose Miller at 209-835-8330 or Cheryl Nickerson in the Foundation offices at 209-833-2367.