According to the National Cancer Institute

Even when diagnosed at a similar age and stage, Hispanic women are more likely to die of breast cancer than white women. Differences in breast cancer treatment and access to care likely contribute to the higher mortality rates of Hispanic women.

The Southern Arizona affiliate of Susan G. Komen® fights to energize science and ensure quality care for all Southern Arizona breast cancer patients and raises funds through the Race For the Cure® with those funds supporting local partners, including St. Elizabeth’s Health Center (also known as St. E’s).

St. E’s often sees patients who have been diagnosed with breast cancer but have been turned away for treatment. One such new patient to St. E’s arrived after several trips to other health care providers. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in both her breasts. With no insurance, she was in need of many things, but most importantly surgery as soon as possible.

Referred to St. E’s because they are the recipient of a Komen Southern Arizona grant for breast cancer treatment, during her first appointment she told her story and asked for help. The initiation of her care started that same day. It was the beginning of a long process of treatment, but she was monitored closely throughout her journey.

After a successful surgery to remove both her breasts, St. Elizabeth’s most recent patient is currently being treated with chemotherapy. She is doing well and is very thankful to Komen for the treatment grant and knows her fight for a cure is a possibility because of Komen Southern Arizona.

One of the many ways to help the men and women who need the local live-saving programs who otherwise could not afford screening, treatment and or survivorship support in the fight against breast cancer is participation in the Komen Southern Arizona Race For the Cure®, scheduled for March 22, 2015 at the University of Arizona.

Registration is now open at www.KomenSAZ.org or pick up a registration form at your local Fry’s Food Store. With 10 or more family, friends and coworkers to form a team, you could be eligible for weekly fundraising prizes, and a reserved spot on the UofA Mall on Race day!

To learn more about St. Elizabeth’s Health Center go to http://www.ccs-soaz.org/agencies-ministries/st-elizabeths-health-center.