An Ounce of Prevention

SBJ Cover Letter

Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks (BCFO) is completing 18 years of providing services to those with breast cancer-related needs.  Hooked on Dance continues to be the number one source of resources used to address these needs.  The greater Springfield community has come together once again to support BCFO’s mission to help cover the cost of life for local breast cancer patients and their families as they navigate treatment. Thank you each BCFO donor who makes this work possible! 

This year has been one of great progress for BCFO and those we serve.  Last year, we announced an effort to double the number of screening mammograms provided to the uninsured and underinsured.  This goal has been achieved with the help of generous donors, mammography facility partners and the Missouri Department of Economic Development Neighborhood Assistance Program.  BCFO is on track to deliver over 1,200 lifesaving mammograms in 2018.  We know from the effort completed so far that much work remains to ensure no one in our community needlessly loses years of life to a late diagnosis.

Over one-third of those diagnosed with breast cancer in BCFO’s 31 county service area seek financial assistance from the organization during their cancer treatment.  Countless others seek information and comfort.  As you will see from the program growth chart included in this publication, BCFO is charged with meeting an ever increasing need.  When one in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, BCFO’s services will continue to be important to our community in the years ahead. 

Since inception, one of BCFO’s goals has been to create sustainability through an endowment.  This endowment will allow the critical needs of local breast cancer patients and their families to continue to be met forever.  As BCFO nears the end of two decades of service and stewardship, we strive to complete this sustainability goal.

Charlie and Mary Beth O’Reilly created a 100% matching gift at Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO) where other families and businesses can make an impact that lasts forever and bears their own family or business name. A donor willing to contribute $10,000 as his or her own designated endowment for BCFO will immediately see the money doubled to $20,000 through the O’Reilly matching funds.  CFO has committed to permanently hold these funds for BCFO to benefit those facing a breast cancer diagnosis. 

BCFO continues the daily work of providing breast cancer related services to those in need across the Ozarks.  BCFO provides mammograms for the uninsured, financial resources for those in treatment, funding for the special needs of children through the Rosalie O’Reilly Wooten Children’s Fund, support groups, mentoring and referral services.  Because of your generosity and spirit of caring, no one in our community ever needs to face this disease alone.  Please accept my heartfelt appreciation.