Fox Chase in the Community: Supporting Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors

Komen
Richard J. Bleicher, MD, FACS, Professor, Department of Surgical Oncology, and Fox Chase nurse Vanessa Carrion, MSN, RN, CPN (pictured at far right), led the Fox Chase team at the Komen Greater Philadelphia MORE THAN PINK Walk to support breast cancer patients and survivors.

So often, people comment on the sense of community felt throughout Fox Chase Cancer Center. It is not surprising, then, that the faculty and staff who create this environment so often extend it beyond the cancer center’s campus. 

This spring, members of the Fox Chase community came together on Mother’s Day to support breast cancer patients and survivors. The group participated in the 2024 Komen Greater Philadelphia MORE THAN PINK Walk, led by team captains, Fox Chase surgeon Richard J. Bleicher, MD, FACS, and Fox Chase nurse Vanessa Carrion, MSN, RN, CPN. 

As Komen’s signature fundraising event, the MORE THAN PINK Walk raises funds and awareness for breast cancer research and care, helps build a supportive community around all those facing breast cancer, and promotes action through advocacy for greater government funding and support. 

“It was cold and rainy, but it sure was great to get out with Team Fox Chase and support our patients, families, friends, and colleagues impacted by breast cancer,” Carrion said. 

“I have been coming to this event now for years, and I always enjoy seeing the enthusiasm and energy that our entire community puts into advancing progress for all who are affected by breast cancer,” said Bleicher. “It is a privilege to be a part of it.” 

The annual walk took place at Parx Casino in Bensalem, Pa., and is one of many events that Fox Chase employees support year-round to help individuals and organizations further cancer research and care in the Greater Philadelphia community.

Fox Chase Cancer Center (Fox Chase), which includes the Institute for Cancer Research and the American Oncologic Hospital and is a part of Temple Health, is one of the leading comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Founded in 1904 in Philadelphia as one of the nation’s first cancer hospitals, Fox Chase was also among the first institutions to be designated a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center in 1974. Fox Chase is also one of just 10 members of the Alliance of Dedicated Cancer Centers. Fox Chase researchers have won the highest awards in their fields, including two Nobel Prizes. Fox Chase physicians are also routinely recognized in national rankings, and the Center’s nursing program has received the Magnet recognition for excellence six consecutive times. Today, Fox Chase conducts a broad array of nationally competitive basic, translational, and clinical research, with special programs in cancer prevention, detection, survivorship, and community outreach. It is the policy of Fox Chase Cancer Center that there shall be no exclusion from, or participation in, and no one denied the benefits of, the delivery of quality medical care on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, disability, age, ancestry, color, national origin, physical ability, level of education, or source of payment.

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