COMMUNITY
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Links for Life Wall of Hope
s October begins, it is hard to believe that Links for Life has been assisting women and families facing breast cancer in the Kern County community for the past 19 years. This past fiscal year we were able to provide the following services: • 5,271 phone calls fielded by the office • 171 walk-ins were assisted • 441 mammograms and 814 ultrasounds funded in Kern County • 285 fitted for wigs and head covers • 63 needle biopsies (11 positive diagnoses) • 20 received bras/prosthesis • 20 to 25 women utilized support group services monthly • 28 survivors and family members attended the yoga class • 17,818 were educated on breast health and Links for Life services As I begin my sixth year as the executive director of Links for Life, it is amazing to see the growth of our programs and services, volunteers and staff. The passion that this group has for the women and families facing breast cancer in Kern County is immeasurable! I feel so blessed to work with such a remarkable team. We are a warm and compassionate organization that assists women and families when they are diagnosed with breast cancer. In our wig boutique, we do not just assist women diagnosed with breast cancer we assist ANY woman who has lost her hair while going though cancer treatment. Links for Life’s mission is to provide an organization to benefit people and families affected by breast cancer, challenge each Kern County woman to be aware of her breast health and promote support for those affected, and to educate the general public about breast health.
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Bakersfield Life
October 2011
One of Links for Life’s main goals is to insure that every woman in Kern County is able to receive breast cancer screening. Last year, with the Cancer Detection Program, “Every Women Counts” state program frozen, Links for Life allocated additional funds for screening services. With those funds, we were able to diagnose nine women with breast cancer. After having a diagnosis of breast cancer, they were able to receive breast cancer treatment. With the community’s support, we helped save the lives of these nine Kern County women ... THANK YOU! We also provide wigs for cancer patients, breast health seminars, yoga classes, college scholarships at Bakersfield College and CSUB and a support group for breast cancer survivors and their families. We fund these programs and services through different annual events throughout the year. In October we have our “Paint the Town Pink” activities. The eighth annual Hockey-Thon with 24 hours of hockey played will again take place March 17, 2012. On May 19 and 21, 2012, Links for Life will host our 19th annual Sharyn Woods Memorial Pro-Am Golf Tournament & Gala at Seven Oaks Country Club. Along with private donations, bequests, grants, and outside sponsored events, Links for Life continues to assist the women and men in Kern County with breast and cancer services. All the money raised in Kern County stays in Kern County. Thank you to all of the donors, sponsors, volunteers, and staff for all you do for the women and families of Kern County. Sincerely, Jennifer Henry Executive Director Links for Life