JanG - 1-7-2009 at 02:57 PM
SAN FELIPE CAMINATA CONTRA EL CANCER/
SAN FELIPE CANCER WALK
MARCH 21, 2009
We are fast approaching what will be the 3rd Annual Walk Against Cancer held in San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico and once again, we are hoping to
continue the success of the previous years. Fundraising is tough. It’s far more difficult when a global recession hits but if you are aware of the
results achieved through your donation and participation, we are hopeful that you will continue to show your support for this most worthwhile
endeavor.
The Caminata Contra el Cancer was initiated in 2006 by founding members Freda Barber and Michele MacDonald in conjunction with a large group of caring
individuals and the enthusiastic support of the San Felipe Association of Retired Persons, Club Las Amigas and the Rotary Club of San Felipe.
The Caminata was established to promote the goal of improved cancer detection, treatment and education for the women of San Felipe and, in 2007 and
2008, made $47,000.00 available for these purposes. Because of the direct benefits to those most in need and its totally volunteer based efforts,
many consider the Caminata to be one of the most successful community action groups in San Felipe.
In February 2008, the Caminata hired full time cancer care nurse, Edith Yolanda Fuentes Casillas, who is provided office space by the San Felipe
Centro de Salud. The funding for her salary and necessary medical supplies is currently supported solely by contributions to the Caminata. To assist
her in reaching people in need, the Caminata provided a van that would enable her to go into the local neighborhoods.
From February 2008 through August 2008, Nurse Fuentes Casillas has performed 645 PAP and palpable breast exams. The Caminata has also provided funds
to cover 61 mammograms and 15 ultrasounds. Based upon examination results, Nurse Fuentes Casillas has referred over 100 patients for follow-up
services most of which required medical consultations, mammogram and ultrasound examinations. If these exams and treatments were not available
through the government health care system, the Caminata absorbed the costs. As all of these services are done in Mexicali, Nurse Fuentes Casillas
transports the patients there, stays with them through their procedures and then brings them back to San Felipe. She also, as part of the effort to
insure comprehensive care, administers in-home chemotherapy treatments and performs hospice care for terminal cancer patients.
Yes, in less than three years, with generous contributions of time, money, medicines and supplies, these are extraordinary achievements BUT, there is
so much more to do. Only with your support and commitment, can we continue to make a difference.
Let’s Do It Again……please come and walk with us on March 21, 2009. Walk for your mother, your sister, a friend or walk because you care.
Registration can be done @ The Placita, Room 208, Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:00 – 2:00; The Canchanilla Swap Meet every Saturday and through the San
Felipe Rotary Club, Club Las Amigas and SFARP.