KU News Release

KU gets donation that will help improve services for women with breast cancer

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Dealing with cancer doesn’t end after the doctor says “you’re clear.” Thanks to Back In the Swing, a Kansas City, Mo.-based nonprofit organization, breast cancer survivors won’t be alone after beating cancer. Back in the Swing has donated nearly $300,000 to create the Breast Cancer Survivorship model program at the University of Kansas Cancer Center.

The survivorship program will offer improved services for women such as genetic counseling and testing, management of menopausal symptoms, surveillance for cancer recurrence and targeted monitoring for side effects related to late treatments. In addition, it will offer new fertility preservation programs and diet and exercise interventions. Survivors can utilize these services by collaborating with their physician, family members and appropriate allied health personnel.

This is the only comprehensive medical model for survivorship in Kansas and Missouri. It will be located in the KU Hospital Cancer Center’s new Westwood facility. Only KU Medical Center patients will be eligible for the program in its first year, but after that the Breast Cancer Survivorship Center will open its doors to the entire community. A grand opening for the center will be held later this fall.

Funds were raised during Back in the Swing’s Retail Therapy 2006. Last fall, individuals who purchased a $25 shopping card from Back in the Swing received up to 20 percent off at more than 700 metropolitan shops and restaurants. Retail Therapy 2007 will take place Oct. 10-14.

Back in the Swing is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting joyful, healthy and proactive living through innovative fundraising events, inspiring survivorship programs and clinical research in an academic medical setting. Founded in 2000, Back in the Swing focuses exclusively on the survivor in partnership with supporters of breast cancer survivors across the greater Kansas City metro area and the staff of the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation. For more information, visit www.backintheswing.org/.

The gift will be managed by KU Endowment, an independent, nonprofit organization serving as the official fundraising and fund-management organization for KU. Founded in 1891, KU Endowment is the first foundation of its kind at a U.S. public university.

-30-

The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.