September 22, 2003

Genesis Announces Award Of Hope Winner

Davenport IA - The Center for Breast Health at Genesis Medical Center is pleased to announce that United Neighbors is this year's recipient of the Award of Hope.

United Neighbors has actively taken on the leadership role of educating the minority population about breast cancer and the importance of early detection. The organization, with the help of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Quad Cities Affiliate, has carried out this mission since the late 1990s. United Neighbors has been instrumental in finding new ways to promote wellness. Recently they received a Komen Foundation grant, which helped support their sponsorship of a Beauty Salon Campaign during Women's Awareness Month. Every Saturday in March volunteers distributed brochures and reminders about breast health, mammograms and breast self-exams at local beauty salons frequented by African-American and Hispanic women.

"The Award of Hope is given to outstanding members of the community who have devoted time and effort to increase breast cancer awareness and promote early detection and screening," says Dee Westfall, who nominated United Neighbors for the award. "Under the leadership of Ida Johnson, and with the support of the health initiative committee, United Neighbors has assumed an enthusiastic and vocal position in promoting breast health awareness among Quad Citians. In creative ways United Neighbors has encouraged screenings and offered support to women and families of breast cancer."

United Neighbors latest effort - Hoopin' for the Cure - will take place on Saturday, October 18. Local businesswomen will compete in a three-on-three basketball tournament with proceeds benefiting United Neighbors Health Initiative, Komen's Quad City affiliate and the American Cancer Society. The event features Olympic gold medalist and two-time WNBA MVP Cynthia Cooper.

The Award of Hope was established in 1993 to recognize a citizen or organization that has taken an active role in promoting early detection of breast cancer. The Breast Cancer Coalition, a team of community organizations led by the American Cancer Society and Genesis' Center for Breast Health, chooses award winners. The Coalition identifies and communicates breast health needs of women in the community. The Coalition is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives from cancer, diminishing suffering from cancer and advocating for cancer through research, education advocacy and service. The committee encourages the development of, and participation in, programs and activities focused on prevention and early detection of breast cancer.

The 2003 Award of Hope will be presented to United Neighbors in a ceremony on Thursday, October 2, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., in the Genesis East Conference Center, Lower Level of Medical Office Building II (MOB II), 1230 E. Rusholme Street, Davenport.