The Joan Katz Breast Center: Advocating for Patients

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NonProfit-Profile-imageFor the last five years, the Joan Katz Breast Center has been helping cancer patients navigate through the different paths that make up cancer treatment. This all began eight years ago, when Joan Katz and Dr. Alan Johns, both cancer survivors, joined forces and acknowledged that the health care system was fragmented. They wanted a better way, regardless of economic status, to make the journey through the maze of doctors, hospitals, and paperwork. Joan Katz wanted it to be the best experience possible under the circumstances. They dreamed of a center that would provide nonmedical services — access to navigators who would provide valuable guidance and hand holding through post-op and financial planning — that would be free regardless of hospital preference or geographic locations.

In 2008, a multimillion dollar capital and endowment campaign started. Joan Katz helped lead the way in fundraising to make sure the Center was built and staffed, and that all nonmedical services were free! Dr. Johns’ mission was to educate the medical community of tkatz 5 yr 4-16-15-8he importance of providing a one-stop shop, no matter where the patient was receiving treatment.

In 2010, Joan Katz Breast Center (JKBC) opened its doors to the community and it has changed the narrative for many survivors. Each story matters, and after navigating more than 5,000 patients and their families, it continues to surround each person with hope.

The main goal of the Joan Katz Breast Center is to surround its katz 5 yr 4-16-15-241patients with hope and compassion, and to provide a sanctuary and a lifeline when receiving the news, “You have cancer.” While the center specializes in breast cancer, it also has a comprehensive GYN ONC navigation program, and services are available to anyone diagnosed with any type of cancer. A nurse navigator, whose services are free, helps the patient understand diagnosis and coordinate care. The center specializes in non-medical services including patient consultation, yoga, counseling, health, and wellness education. It connects patients and their families to a wealth of community resources. JKBC also hosts weekly multidisciplinary cancer conferences to discuss complex cancer cases.

Services
The Joan Katz Breast Center offers comprehensive, compassionate services on one campus, for those newly diagnosed, in the midst of treatment or living as a survivor with breast, gynecological, and other cancers in Tarrant County and surrounding Hope Rocksareas. Its specialists offer coordinated cancer care to better serve women and men, regardless of hospital preference or geographic location. The navigation programs and non-medical services are 100 percent funded by philanthropic gifts and offered at no charge to patients. To request these services, simply call the Joan Katz Breast Center’s main line at 817-922-2223.

Events

Tuesdays from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. visit the Joan Katz Breast Center for Dance Of Lifea relaxing hour of yoga! It is open to all cancer patients, survivors, and their family members/guests.

Every second Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m., meet in the Joan Katz Breast Center Support Group area for a Breast Cancer Support Group. Facilitated by Glenda Brooks, breast cancer survivor and licensed counselor.

The 5th annual Beyond the Bag event will take place on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at The Fort Worth Club, benefitting the Joan Katz Breast Center. This celebration helps to fund the center.

The generosity of sponsors, donors, guests, and volunteers impacts the lives of patients and their families by creating a sustainable future for the Joan Katz Breast Center at Baylor All Saints Fort Worth. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering, please call the office at 817-922-2376. Donations can be made here. For more information about the Center, please visit: Joan Katz Breast Center.

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