Indianapolis, Indiana – November 19, 2007 - On Tuesday morning, November 13, Women’s Oncology Research & Development (WORD) experienced a “breakthrough” moment as President Bush signed the Department of Defense Appropriations Act into law. This act included a grant of $1.6 million that will launch WORD’s Because She Should Know (BSSK) educational initiatives through the development of resources for the Armed Services Gynecological Cancer Health Protection Program. WORD is eager to begin developing with its partners the first phase of the BSSK initiatives to found the Armed Services Program, which will educate women about signs, symptoms, preventions, and treatments of gynecologic cancers. WORD’s vision includes using additional donated funds to augment the resources created for the Armed Services Program and utilizes these resources to ignite grassroots educational campaigns throughout the United States supporting both organizations and individuals dedicated to educating women about gynecologic cancers.
The grant is seed funding to the foundational research and initial production of resources WORD believes when fully implemented will help save lives and alleviate unnecessary suffering. Dr. Kelly Manahan, WORD’s board president says, “This funding today only further strengthens our resolve to see an effective national educational campaign empowering women with the right knowledge to conquer gynecologic cancers. We see this as the first step of many to provide complete gynecologic cancer education to every woman in the United States and beyond.”
WORD was pleased to work with several champions in the development this program and funding. The language in the bill was inserted by Congressman Dan Burton of Indiana’s 5th District. Congressman Burton states, “This year I am immensely proud (to obtain) funding for Women’s Oncology Research and Development - a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women conquer gynecologic cancers - to work with the U.S. Department of Defense on a program that educates servicewomen on the signs, symptoms, treatment options, and possible prevention of gynecological cancers. Increasing numbers of women are putting their lives on the line to serve in our armed forces and defend our freedoms. I believe that we have a moral and patriotic obligation to provide them the best possible healthcare, and this initiative will be a giant step forward towards fulfilling that promise.”
Dr. Georgiann Linnemeier, Executive Director of WORD says, “We are very grateful for the tremendous leadership of Representative Dan Burton on the issue of women’s health. His leadership on this issue means that more women will have access to the necessary information to make better decisions about gynecologic health. Congressman Burton has long been a leader in area of women’s health. His wife is a physician, and he has always found the funding to ensure that health care is readably available and affordable for this community. We thank him for his work and support his efforts as a true champion of women’s health.”
WORD publicly thanks Congressman Burton, Congresswoman Carson, Senators Bayh and Lugar, all who advocated for the funding of this grant. WORD is excited to work with partnering organizations in the coming months in the development of these highly relevant resources.