Keep up with Komen: January eNews Letter from Our Executive Director Friends and Family, As 2015 begins, I, along with staff, want to express our gratitude to you for your generosity and support to Susan G. Komen Oregon and SW Washington in the last year. We remain steadfast in our priorities and mission, and appreciate your commitment to early detection, survivor support, research and advocacy which moved our work forward. As we continue to make progress, it is with strength, resilience and relevance. You helped us make it all possible. Here are some highlights from the work of our staff and volunteers in 2014: • Advocated $1 million for Oregon's Breast and Cervical Cancer (BCCP) program. • Moved forward the bold, five-year Latina Initiative to address the health disparities in late-stage diagnoses among Latinas. • Garnered more than $1 million in breast cancer screenings and treatment from Kaiser Permanente NW for the Latina Initiative. • Broadened access to our Breast Cancer Issues Conference in the far-reaching areas of Medford, Bend and Roseburg. Our attendance grew by 40%. • Created a path to tackle disparities among African Americans with the guidance of community leaders on our African American Breast Cancer Task Force. • Received research labs naming rights for Susan G. Komen at Providence Cancer Center and OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. • Redesigned our komenoregon.org website, significantly energizing and expanding our social media presence. Our fight against breast cancer is tangible in the more than 35,000 women, men and families we served during the year. Additionally, Komen Oregon and SW Washington ranks third out of 113 Komen Affiliates across the nation for financial performance by Ernst and Young, LLP. All of us are so grateful for your support in this important work. As our sights are higher, we look forward to another successful year with you! Warmly, Tina Foster Interim Executive Director Our Mission in Action Paula never had a mammogram because of the high cost and the accessibility of information in Spanish was an additional barrier. Through Komen's Latina Initiative project, the community health worker in Paula's clinic reached out to her so she could get a free mammogram, and learn about breast health and living a healthy lifestyle to reduce her chances of breast cancer. Paula is very thankful and is also sharing the importance of regular breast cancer screenings and early detection with her friends and family. Paula's daughter Angela initially encouraged her to get a mammogram. Sponsor Highlight We are thrilled and honored to share that two locally grown companies - Les Schwab and Tektronix -  will be our co-presenting sponsors for the 2015 Portland Race for the Cure! We are proud to have the continued support of Fred Meyer, and they will join us as our 2015 Eugene Race for the Cure presenting sponsor! Race details to come...incredible early bird discount, great entertainment and fun is in store!   Volunteer Spotlight Meet Fran Hannon! Fran has been volunteering for 10 years for Komen Oregon and SW Washington as our administrative assistant every Thursday morning in addition to helping on special events throughout the year. Fran got involved after a close relative passed away from breast cancer and she wanted to help in whatever way she could. We appreciate all that she does for us! Community Partner Kelso High School students sponsored Komen Oregon and SW Washington as a DECA project. The DECA chapter raised $3,392.00! Led by students Amanda Hallam, Katie Wangler and Mercedes Pucci, they hosted a variety of events such as Pink Out Games, Cupcakes for Cancer and Coffee n’ Art.  Way to go Kelso High DECA team! You rock! Upcoming Events 2015 Regional Breast Cancer Issues Conference March 21 Discuss breast cancer research, treatment, risk reduction and quality of life issues. Simulcast in Roseburg, Grants Pass, Medford and Bend. Sign up here>>       Lunch for the Cure April 16  Featuring award-winning writer Cheryl Strayed, author of Wild, Torch and Tiny Beautiful things. It is sure to be a festive event filled with passionate people for our mission. Reserve a table here>>      Girlfriends Run for a Cure Half & Quarter Marathon October 11 Use code KOMEN to get $5 off and if you register before Feb 1st you’ll save even more with Early Bird Rates! Let’s do this together, ladies! See them here>>     2015 Portland & Eugene Race for the Cure  Portland - Sept. 20, Waterfront Park Eugene - Oct. 18, Valley River Mall More details here>>     Breast Cancer License Plate Beginning of January, Washington drivers are able to purchase a specialized breast cancer license plate. Revenue from sales will pay for mammograms for people with low income.  See them here>>     Board of Directors   Robert Dove Celia Austin Alec Vesely Aletha Anderson Rev. Dr. T Allen Bethel Patricia Brown, CPA     Gloria Coronado, PhD Teresa Hanna, MBA Nathalie Johnson, MD Suzanne McGrath, CPA Laurie Reser Charlene Zidell    Early Detection • Survivor Support • Research • Advocacy   Susan G. Komen Oregon and SW Washington 1500 SW 1st Avenue, Suite 270  Portland, OR 97201  503.552.9160 | info@komenoregon.org