Published on January 11, 2011

Genesis Designated A Founding
Sponsor Of Susan G. Komen Quad
Cities Race for the Cure®

Honoring 21 years of support of the Komen Quad Cities Race for the Cure®, Genesis Health System has been designated the first founding sponsor of the event.

The new distinction is the highest level of sponsorship of the event and is available only for sponsors who have consistently been involved as a presenting sponsor of the event.

In the 21-year history of the Race, Genesis Health System has donated more than $1 million to the fight against breast cancer in the region.  In addition, teams of Genesis employees, family members, friends and others have raised thousands of dollars for the fight through their participation.

This year's Quad Cities Race for the Cure is scheduled for June 11.  Registration is available at www.komenquadcities.org.

"Genesis is honored to receive this special recognition for its long and continuing support of this great event,'' said Ken Croken, vice president of corporate communications, Genesis Health System.  "Every day Genesis is fighting the fight for women in the region against this disease.

 “The commitment of Genesis for more than two decades is a key element in the
success of the Race. By supporting the Race, Genesis helps Komen support local
women as they undergo breast cancer screenings and diagnoses,” said Christina McNamara-Schmidt, Komen Quad Cities Race for the Cure Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator.

About the Kenneth H. McKay, M.D., Center for Breast Health:

The Kenneth H. McKay, M.D. Center for Breast Health at Genesis is a regional leader in the diagnosis, treatment and cure of breast cancer.

In 2010, the McKay Center for Breast Health was the first breast health center in Iowa and the first in the region to earn accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons.

Accreditation by the NAPBC is only given to centers that have voluntarily undergone a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance.

In a coordinated effort offering the latest diagnostic technology and treatment in the Quad Cities, the McKay Center for Breast Health offers all diagnostic procedures and breast health specialists in one location. The center's team approach offers the combined resources of primary care physicians, radiologists, pathologists, surgeons, oncologists, psychologists, nurses, technologists and other support staff.

The McKay Center for Breast Health utilizes state-of-the-art imaging equipment and techniques to detect early signs of breast cancer in women with no complaints or symptoms.  These breast images are the best way for our physicians to detect and treat breast cancer in its earliest stages. 

Genesis participates in many clinical trials for the treatment and prevention of breast cancer.  The clinical trials allow women in the region to have access to the latest treatment and prevention options without having to travel away from family and friends. In addition, Genesis administers grants and voucher programs on behalf of the Susan G. Komen Foundation and Iowa's Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention Program to provide no or low cost mammography screening to those in need.

The McKay Center for Breast Health performed 28,070 screenings or diagnostic procedures in addition to clinic visits for breast concerns in 2009.  In addition, the Genesis Cancer Care Institute treated more than 300 breast cancer patients in 2009 with comprehensive, state-of-the-art care, including advanced radiation oncology, 24/7 infusion services, a dedicated inpatient oncology unit and a team of support services, including nurse navigators, oncology rehabilitation, nutrition, social work, spiritual care and support groups and classes.

To learn more about the Genesis Center for Breast Health, call (563) 421-7625  or go to www.genesishealth.com/cbh.

About the Quad Cities Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Race for the Cure:
The Quad Cities Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®—along with those who generously support us with their talent, time and resources—is working to better the lives of those facing breast cancer in our community.  We join more than 100,000  breast cancer survivors and activists around the globe as part of the world’s largest and most progressive grassroots network fighting breast cancer. Through events like the Komen Quad Cities Race for the Cure®, we have invested $4.5 million in local breast health and breast cancer awareness projects in our 8-county, bi-state service area. Up to 75 percent of net proceeds generated by the Komen Quad Cities Affiliate stay in the QCA while the remaining income goes to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Award and Research Grant Programs supporting research, awards and educational and scientific programs around the world. Join us by calling 1-877-921-CURE (2873) or visiting us online at www.komenquadcities.org.
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