New Approach By Susan G. Komen ®-funded Researcher Brings Hope To OC Breast Cancer Patients

IRVINE, Calif. - Dec. 14, 2017 - PRLog -- More than 250 local supporters and advocates recently gathered at the Susan G. Komen Orange County's annual Grants Award Breakfast were treated to an exciting progress report on development of a novel breast cancer vaccine.

This research, led by Komen-funded researcher Dr. Adam Soloff, is part of the Susan G. Komen's national $180 million research program to understand why metastatic cancer occurs and how to prevent it. Dr. Soloff's work is still in early stages, but if successful, this treatment strategy could not only kill existing breast cancer cells, but also produce long-term immune memory that may prevent breast cancer recurrence.

Additionally, eight local organizations providing breast health care services to women and men in Orange County were awarded with funding to implement their breast health programs
in 2018.

The total of $649,996 was awarded to the following nonprofit, community-based organizations:

• AltaMed Health Services – Breast Cancer Early Detection and Care Program
• Breast Cancer Solutions – Financial Assistance and Navigation for Orange County Latina and Vietnamese Breast Cancer Patients
• Nhan Hoa Comprehensive Health Care Clinic - BEAT Breast Cancer
• Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties – PPOSBC Breast Health Program
• Share Our Selves Corporation - SOS Women's Health Initiative
• The Cambodian Family Community Center – Cambodian Breast Health Education and Support Together (Cam-BHEST) Project
• Vietnamese American Cancer Foundation – Breast Health Initiative
• YWCA of North Orange County – Neighborhood Link to Breast Cancer Prevention

"We have selected these organizations because they work diligently to provide breast health care to the underserved communities in Orange County," said Lisa Wolter, executive director of Susan G. Komen Orange County. "These local services, together with Komen's research program, including the investigation by Dr. Adam Soloff, help move us closer to our Bold Goal to cut the country's 40,000 breast cancer deaths in half by 2026."

Wolter presented key measures illustrating the impact of Komen OC's 2016 community grants:

• 8,307 free clinical breast exams were provided to those who otherwise would not have received them.
• 7,007 uninsured and underserved women were provided with free mammograms.
• Breast cancer was detected in 64 women, who would otherwise not have known about their cancer.
• Eighty-six women were provided with financial assistance so they can finish their treatment.
• The affiliate's breast health educational events reached 67,617people.

The grants awarded will help fund community initiatives that provide breast cancer education, screenings, diagnostic procedures, and financial assistance for those in treatment. In Orange County, grant funds were raised through Komen OC signature events such as the annual Race for the Cure® and Pink Tie Ball®, in addition to individual donations.

This year's event also recognized two of Komen OC's key partners, Kaiser Permanente and Knott's Berry Farm, with the "More Than Pink Award" for their loyal contributions to Komen OC throughout the years. Angels Chairman Dennis Kuhl presented the award to John Stratman, Senior Director of Public Affairs and Brand Communications at Kaiser Permanente Orange County. Lupita Suda of Knott's Berry Farm accepted the award in recognition of Knott's four-year, $500,000 support for Komen OC's Race for the Cure and mobile mammography program.

About Susan G. Komen® and Komen Orange County

Susan G. Komen is the world's largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit while providing real-time help to those facing the disease.  Komen has set a Bold Goal to reduce the current number of breast cancer deaths by 50 percent in the U.S. by 2026.  Komen was founded in 1982 by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy's life.  Komen Orange County is working to better the lives of those that face breast cancer in the local community.  Through events like the Komen Orange County Race for the Cure®, Komen Orange County has invested more than $38 million in community breast health programs and has helped contribute to the more than $920 million invested globally in research.  For more information, call 714-957-9157 or visit http://komenoc.org.