2011 Affiliate Award Recipients
On January 26th, 2012, the following individuals and organizations were honored for their commitment to Komen's promise:Judy Clark
Judy has worked tirelessly as a volunteer and fundraiser for Eugene Race for the Cure since its inception in 2010. She was initially inspired to volunteer for Komen after witnessing her best friend's battle with breast cancer, then later continued to fight for the cures after being diagnosed with breast cancer herself. When she lived in California she started 'Swing for a Cure' with her local golf club. She ran this fundraiser for 5 years, and over that time was instrumental in raising over $100,000 for the cure. When she moved to Eugene, she sought out ways she could become involved with Komen again on a local level. Then in 2010, when the Race for the Cure came to Eugene, she was thrilled to find her niche helping plan for the inaugural Race. Judy has donated tremendous time and energy to volunteering at numerous Eugene area events to promote the Eugene Race for the Cure and spread Komen’s message about the importance of early detection. In fact, if you live in Eugene and have seen a Race for the Cure poster or flyer in any store or public location, we can guarantee that flyer was placed there by Judy or one of the members of her distribution committee. Judy has been incredible at distributing Race information to promote the event throughout Eugene and surrounding areas. Judy has even gone as far as New York City to promote Komen Oregon and the Eugene Race for the Cure – proudly displaying a Eugene Race banner at the front of the Today Show crowd!
Dr. Nathalie Johnson
Dr. Johnson approaches her work with Komen as she does her professional work as a surgeon; with passion, great expertise, an authentic heart and a fierce commitment to the breast cancer survivor. Her passion for social justice was made evident this past year as she worked with Chris McDonald to pass Senate Bill 433, which provided equity to accessing treatment of breast cancer for uninsured women through Oregon's Breast and Cervical Cancer program. As a surgeon, Dr. Johnson knows first-hand of the struggles, fears and barriers that women without insurance face when diagnosed with breast cancer. Dr. Johnson provided key testimony on two occasions in Salem in front of the House and Senate Committee. Senate Bill 433 was finally signed into law in August 2011 and went into effect this month! In addition to this work, she also provides continued leadership serving on the Affiliate Board of Directors and Medical Advisory Committee.This past year, Dr. Johnson served as one of the Pink Trustees in the Komen-funded Worship in Pink Program, a non-denominational faith-based breast health education program reaching into 32 different faith organizations in 2011. In addition to speaking at the Community Celebration, Dr. Johnson spoke at local churches about the importance of this program and the urgency for women to be their own advocates for breast health.
Survivor of the Year - Jan Franke
Jan Franke served on the Affiliate Board of Directors for 6 years. She was instrumental in implementing the Affiliate's Advocacy Program and worked diligently throughout her tenure and beyond on critical issues regarding access and treatment. Jan's fierce dedication to women and their families who face breast cancer was demonstrated through her work as one of Komen's most loyal and well-spoken advocates both at the state and federal level. Jan chaired Komen's Advocacy Committee and worked countless hours with key decision makers in Salem as part of the Oregon Women's Health and Wellness Alliance to see the successful passage of key legislation. Jan has traveled to Washington DC at least four times as part of Komen's national Lobby Days. Once there she visited with Oregon and Washington congressional representatives to put a voice, a story and her passion in front of Washington decision makers to ensure adequate funding for the Department of Defense budget (funding source for the National Early Detection Program for Breast and Cervical Cancer) as well as translational research funding (from the National Cancer Institute) and adequate funding for oncology nurses just to mention a few critical issues. As a breast and ovarian cancer survivor, Jan understands first-hand the real challenges of a survivor and the importance of putting a story, a voice and a passionate stance behind legislative issues that impact breast cancer survivors.
Strength of Many Award - Breast Cancer Issues Committee
Every year, 19 women on the Komen Breast Cancer Issues Committee meet once a month for 11 months with a clear vision: To educate the Oregon and Southwest Washington community on topics related to the experience of breast cancer at Komen’s annual Breast Cancer Issues Conference. The women of the planning team represent survivors and health care providers who believe in the power of information and education. Each Breast Cancer Issues Conference is designed to offer an attendee a chance to explore a subject in depth or experience a variety of topics. Conference content is chosen based on previous attendees’ feedback and committee members’ expertise and understanding of the breast cancer journey. Planning committee members work to find the most knowledgeable experts to provide hope, empowerment and information on a given topic related to breast cancer. The conference has been offered to the community for 16 years and continues to be well attended, with 400 - 600 participants each year. Two years ago, the committee expanded the event to offer a separate, distinct conference for health care providers, in addition to the event offered to members of the general public. The symposium for health care providers offers Continuing Medical Education Credits to further educate professionals who treat breast cancer patients.
The planning team’s talent and geniality contribute greatly to the conference’s success. With essential and great support from the Komen staff, the conference provides a significant educational opportunity for the many people who are at risk or affected by a breast cancer diagnosis.
Community Partner Grantee Award - Asian Health and Service Center
A community partner who has received Komen grant funding for at least two years and has implemented an outstanding program that significantly impacts their target community and demonstrates the Komen promise: to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures. This award is selected by the Komen Affiliate Grant Committee.The Asian Health and Service Center has been an outstanding partner with Komen for many years. Their breast health programs began with a small community grant to do education for Chinese women, which was difficult in the early years of the program because women were not comfortable talking about breast cancer. Over the years, the program has grown tremendously to include Korean and Vietnamese women. It also includes survivor support services, in addition to maintaining the education program.
The Asian Health and Service Center has been very creative in trying to help women access the screening services with transportation assistance. The Grant Committee applauds their excellence in programs and their commitment to serve women.
Corporate Partner Award - KATU
A company that provides financial support, initiative, dedication and a sustained commitment to the Komen Affiliate, our community and to the Komen promise: to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures. This award is selected by the Komen Development Advisory Committee.As the official television sponsor for the Oregon and SW Washington Affiliate, KATU supports the affiliate year-round, providing coverage on Komen events, breast cancer news and important breast health tips through their Family Matters program. KATU has been instrumental in spreading the word about the Komen Portland Race for the Cure, providing key promotional coverage leading up to the event and a strong on-site presence during Race weekend as one of the Presenting Media Sponsors, including live coverage of the Race for the Cure throughout the morning of the event.
KATU’s enthusiasm for Komen’s mission is made evident not only in the quality of work they produce, but in how they constantly over-deliver for Komen. KATU goes above and beyond their partnership agreement, always asking “what can we do to help?”
It is because of KATU’s passion for Komen’s mission and their dedication to helping create a world without breast cancer that we recognize them as the 2011 Corporate Partner of the Year!