Officials from Johns Hopkins and the New York-based Avon Foundation will dedicate the newly constructed Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center on November 9. The facility brings together experts and state-of-the-art imaging equipment and technology to provide full coordination of care, from prevention and detection through diagnosis, surgical treatment, and postoperative care. Services include film and digital mammography, breast ultrasound, surgical consultations, image-guided interventional procedures, patient education, and support services. The center houses the only digital mammography equipment in Baltimore.

The 14,500 square-foot breast center was constructed with funds from a landmark $10 million gift made by the Avon Foundation to the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center in 2003, the largest ever philanthropic commitment awarded to its breast cancer program. In addition to construction of the breast center, the funds support research and outreach to underserved women. Since 2003, the Avon Foundation has provided an additional $4 million to the Kimmel Cancer Center for breast cancer research.

“Through the generosity of the Avon Foundation, we have the resources to provide women the best available care in a beautiful facility while helping us expand upon breakthroughs in the basic science of breast cancer, including the biological causes, identifying genetic markers useful in detection and developing new therapies,” said Martin D. Abeloff, M.D., director of the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center.

The Avon Foundation Breast Center is located in the Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center on the East Baltimore Medical Campus. It is overseen by Theodore Tsangaris, M.D., director of breast surgery and associate professor of surgery. Nagi Khouri, M.D., is director of breast imaging and associate professor of radiology. This year, Hopkins’ breast experts have performed 750 breast surgical procedures, approximately 9,000 mammograms, 2,000 ultrasounds, and 1,300 image-guide interventional procedures.

“The Avon Foundation is proud to support the extraordinary work of the Kimmel Cancer Center and to help ensure that all women in the Baltimore area have access to quality breast care,” stated Carol Kurzig, executive director of the Avon Foundation.

In addition to the Avon Foundation funding, the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center has been awarded a SPORE (Specialized Programs of Research Excellence) from the National Cancer Institute for breast cancer research and funding from the Department of Defense. These +prestigious grants provide funding for translational breast cancer research.

The dedication ceremony is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m., on Wednesday, November 9. Speakers will include Ronald Peterson, president of the Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System; Carol Kurzig, Avon Foundation executive director; and breast cancer survivor Lillie Shockney, who also is the administrative director of the breast center.

The Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center’s design and construction team:
Design architect: Jackie Killip
Interior design: Rita St. Clair and Associates
General contractor: Henry H. Lewis
Project management and architectural oversight: Johns Hopkins Hospital Facilities, Design and Construction

The Avon Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, marked its 50th anniversary last month. October 2005. Committed to improving the lives of women, the current key programs of the Foundation are the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade and the Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program. Since 1992, the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade has raised and awarded more than $400 million for access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer in 50 countries worldwide. More information is available at www.avonfoundation.org.

Photo Caption:
Main Waiting Area, Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center

On the Web:
Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center: www.hopkinsbreastcenter.org
Avon Foundation: www.avonfoundation.org