Accomplishments

• TBCC increased the Emergency Access Fund in 2007. The fund provides financial assistance to men and women in financial need due to inability to work and/or mounting medical expenses incurred while undergoing treatment of breast cancer.  The fund is designed to partner with other established community agencies to provide quick turn-around funding.  This fund has provided assistance in preventing evictions, paying utilities, insurance and medical necessities.  Throughout  the 2007 fiscal year TBCC has provided over $30,600 to screened applicants.

• TBCC partnered with and provided funding for the new St. Thomas Latino Breast Health Outreach program targeting a large Hispanic population in Nashville.  Funding for this program helps to provide free screening mammograms, diagnostic mammograms and ultrasound tests when needed for indigent/uninsured clinic patients.  This program also provides health education by addressing issues of healthy lifestyle, cancer prevention, early cancer detection, screening guidelines and mechanics of breast self-exams. The program is the second of its kind to be established by St. Thomas, providing a much-needed facility for the underserved in Middle Tennessee.



• TBCC provided financial support to the Cool Spring’s YMCA After Breast Cancer (ABC) program.  This program provides nutritional counseling, emotional support and exercise programs for breast cancer patients and survivors.   Support was also provided to establish a library and an Outreach Resource Center with 2 computers for internet based research. This program has received national recognition and has become a model for similar programs in Tennessee and other states. 



• TBCC provided financial support to the YMCA ABC program in Rutherford County, modeled after the Cool Spring’s program.  More programs such as this are planned in the near future.



• TBCC continued to provide financial support to the operating budget of Gilda’s Club Nashville. The purpose of Gilda’s Club is to offer to their member’s lectures, workshops, classes, support groups and social activities in a non-residential, homelike setting.  Free of charge to everyone, Gilda’s Club Nashville provides a gathering place where people with cancer and their families and friends can join with others to actively involve themselves in building social and emotional support as a supplement to regular medical care. Over 50% of the families are coping with breast cancer.
  


• TBCC provided $50,000 towards Gilda’s Club Building Fund in 2006 and continues to provide financial support through Grants that allow Gilda's Club of Nashville to offer workshops, classes, social activities and support groups in a homelike setting to breast cancer patients and their families.

• TBCC provided funding for the Vanderbilt-Ingram Family Cancer Risk Services.  This program works with at risk women to determine genetic risk factors and provide counseling services.  The Family Cancer Risk Service (FCRS) is an educational consultation service provided by a nurse practitioner and genetic counselor, working with other medical specialists.  The combination of a nurse practitioner and a genetic counselor that have special training, experience, and interest in cancer risk assessment provide a unique and much-needed resource to the community.

• TBCC sponsored Sister’s Network Nashville’s breast cancer benefit, entitled “Sister Survivor:  The Prologue”.  Sister’s Network is an African American Breast Cancer Survivorship organization.
  


• TBCC distributed educational material regarding breast care, diagnosis of breast cancer, treatment options, resource organizations, etc. to hundreds of women through various education events.  Some of these events included the American Artisan Festival, Low-Country Boil Breast Cancer Event, Tennessee State Employees Breast Cancer Ceremony, Bridgestone/Firestone Employee Volunteer Day, Ambulatory Surgery Nursing Educational Conference, NBLIC Cancer Awareness Day and Doubling Up for the Cure Tennis Tournament.



• TBCC awarded scholarships to local survivors and advocates to attend the National Breast Cancer Coalition Annual Advocacy Training Conference in Washington, D.C.  During this conference, participants attended workshops conducted by the country’s leading doctors and scientists in the medical aspects of breast cancer.  They also attended workshops on becoming effective grassroots advocates and educators for their communities.  The last day of the conference was spent meeting with Tennessee representatives and senators concerning current legislation regarding breast cancer issues.

• TBCC has an established relationship with the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to provide various grants through endowment funds.  The endowment funds allow the Coalition to contribute and serve the community.

2008 Grant Recipients:

Carin and Shrin Breast Cancer Education and Support Group in Memphis Tennessee

Sumner Regional Health Services

Support of Survivors – SOS Program at Baptist Hospital

Gilda's Club of Nashville

Rutherford County YMCA ABC Program

Cool Springs YMCA ABC Program

St. Thomas Latino Breast Outreach Program