Clovis Community Medical Center’s lymphedema clinic received a $50,000 grant from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure^® foundation to help provide treatment to breast cancer survivors.
 

According to Sharon Johnson, executive director of the Central Valley affiliate of the Komen foundation, the grant will be used specifically to give women effective and timely treatment of lymphedema, axillary web syndrome and related conditions regardless of cultural barriers or their ability to pay for services.
 

Clovis Community provides education and treatment to about 125 women a year who suffer from lymphedema, an accumulation of lymphatic fluid that causes swelling in the arm that can develop after breast surgery.
 

“In the current economic climate, many women are without insurance or are underinsured,” said Lynn Gilbank, a physical therapist and certified lymphoma therapist, who works with lymphedema patients. “This grant will give patients who otherwise couldn’t afford it, access to the treatments they need. We’re so thankful.”
 

The Central Valley affiliate of the Komen foundation awarded 10 grants totaling $356,216 to programs providing breast cancer services in the Fresno County area. Clovis Community’s grant was among the largest awarded.
 

The lymphedema clinic at Clovis Community is part of the Marjorie E. Radin Breast Care Center which has earned a gold seal from the American College of Radiology and is one of just a few centers in the country with a Certified Quality Breast Center of Excellence designation from the National Quality Measures for Breast Centers.
 

Michael Bailey reported this story. He can be reached at MedWatchToday@CommunityMedical.org.