Julie Griffie, Bonnie Anderson, Regina Sillah, Nettie Bryant, Olive Demby, Leroy Butler, Regina Flippin, and Sandra Millon Underwood (Photo taken by Robert Bell)
While breast cancer affects women in all population groups, data show that African American women bear a disproportionate burden.
Awareness, understanding, and regular screening are keys to breast cancer detection and control. Yet, research has shown that culture, social and economic challenges often effect access and delivery of breast care.
Multiple efforts are being undertaken throughout Milwaukee County to ensure that all women have access to breast health services. However, the accomplishments of Dr. Sandra Underwood, Bonnie Anderson, and a team of nurses, community health workers and advocates from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Catholic Home, Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital and Froedtert Hospital have far exceeded what many believed was possible.
The team is committed to ensuring that all women have access to breast cancer screening.
Over the past three months, Dr. Underwood, Bonnie Anderson and team has educated more than seven hundred women from Milwaukee’s central city and helped them to obtain breast cancer screening.
These efforts have provided many what one woman describes as a “new lease on life”.
Olive Demby says she is more than grateful for the support received from the team, the care received by the doctors, nurses, social workers and staff assistance at the Cancer Center at Froedtert Hospital, the financial assistance received from the Leroy Butler Breast Cancer Foundation, and the mentoring and personal support received from a host of survivor advocates.
“Their presence”, she says, “was the greatest gift of all. Dr. Underwood and Ms. Bonnie have been with me from the very beginning and every step of the way. “All of the doctors I have seen at Froedtert Hospital have gone out of their way to help me get the treatment I need to fight this disease.
“Mr. Leroy Butler, before he even knew me, once he was informed of my need promised that he would help me. The fact that this famous person was willing to help me and wanted to meet me meant more than you can imagine.
“And, seeing so many survivors that looked just like me has given me hope that I can beat this. For this and so much more I am truly grateful!”
For information on upcoming breast cancer awareness, education, screening and survivor support programs and events contact Dr. Underwood at 414-229- 6076 or Bonnie Anderson at 414-220-3240.
The Leroy Butler Breast Cancer Foundation is committed to the fight against breast cancer. The mission of the Leroy Butler Breast Cancer Foundation is to help women going through breast cancer treatment obtain the assistance they need to focus on the job of healing verses the financial impact to their families and to support research and clinical studies about triple negative breast cancer. For information about the Leroy Butler Breast Cancer Foundation benefits and events contact Nettie Perry Bryant at 262-512-9305.