Beacon Awards: Friends of the OU Breast Institute

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City),  Jul 11, 2008  by Jessica Mitchell

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Founded in 1992, the University of Oklahoma Breast Institute is a comprehensive breast care center, providing a multidisciplinary approach to both diagnosis and management in breast disease. Formed shortly thereafter, The Friends of the OU Breast Institute began mainly as a small group of breast cancer survivors.

The group came together to advise health care providers on the creation of a patient-centered paradigm that focuses on the needs of the patients and to bring physicians, clinical research and patient support systems to the patients. The members rapidly began to raise funds to help support this dream.

Currently, the nonprofit organization consists of 80 members who each contribute $350 to fund projects, personnel, equipment and other needs for the institute. Twenty-five of those members serve on the OUBI Community Advisory Board, providing guidance and initiating fundraising for the various projects.

Funds raised through the Friends organization have funded a list of projects, personnel, and equipment, such as supplementing the salary of a nurse navigator and funding medical student summer interns as well as a part-time genetics counselor and providing for the establishment of the Medical Mentoring in Action program.

In addition, The Friends of the Breast Health Institute partnered with the University Hospital Trust, the Merrick Foundation, the Presbyterian Health Foundation, and the Jean Everest Foundation to form the Elizabeth Merrick Coe Chair Endowment in Breast Imaging. The Friends purchased a microscope and accessories for the Breast Institute, which led to the formation of a multidisciplinary tumor board, allowing breast surgeons, medical oncologists, radiologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists and plastic surgeons to discuss treatment plans of individual patients on a weekly basis.

One out of every eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Members of the Friends of the OU Breast Institute, many themselves breast cancer survivors, have came together to support breast health issues by raising awareness in the general public and providing resources for research, teaching and patient care. The group's influence extends beyond the university, to the community as a whole, as former students, residents and faculty members who have benefited from its generosity and commitment have extended the dream of comprehensive breast care into the entire city.

AT A GLANCE

Name of company:

Friends of the OU Breast Institute

Headquarters location:

Oklahoma City

Year established: 1992

Type of business: Nonprofit

No. of volunteers: 80

Amount of philanthropic

contributions in 2007: $38,000

No. of volunteer hours in 2007: Approximately 600 hours

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