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Breast Cancer... Breast Cancer... Breast Cancer... Breast Cancer...

Pink Chair Project Komen-Funded Research

Highlights Inspiring Stories Identifies Previously Unknown

of Breast Cancer Survivors Gene Mutations Associated

Jupiter Medical Center and the Margaret W. Niedland Breast Center are proud to With Poor Outcomes
present the “Pink Chair Project,” a campaign to honor breast cancer survivors and
raise awareness about breast health during the month of October.
The project features chairs decorated by breast cancer survivors, whose designs in ER+ Breast Cancer
reflect the inspiration that helped them navigate through their diagnosis and treat-
ment. Each chair is as unique as the survivor. For instance, Donna’s design illustrates Susan G. Komen® hailed work led by Komen Scholar and Promise
her spiritual faith and her gratitude to her family and her medical team; Kris’ ocean Grant Recipient Dr. Matthew Ellis, MB, BChir., Ph.D., FRCP, and Komen-
design is inspired in part by the mythical strength of the seahorse; and there’s Marine, funded researcher Shyam Kavuri, Ph.D., which could help improve out-
whose children inspired her family-centered design. In some cases, they are being comes for patients with estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer.
created in collaboration with volunteers who embrace the survivor and her artistic Their research, published in Nature Communications, identified several
vision. mutations that have never before been associated with poor outcomes in
Jupiter Medical Center is hosting decorating parties where some of the women will ER+ breast cancer patients – information that could help better direct
gather and work on their projects together. Once completed, the chairs will be dis- treatment and guide future clinical trials to prevent breast cancer recur-
played in several shops at The Gardens Mall, as well as the Loggerhead Marine Life rence and mortality.
Center, South Florida Science Center and other locations to raise awareness about “Understanding how ER+ breast cancers develop and recur, and how to
breast health, during October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Each chair will fea- stop them, is absolutely vital,” said Victoria Wolodzko, SVP, Mission for
ture a picture of the survivor along with a narrative that explains the origin of her Komen. “This work has the potential to transform care for patients facing
design. ER+ disease at all stages, which will contribute significantly to our efforts
“The Pink Chair Project is a beautiful way to pay tribute to this group of coura- to reduce the current number of breast cancer deaths in the U.S. by half
geous women, some of whom are newly diagnosed or living with metastatic breast by 2026.”
cancer, while others are in remission,” said Dr. Nancy Taft, medical director of Jupiter “Many women and men who have faced breast cancer and have been
Medical Center’s Comprehensive Breast Program. “At each stage of their diagnosis told they are ‘cancer-free’ live in fear of their cancer returning. For some,
and treatment, they have displayed courage and resolve. They truly are survivors, that fear will become a reality. It’s unacceptable,” said Paula Schneider,
and we are honored to share their stories through this project and hopefully inspire President and CEO of Komen. “That’s why we’re proud to fund researchers
others who are facing a similar challenge.” like Dr. Ellis who are finding new ways to identify patients at the highest
Jupiter Medical Center’s Pink Chair project also will raise awareness about the risk of poor outcomes, so we can intervene earlier and save lives.”
importance of women and men knowing their risk for breast cancer, recognizing
signs and symptoms of the disease, and getting mammograms each year.

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18 October 2018 southfloridahospitalnews.com South Florida Hospital News