AVON’s breast cancer walk gives UIC $75K

UI Health’s proceeds from the breast cancer walk will fund a patient navigation program to help women diagnosed with breast cancer.

AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer presented the College of Medicine and UI Health with a $75,000 check during the closing ceremony of its annual two-day fundraiser June 4. Kent Hoskins, who leads the hospital’s Center for Breast Care, accepted the check at Maggie Daley Park.

“Despite the many advances that have made breast cancer a curable disease, too many women in Chicago are still dying,” said Hoskins, associate professor of medicine and principle investigator on the grant. “Too often, underserved African American and Latina patients are diagnosed late, lack access to high-quality specialty care, or suffer substantial loss of quality of life because they have never had their disease explained in a way they understand. The health disparities these patients face are heartbreaking and unacceptable.”

Hoskins said the money will fund a patient navigation program to help women diagnosed with breast cancer.

“We want to help guide Chicago’s most vulnerable women through the complicated process of a breast cancer diagnosis and timely treatment, so that we can better address the barriers these women face,” Hoskins said.

Funds raised during AVON’s annual event in Chicago go primarily to organizations and projects that improve care and outcomes for breast cancer patients in Chicago’s neighborhoods and suburbs. The Chicago event was the third of seven walks throughout the country.