GW Cancer Institute Receives $100K for Avon Patient Navigator

People holding a big check

WASHINGTON (May 4, 2016) - The George Washington University (GW) Cancer Institute, the patient-centered care and health equity arm of the newly established GW Cancer Center, was presented with a $100,000 check from The Avon Foundation for Women at the AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer closing ceremonies in Washington, D.C.

The check was presented to Mandi Pratt-Chapman, director of the GW Cancer Institute and associate center director for patient-centered initiatives and health equity at the GW Cancer Center, to fund an Avon patient navigator. The patient navigator will address barriers and coordinate access to care for 2,000 patients in the D.C. area.

"We cannot thank Avon enough for their continued support. Patient navigation is critical for women battling breast cancer, especially those at the start of this fight," said Pratt-Chapman, principal investigator of the award. “We are proud to serve thousands of women in the next year through this program."

Representatives from other organizations in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia areas also received grants at the AVON 39 closing ceremony, ensuring the funds raised will benefit the community immediately. AVON 39 Washington D.C. - one of seven events across the country - drew 1,900 participants from 41 states and D.C., including 275 breast cancer survivors.

The GW Cancer Center, a newly formed center incorporating all GW cancer activities including those of the GW Cancer Institute, was this year’s medical sponsor for AVON 39, providing medical care for the thousands of participants walking 39.3 miles over a two-day time span. GW physicians, nurses, and students volunteered their weekends to serve in medical tents throughout the course to give aid when needed.

Media: For more information or to interview Ms. Pratt-Chapman, please contact Lisa Anderson at lisama2@gwu.edu or 202-270-4841.

Latest News

Christina Lisi’s personal foundation is built upon community. After receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, she reached out to friends and family, who rallied around her as she sussed out care teams and treatment options. And when she chose GW’s Breast Center and Cancer Center as her cancer journey…
Radiation therapist Badjo Kouadio won the lottery — a few times. The first time was when she entered the Diversity Visa lottery (also known as the Green Card lottery) and came to the United States. The second time was when she became a radiation technologist and began a defining career that…
The GW Cancer Center is proud to announce the addition of Prashanth Ashok Kumar, MD, to its hematologist-oncologist team. Ashok Kumar, who specializes in thoracic cancers and primary CNS tumors, further strengthens the center's commitment to providing top-tier, patient-centered cancer care.