Lisa Fajardo, a 38-year-old breast cancer survivor and mother of two, recently received free breast reconstruction surgery after her cancer treatment.
The surgery was funded by My Hope Chest, a nonprofit organization that originated in Las Vegas four years ago.
Dr. William Zamboni of University Medical Center performed Fajardo's surgery. Zamboni is the director of plastic surgery at UMC and the teaching director of the UNLV School of Medicine. He also has been a supporter and medical advisor for My Hope Chest since its inception.
"I am so grateful to My Hope Chest and Dr. Zamboni for making this possible for me," Fajardo said. "This surgery is really vital for improving my self-esteem and regaining my personality."
My Hope Chest steps in for women who do not have insurance or funds to pay for life-changing breast reconstruction and is the only nonprofit of its kind in the nation. The organization was founded by Alisa Savoretti, a former Las Vegas showgirl and breast cancer survivor.
Many people are not aware that reconstruction after a mastectomy actually is a series of three surgeries over the course of approximately one year. Working with a dedicated volunteer team of surgeons, counselors and therapists, My Hope Chest helps uninsured and financially challenged women receive these surgeries and return to a normal life, feeling complete and confident.
The goal of My Hope Chest is to become a national organization with affiliates in every city.
My Hope Chest is fully funded and supported by donations and volunteers. For more information, call 579-0799, visit www.myhopechest.org or write to 3395 S. Jones, Suite 298, Las Vegas, NV 89146.
HEALTH DISTRICT GIVES TIPS TO PREVENT FLU
With flu season approaching, the Southern Nevada Health District is on a mission to arm people with the information - and inoculation - they need to fight the flu. Health district officials advise that the path to resistance begins with seasonal flu duty, which means taking key steps to prevent illness before it strikes, including:
* Getting vaccinated -- flu shots are strongly recommended for people at increased risk. This includes children 6 months to 5 years old, pregnant women, people over 50, people with chronic medical conditions and their household contacts or caregivers and health care workers.
* Washing your hands often with warm soap and water for at least 30 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing.
* Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
* Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth, as they are entry points for germs.
* Coughing and sneezing into a sleeve or tissue.
* Eating right, drinking plenty of fluids and getting enough sleep.
"One in five people will get the flu this year, which causes more than 30,000 deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations in the United States annually. By taking these simple steps, people are less likely to get sick," said Dr. Lawrence Sands, the health district's chief health officer.
The health district advises people who are sick to stay home.
The SNHD expects flu shots to be available in mid to late October.
For more information, visit www.FluRevolution.com or www.SouthernNevadaHealthDistrict.org.
ENROLLMENT UNDER WAY FOR NUTRITION CLASSES
Enrollment is under way for the Food as Medicine nutrition classes that begin Friday at Sierra Health Services, 2716 N. Tenaya Way.
Food as Medicine is a free nutritional program combining whole foods, holistic and mind-body practices that help cancer patients and survivors understand the role of food in their treatment and in their everyday lives.
Participants can attend a series of seven classes that run from 10 a.m. to noon or 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Learn about the impact food has on overall health and quality of life. This program is provided at no cost to participants through financial support from the Southern Nevada Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the Breast Center at Sunrise Hospital and Sierra Health Services.
Food as Medicine is taught by a highly qualified nutritional consultant experienced in treating cancer and chronically ill patients. Classes will be held once a month through March at various locations and times.
For dates and times of classes, to register and for more information, call executive director Jackie Tschernia at the Cancer & Chronic Illness Center Foundation at 596-3663 or e-mail to jackie@ccc foundation.org.
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