WASHINGTON (May 4, 2016) — The George Washington University (GW) Cancer Institute, the patient-centered care and health equity arm of the newly established GW Cancer Center, was presented with a $100,000 check from The Avon Foundation for Women at the AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer closing ceremonies in Washington, D.C.
The check was presented to Mandi Pratt-Chapman, director of the GW Cancer Institute and associate center director for patient-centered initiatives and health equity at the GW Cancer Center, to fund an Avon patient navigator. The patient navigator will address barriers and coordinate access to care for 2,000 patients in the D.C. area.
"We cannot thank Avon enough for their continued support. Patient navigation is critical for women battling breast cancer, especially those at the start of this fight,” said Pratt-Chapman, principal investigator of the award. “We are proud to serve thousands of women in the next year through this program."
Representatives from other organizations in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia areas also received grants at the AVON 39 closing ceremony, ensuring the funds raised will benefit the community immediately. AVON 39 Washington D.C. — one of seven events across the country — drew 1,900 participants from 41 states and D.C., including 275 breast cancer survivors.
The GW Cancer Center, a newly formed center incorporating all GW cancer activities including those of the GW Cancer Institute, was this year’s medical sponsor for AVON 39, providing medical care for the thousands of participants walking 39.3 miles over a two-day time span. GW physicians, nurses, and students volunteered their weekends to serve in medical tents throughout the course to give aid when needed.
