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 "Like
most women, I never thought I'd get cancer," states Kathy Agudelo
of Weymouth. She also never thought she'd be without health insurance.
But, for a short period between jobs, she was diagnosed with stage
IV breast cancer. Both the diagnosis and the anticipated cost of
treatment were devastating. But, thanks to the Mammography Access
Program at Faulkner Hospital, Ms. Agudelo and hundreds of other
women like her have been relieved of the worries about how they
will pay for their breast cancer treatment.
Kathy Agudelo offered her compelling testimony about the importance
of Faulkner's community health commitment at the Adamas Fine Jewelry
sponsored 11th Annual Faulkner-Sagoff Gala, held May 6 at The Four
Seasons Hotel, to benefit the Faulkner-Sagoff Breast Imaging and
Diagnostic Centre. "Dr. Elsie Levin and her staff, and Dr.
Peggy Duggan who performed my surgery, were wonderful. I kept asking
what would happen since I had no insurance. I was told not to worry,
that my health came first," stated Ms. Agudelo.
Over $300,000 was raised at the Faulkner Gala through the generosity
of the 300 area philanthropists attending the Rafanelli designed
event, which honored Gretchen Monahan, Boston's most dynamic beauty
and fashion trendsetter. Ms. Monahan is the founder of Grettacole
intimate beauty spas and has been a major contributor to Faulkner
Hospital's Sagoff Centre. "Breast cancer has affected my own
family directly and I am proud to continue my deep, personal commitment
to fighting the disease by partnering with the incredible healthcare
specialists at the Faulkner-Sagoff Centre," Ms. Monahan stated
at the event.
Another loyal friend of the Faulkner-Sagoff Centre, Susan Wornick
of WCVB-TV, was emcee of the evening's festivities. Fashion luminary,
Zac Posen, also attended and participated in the Gala. One of New
York's most famous designers whose fashions are worn by Gwyneth
Paltrow, Halle Berry and Oprah Winfrey, Mr. Posen hosted a stunning
show of his fashions at the Gala. The evening also included an auction
of donated luxury items ranging from dinner for 8 at The Capital
Grille in Chestnut Hill, to a South African Safari for two compliments
of Zulu Nyala Group.
One of the first of its kind in the nation, the Faulkner-Sagoff
Centre opened in 1971. It quickly became, and continues to be, a
leader in providing state-of-the-art breast cancer screening and
diagnostic technology and compassionate care. The annual Gala raises
funds that help purchase new technology for the Centre and, most
importantly, support the Faulkner-Sagoff Mammography Access Program.
Uninsured and underinsured women living within the Faulkner Hospital
service area can receive a free annual screening mammogram through
this program. If there is a positive finding, the program also pays
for any further treatment and services the patient may require including
biopsies, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Since its
inception, the Faulkner Gala has raised nearly $3 million, enabling
the Hospital to enhance its mission of providing meaningful community
healthcare services.
Norman Sadowsky, MD founded the Faulkner-Sagoff Centre as one of
the first physicians in the region who understood the stress and
fear that comes with a breast cancer diagnosis. Faulkner Hospital
responded to Dr. Sadowsky's concerns with a commitment to develop
a complete women's health support system. Elsie Levin, MD, Medical
Director of the Faulkner-Sagoff Breast Imaging and Diagnostic Centre,
and Margaret Duggan, MD, Medical Director of The Faulkner Breast
Centre, continue this tradition of providing compassionate and comprehensive
breast care.
"The Faulkner-Sagoff Centre reached a new milestone this year
and cared for its 100,000th patient," states David Trull, president
and CEO of Faulkner Hospital. "More than 600 women come to
the Centre each week - making it the busiest mammography service
in the Boston area. Thanks to the attendees and founders of this
event, The Friends of the Faulkner-Sagoff Centre, Faulkner Hospital
will continue to be a leader in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment
of breast cancer."
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