BCPC donates $95,000 to GRU Cancer Center Research

BCPC President Nita Zachow presents $95,000 check to GRU Cancer Center Director Dr. Samir Khleif for breast cancer research

On  August 9, 2013, the Breast Cancer Prevention Coalition (BCPC) presented Georgia Regents University (GRU) Cancer Center with a check for $95,000 for breast cancer research.  The check was accepted by Cancer Center Director Dr. Samir Khleif during a reception attended by GRU Cancer Center staff and BCPC members, including BCPC founding member, Dr. Margaret Devore. 

In anticipation of this gift, the GRU Cancer Center staff had carefully selected three breast cancer research projects to fund with the donation.  The researchers responsible for these projects are Dr. Ahmed Chadli, Dr. LesleyAnn Hawthorn, and Dr. Ravindra Kohle.  Each gave a synopsis of their research.   (Click here for more details.)

Dr. Khleif noted that “All three doctors are doing basic research that may contribute to improved treatments, earlier detection and, best of all, prevention of breast cancer.” He demonstrated his enthusiasm for the research by announcing that the Cancer Center will contribute an additional $25,000 to the projects.

The BCPC funds were raised primarily through annual golf tournaments sponsored by the Mount Vintage Plantation community and various fund raisers in area middle and high schools over the past four years.  Dr. Khleif thanked the BCPC and Mount Vintage for helping to move the vision of the GRU Cancer Center forward.

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Mount Vintage Victors Raise $19,000 for Breast Cancer Research

The results are in!  The Fourth Annual Vintage Victors for a Cure Golf Tournament and Fundraising Dinner raised over $19,000 for the Breast Cancer Prevention Coalition (BCPC).  The amount exceeded last year’s by more than $2,000 and brings the overall total raised by the tournament to $60,000. The BCPC would like to thank the golfers and local business sponsors for their generosity and support.

All contributions (%100) will be donated to Georgia Health Sciences University for breast cancer research.

The BCPC would also like to extend a special thanks to the wonderful women responsible for this tremendous achievement.  The tournament committee, led by Diane Benarick, continues to come up with innovative ways to increase the fun-factor and success of raising funds for breast cancer research.  Just ask any of the participants about the joy of being part of the event!

Committee Members: Susan Gorringe, Mary Beth Smith, Pat Roberts, JoAnne Maggio, Barb Wetherell, Diane Benarick (Chairman), Susie Hodgen, Melinda Anderson, Theresa Bone, Sydia Anderson, Alma Falcone; Not pictured: Marcella Gleie, Nita Zachow

Head to Mimi’s for the Pink Out Send-Off Party on October 25 at Noon

The Breast Cancer Prevention Coalition (BCPC) would like to thank Mimi’s Boutique & Intimates for donating a portion of bra sales during the month of October to the BCPC for cancer research.  On Thursday, October 25, Mimi’s will have a send-off for all balloons purchased in memory or honor of someone who has had breast cancer.  Those proceeds will also be donated to the BCPC, so head to Mimi’s for the send-off!  Their store is beautiful and well stocked!

Mark your Calendars: October 6, 2012

Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) women and men have a unique opportunity to participate in two free Breast Cancer Prevention campaigns on October 6, 2012.  Plan to attend and bring a friend to enjoy both.

Hear Dr. Robert Pendergrast

“Breast Cancer:  Reduce Your Risk
with Foods You Love”

Saturday, October 6, 2012

11:00 am to 1:00 pm

New Life Natural Foods Conference Room
2825 Washington Rd., Augusta, GA
(Fairway Shopping Center)

This event is free and open to the public.

Did you know that certain foods help reduce your risk of breast cancer?  You will be surprised at how many of your favorites are also cancer busters.  Learn more from an expert as Robert Pendergrast, MD,  speaks at the CSRA Breast Cancer Prevention Coalition’s (BCPC’s)  fall meeting. Lunch and a short business meeting begin at 11:00.  Dr. Pendergrast’s presentation will start at noon.

Please RSVP to Nita Zachow (803) 279-6019 or Karen Eckert (803) 279-8031 by October 1.  You may purchase food at New Life Natural Foods to enjoy during the lecture. To pre-order a lunch, call DiChickO’s at (706) 737-8805 by October 5.  You will find the menu online.  Only food purchased at New Life Natural Foods may be brought into the conference room.

You can contact Dr. Pendergrast and find more wellness strategies at www.Holistic-Medicine-MD.com.

After Lunch, head to the Pink-out Party at

Mimi’s boutique & Intimates

Mimi’s Boutique & Intimates is sponsoring a fundraiser to benefit the BCPC.  The Kick-Off Party starts at 1:00 at their Washington Road location.  Please stop by after hearing Dr. Pendergrast.  The party will include free bra fittings and massage therapist Susan Dykes. Susan’s services can be very helpful to women going through chemotherapy.

Mimi’s boutique & Intimates

Mimi’s has two area locations:

2701 Washington Rd, Suite 18 • National Hills
(by Fresh Market)
Augusta, GA 30909 • PH: 706-733-5547
Hours: M,T,W,F, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, Thurs. 10:00-8:00 pm,
Sat. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Sunday closed

601 North Belair Square, Ste. One • Evans Town Center Blvd.
Evans, GA 30809 • PH: 706-210-2882
Hours: M-F, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sat. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Sunday closed

Sponsors Sought for 2012 Vintage Victors for a Cure Fundraiser

Mount Vintage Plantation, like all communities in the CSRA, has been touched by cancer. Its members want to give back by raising funds for breast cancer research at Georgia Health Sciences University (GHSU).

For the past three years, Mount Vintage has sponsored the Vintage Victors for a Cure Golf Tournament and Fund-raising Dinner. With the support of area businesses and individuals, the community has raised more than $41,000 to benefit  the Breast Cancer Prevention Coalition (BCPC).  The BCPC has no overhead, so 100% of the funds raised are donated to breast cancer research.

While participation in the 2012 Vintage Victors for a Cure Golf Tournament is limited to Mount Vintage golfers and residents, other individuals and companies can make financial donations by sponsoring holes on the golf course.  Hole sponsorships include a sign by the tee box as well as recognition in the printed programs and on the BCPC website. The sign can contain a message of support, honor or remember a loved one who has battled cancer, or promote the sponsor’s business. Hole sponsorship levels are $100 for bronze, $200 for silver and $300 or more for gold. Donations for hole sponsorship are tax deductible.

If you would like to help out, mail a completed donation form and a check payable to “MCGF-BCPC” to 168 Fitzsimmons Drive, North Augusta, SC 29860 before September 1, 2012. For additional information, contact MaryBeth at 803.279.1187.

BCPC Members Meet with New GHSU Cancer Center Director

BCPC Members Meet Dr. Khleif

BCPC Board members Nita Zachow, Jane Faircloth, Karen Eckert and Celeste Spence recently met with Dr. Samir Khleif, the newly appointed director of the Georgia Health Science University (GHSU) Cancer Center. The BCPC members welcomed Dr. Khleif to GHSU and discussed various ways in which BCPC volunteers might work with the Cancer Center.  Nita also noted that the BCPC intends to donate $50,000 to GHSU for breast cancer research this year, and would like guidance on where to direct the contribution.

Dr. Khleif shared his priorities for patient care and research at GHSU.  As his plans evolve, he will suggest ways to incorporate BCPC volunteers.  He will also provide a list of needs related to breast cancer research where the BCPC’s $50,000 donation can make a difference.

For more information on Dr. Khleif and his background in cancer research, please see this January, 2012 GHSU article and a profile by the Augusta Chronicle from September, 2011.

January 2012 Luncheon Meeting Announced

The next BCPC Luncheon and Business Meeting will be held on Saturday, January 21, from 11:30 until 1:00 at the home of Nita Zachow. The emphasis of the meeting will be on 2012 fundraising. It is important for all members to attend because we plan to assign schools for this year’s “Walk to Find a Cure” fundraiser.  Note: Executive Board members will meet at 10:00 a.m. then stay for the luncheon and business meeting.

Please RSVP to Nita by January 18 at (803) 279-6019. Her address is 38 Cannon Mill Court, North Augusta, SC.  Parking will be limited, so plan to carpool where possible.

Save The Dates

Mark your calendars now for these upcoming luncheons:

Saturday, March 24th at the River Golf Club 11:30 am to 1 pm – speaker and business meeting

Friday, May 4th, at the River Golf Club 11:30 am to 1 pm – business meeting followed by a tour of the Image Boutique and GHSU Cancer Center

Saturday, August 4th (location TBD) – fundraiser committee meeting to kick off the Walk to Find a Cure fall activities