Pink Alliance Funds $28,000 for Early Detection, Treatment of Lymphedema

St. Joseph Health Cancer Center to Purchase L-Dex® U400 Kits Bryan, TX, July 5, 2017—Pink Alliance has awarded $28,000 in grant funds to St. Joseph Health Cancer Center to purchase three L-Dex® U400 kits. The kits support early detection and treatment of Lymphedema, a complication Breast Cancer patients sometimes experience after the lymph nodes under their arms have been surgically removed as part of their treatment. Caused by lymph node blockage or damage, Lymphedema can lead to chronic, painful swelling of Breast Cancer patients’ arms, reducing their mobility. “Early detection and treatment of Lymphedema is an important part of maintaining quality of life for patients after they have undergone cancer treatment,” said Misti Chapman, St. Joseph Health Cancer Center Director. “Tools like L-Dex U400 help us find and monitor Lymphedema – often before the patient recognizes the symptoms.” For patients needing more aggressive Lymphedema management, St. Joseph Health’s team of Certified Lymphedema Therapists, which includes a therapist trained at MD Anderson Cancer Center, works closely with its Oncology team to achieve positive outcomes. Funded by Pink Alliance, a long-time partner with St. Joseph Health, the L-Dex U400 will enhance Cancer Center diagnostics, providing a rapid and non-invasive tool for measuring and monitoring lymphatic fluid in patients’ limbs. “This grant award is just one recent example of the ongoing, critical role role the Pink Alliance continues to play in influencing positive patient outcomes and improving survivorship across the Brazos Valley,” said Donovan French, Vice President, Strategy and Business Development for St. Joseph Health. “We’re proud of our relationship and what it means for our ability to provide leading edge, quality care for our patients.” About Pink Alliance: Pink Alliance is a non-profit 501 [c] 3 formed in 2007 by five local Breast Cancer survivors. Pink Alliance advocates for breast health and cancer support, providing educational and financial resources; individual and group support and access to medical treatments for those with limited means. About St. Joseph Health Cancer Center: Accredited by the American College of Surgeons, the St. Joseph Health Cancer Center offers complete services to identify and treat breast, prostate, lung, colon and many other cancers. The Cancer Center’s breast program is the only center in the Brazos Valley accredited as a Center of Excellence by the ACS National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). [For more information, please contact Director of Marketing and Public Relations Heather Bush at 979-774-2165 or [email protected].] ###