Local Groups And Women Benefit From Race For The Cure

Each year, thousands of dollars are granted to local programs that are helping women in the fight against breast cancer. It is part of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

One of those recipients is the Indian Healthcare Resource Center in Tulsa.

Six in the Morning anchor LeAnne Taylor says this program is saving lives and getting women the care they need.

Dena Powell loves to talk. Dena is sharing her story with anyone who will listen.

Back in September of 2005, Dena was diagnosed with breast cancer.

"I really didn't panic. I just thought well, I really need to go get this checked even though I had recently had my mammogram and I called the Indian Health Care and they got me in like the next day and within a week I was having my biopsy," said Dena Powell.

Dena came to the Indian Healthcare Resource Center for her treatment.

"It gave me a lot of peace of mind. You know I didn't have to look for a doctor. I didn't have to research. I just knew it was here since I'd have my mammograms here before and they do great work. They're just a top facility," Powell said.

The Indian Healthcare Resource Center is one of the recipients of a grant from the Tulsa affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. This year, they'll receive nearly $65,000 to help women like Dena.

"A lot of women will come in and have a mammogram who normally wouldn't because we have this foundation helping us and it's a wonderful tool for anyone coming in and having a mammogram because they're not worried about a bill," said Mammographer Karen McAhren.

"Well I didn't see one statement. I didn't see one bill for radiation or chemotherapy or anything so I could focus on getting well. That's all I had to do," Dena Powell said.

Dena is doing great and lives life to the fullest.

"I always appreciated you know the simple things but now you know they seem a lot sweeter and you know I am so blessed, I've had the best physicians and nurses and everything.  It's just been a positive experience.  Hopefully I won't have to repeat it, but it's been positive you know," said Powell.

The Indian Healthcare Resource Center is just one of 6 local groups receiving grant money from the Tulsa affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Tulsa Project Woman, Y-Me of Northeastern Oklahoma, St. John Health System Wig Bank, Morton Comprehensive Health services and OSU Center for Health Sciences, Health Care Center all received money this year to provide help for breast cancer patients.

Nearly $400,000 raised in Tulsa through the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and other events funded those grants.

Tulsa Project Woman, Inc. - $229,456

Indian Health Care Resource Center - $64,782

Y-ME of Northeastern Oklahoma - $17,187

St. John Health System Wig Bank - $5,000

Morton Comprehensive Health Services - $74,975

OSU Center for Health Sciences, Health Care Center - $5,600

The recipients will help Komen for the Cure succeed in its promise to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures.

LeAnne Taylor says these organizations have demonstrated a commitment to making a difference in the lives of Tulsa residents through their breast health programs.

A maximum of 75 % of the net funds raised from the Susan G. Komen Tulsa Race for the Cure and other events remains in Tulsa.

A minimum of 25 % of the net funds will help to fund the national Susan G. Komen Award and Research Grant Programs.

And this Saturday, May 10th, is News On 6 night at the Tulsa Driller's. The players will be wearing pink jerseys in honor of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and then those jerseys will be auctioned off to raise money for the organization.

You're invited to join the News On 6, Saturday May 10th. Game time 7:05 p.m. as the Tulsa Driller's take on the Arkansas Travelers.