SISTERS NETWORK

Sisters Network® Inc., A National African American Breast Cancer Survivorship Organization which partners with other national groups such as Lifetime Television and the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

For more information about the Sisters Network® Southeastern, NC chapter please feel free to call Mrs. Stuart at (910) 738-3175 or e-mail her at sistersnetsenc@aol.com.

All money raised will stay right here in Robeson County
 

WHY WE NEED THE MONEY

Despite the prevailing opinion that young women don't get breast cancer, the reality is that they can and they do. In fact, one in every 229 women between the ages of 30 and 39 will be diagnosed with breast cancer within the next 10 years.

• Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in young women ages 15-54.

• More than 11,100 women under age 40 will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and more than 1,100 will die.

• There are more than 250,000 women living in the United States today who were age 40 or under when they were diagnosed with breast cancer.

• Young women's cancers are generally more aggressive and result in lower survival rates.

But, despite the facts

• Many young women and their doctors are unaware that they are at risk for breast cancer.

• Young women are often diagnosed at a later stage than their older counterparts.

• There is very little research or educational material focused on issues unique to this younger population, such as fertility, pregnancy, genetic predisposition, the impact of hormonal status on the effectiveness of treatment, psycho-social and long-term survivorship issues, and higher mortality rates for young women, particularly for African-Americans.

• Young women diagnosed with breast cancer often feel isolated and have little contact with peers who can relate to what they are experiencing.

It’s been long known that breast cancer in African-American women is a far less common disease than in white women. But when it occurs, it seems to be more aggressive and harder to treat.

African American women are more likely than all other women to die from breast cancer. Tumors are found at a later, more advanced, stage so there are fewer treatment options. Some reasons for this may include not being able to get health care or, or not having insurance.

Younger black women who get breast cancer are far more likely than other afflicted women to have particularly aggressive and lethal form of the disease, a study found. Since 1990, the average annual breast cancer death rate for younger black women in the United States has been 15.4 deaths per 100,000 population, versus 9.3 per 100,000 for younger white women. [learn more]

Bottom line...Early Detection Saves Lives. Become a sponsor

HOW THE MONEY IS USED

Currently the state has provided money to all counties for a program called the Breast & Cervical Cancer Control Program or BCCCP. It is run through the Robeson County Health Department and you can find out more information by contacting the Women's Health Field Services Manager, Barbie Britt, RN. (910) 671-3281.

The BCCCP provides clinical breast exams (CBE) for women between 18-39 and mammograms for women 40 and over who meet the following criteria:

• Not covered by Medicaid or Medicare Part B
• Have little or no insurance
• Household income at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines

Although the BCCCP is very helpful there are women who are going to slip through the cracks, and that's where you and the Sisters Network® SENC Fund will help.

As stated above, breast cancer is being diagnosed in younger women these days, and the need for screening at an earlier age is becoming more important, especially in the African-American community. That's why the Sisters Network® SENC Fund will provide FREE mammograms (and possibly more) for African-American women between the ages of 35-39.

PLUS, the Sisters Network® SENC will consider all requests on a case by case basis and will not discriminate against those needing help based on

• Race
• Age
• Income Level
• Personal & Family History of Cancer

However, women must still meet the following criteria:

• Not covered by Medicaid or Medicare Part B
• Have little or no insurance
• Household income at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines

So the more money we raise, the more women we can help! Become a sponsor

WHERE THE MONEY GOES

All money raised will stay right here in Robeson County. And most importantly, 100% of the fund will be used for providing mammograms (and possibly more) and will not be used for any administrative costs.

The money is going to a fund established and controlled by the Sisters Network® Southeastern, NC Chapter. The local chapter is identified as an affiliate of the national organization which is recognized as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, so 100% of your donation is tax deductible.

Note: The Sisters Network® SENC has graciously agreed to help me with my personal costs for entering the Ironman. Between the registration fee, temporary USAT membership, airfare, transportation for my bike, and lodging I have costs of nearly $2,000. So what we have agreed on is that the Sisters Network® SENC  will donate 30% of the initial money raised [to me] up to $2,000 and not one dollar more.

Make Checks Payable To: Sisters Network® SENC

Mail To:
LRA
Attn: Mike DeCinti
P.O. Box 1527
Lumberton, NC 28359

For more information about the Sisters Network® Southeastern, NC chapter please feel free to call Mrs. Stuart at (910) 738-3175 or e-mail her at sistersnetsenc@aol.com.

If you would like to forward information to family, friends or co-workers please feel free to download this flyer and attach it to an e-mail.