Because beautiful breasts, and the beautiful reconstruction of breasts after cancer surgery, are essential and aesthetic specialties here at the Orlando Cosmetic Surgery, we have a special connection to October’s observation of Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Bravo For Barbara and the BCRF!
At a recent Breast Cancer Research Foundation event, legendary news broadcaster Barbara Walters received the Sandra Taub Humanitarian Award for her contributions to women’s health.
It was on this occasion that she confided her brush with breast cancer to the world:
“Some years back, I discovered a small lump in my breast. Under the expert care of Dr. Larry Norton, I had a lumpectomy. There were other choices possible. This was mine. I told few people and I am fine…no recurrence.”
She added, with confidence, “Nor was I worried. I knew the advances that had been made in treating breast cancer, including lumpectomies when possible. I can remember when such treatments were not available. Research made my treatment possible.”
We Celebrate and Honor Every Day Heroes From Our Own Office!
Indeed, the stories of news personalities and cinema stars increases public awareness and fuels interest in contributions, but you do not have to be a celebrity to touch the hearts and minds of those around you. There are not enough pink ribbons, balloons, or roses to celebrate and honor your courage.
At Orlando Cosmetic Surgery, we are constantly impressed with our patients from ordinary professions and families, who face tough decisions like Barbara’s, and continue their lives with courage in the face of this dread disease.
When Everyone Gives A Little, We Get A Lot!
We are also impressed with the record of BCRF. In case you think your small donations of a few dollars doesn’t count, look at this statistic: “By spending 91 cents of every dollar on research and public awareness, BCRF remains one of the nation’s most fiscally responsible nonprofits. BCRF is the only breast cancer organization with an “A+” from CharityWatch, and has been awarded Charity Navigator’s highest rating of four stars 12 times since 2002.”
At the same luncheon in which Barbara received her award, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), announced that it has awarded $58.6 million to breast cancer research.
“At BCRF, we fund the game changers,” President of BCRF Myra Biblowit said. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors and corporate communities, we are able to support over 220 women and men through our grants that will make a real difference and accelerate advances in the battle against breast cancer.”
Since it was founded by Evelyn H. Lauder in 1993, this organization has funded more than 500 million dollars in the fight against breast cancer.
Indeed, a quick look at the research they have helped finance enhances the lives of patients, and continues to help them every day. In the last 20 years, research funded by BCRF has played a significant part in some of the biggest breakthroughs in breast cancer, including:
1. The Realization: Breast cancer is not one but many diseases.
2. Genetics: Genetics plays a huge part in breast cancer.
3. New Treatment: Immunotherapy can be ammunition against breast cancer.
4. Metastasis: “Understanding the biology underlying the spread of cancer, known as metastasis,” can prevent loss of life.
At Orlando Cosmetic Surgery, we have to agree with Barbara Walters as she stated, “As someone who believes in the power of investigation, in the power of discovery and uncovering the truth, I am an advocate for research and education.”
Walters reminded us all of our responsibility for charity and generosity. She said, simply, “I believe that we all have an obligation and a responsibility, to support and fund medical research.”
At Orlando Cosmetic Surgery, we like the BCRF motto, “Every hour of research gets us one step closer to a cure. Your support makes all the difference.”
Our doctors and staff constantly study the latest in techniques and discoveries to offer our cancer recovery patients the best possible options when they are facing or recovering or reconstructing from breast cancer. We appreciate the work in the research labs, because we get to see the results first hand, at the bedside of the patient.
