Improving the Lives of our
Daughters, Sisters and Mothers
Through events, education and fundraising efforts during October, Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Health Foundation and the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center will team up to increase breast cancer awareness and improve the lives of breast cancer patients in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Since its inception in 2003, the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center, a service of Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, has provided 76,000 screenings and found more than 560 breast cancers through mammograms and diagnostic exams.

Always focused on ensuring Santa Clarita Valley patients have access to the highest quality breast care, the Breast Imaging Center was recently awarded a renewal of its designation as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence (BICOE). The Center also received more than $40,000 in grants to help uninsured and underinsured patients receive mammograms.

Opportunities to participate in fundraising activities are abundant throughout October, starting with the sale of pink ribbon pins at Henry Mayo's gift shop and participating SCV retailers. In addition, several local restaurants will host special dining days, with a portion of proceeds to benefit the foundation. (See "In the Pink," this page.)

For more information on breast imaging services or to schedule a mammogram, please call the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center (253-8822). For a full listing of fundraising and educational events, or to make a donation to the breast cancer awareness campaign, please call Henry Mayo's Foundation office; 200-1200 www.henrymayogiving.com

Breast Cancer Support Groups Provide Camaraderie and More
A cancer diagnosis is never easy. Support groups such as Bosom Buddies and Look Good Feel Better, both of which are offered via a partnership with Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital and the American Cancer Society, offer a way to channel the maze of feelings, frustrations and fears.

Bosom Buddies, open-forum support meetings, are held on the second Monday of every month, are free and open to any breast cancer patient or survivor.

Look Good, Feel Better is a bi-monthly meeting that offers cancer patients the opportunity to learn makeup application, nail care, wig or scarf fittings and more from professional cosmetologists and aestheticians. Each attendee leaves with a free name-brand makeup kit provided by the Personal Care Products Foundation and National Cosmetology Association. Reservations are required for the Look Good, Feel Better meeting.

In addition, the Valencia American Cancer Society office has a wide array of free wigs, hats, scarves and turbans for its clients, as well as complimentary transport to and from meetings and physician appointments. Call for more information on the American Cancer Society support groups offered at Henry Mayo; 800-227-2345 (ask for services in the SCV)