Genesis Foundation Commitment Supports Vouchers Program For Quad-Citians
The Genesis Foundation will increase financial support to provide vouchers for breast health screenings.
The Jim Victor Vision Fund of the Genesis Foundation will match all new gifts and increased donations to the Genesis Women’s Health Grant Program up to $25,000 through June 30. These dollars will be available as vouchers for breast imaging services.
“Breast cancers diagnosed early are more treatable and more curable. By bringing down the financial barrier faced by many women, we are encouraging them to schedule breast imaging,’’ said Diane Koster, Women’s Health Grant Program Specialist at the Kenneth H. McKay Center for Breast Health.
The Jim Victor Vision Fund financial commitment is being made to assist in filling a financial gap in the Quad Cities as Komen Greater Iowa disaffiliates from the national organization.
Komen Greater Iowa has been an important source of funding for imaging, breast cancer awareness and research.
“This community is going to miss the good work of the Komen Greater Iowa. Hundreds of women have received free breast imaging through the efforts of the Komen organization,’’ said Missy Gowey, executive director, Genesis Foundation. “Komen organization grants have been a consistent and vital source to serve the needs.
“We are grateful for the years of support. The Quad-Cities population is healthier because of Komen organization support. Now we need to step up to continue meeting the needs.”
The traditional showcase event in the Quad-Cities sponsored by Komen was the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, an annual walk/run attracting thousands of breast cancer survivors, their families and friends. The Race for the Cure was a primary source of funding for the grants to local breast health programs.
“The Genesis Foundation has filled gaps when Komen Greater Iowa dollars have been depleted in the past. We are hopeful we will be able to continue to serve everyone who needs beast imaging,’’ Gowey said. “There should be no barriers to this important health service.’’
Susan G. Komen Greater Iowa (KGI) announced on Feb. 9 it will disaffiliate from its recently restructured parent organization, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. (Komen Headquarters). Komen Greater Iowa also announced plans to distribute $525,000 to local entities and programs that support breast cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and other patient services. KGI is scheduled to cease operations by March 31.
Genesis Health System and Gilda’s Club Quad will be among the organizations receiving Komen Greater Iowa funds distributed when Komen Greater Iowa operations end.
The Komen organization has had a strong presence in the greater Iowa service area for almost three decades and has raised more than $19 million to support breast cancer patient care, prevention, and research for a cure.
For information about the Jim Victor Vision Fund or the Genesis Foundation, call (563) 421-6865.
About the Jim Victor Vision Fund
The Jim Victor Vision Fund honors the legacy and charitable spirit of the late Jim Victor. Jim Victor had a long relationship with Genesis, serving on the Genesis Foundation Board of Directors and was a leader in the creation of Genesis Philanthropy in 2013. The Jim Victor Vision Fund is a permanent endowment to promote health care and wellness. Jim Victor, a financial planner, died in an auto racing accident in July 2018 at Elkhart Lake, Wis.
