The Security Service Charitable Foundation is donating $5,000 to the Support Lending for Emotional Well-Being or SLEW Cancer Wellness Center to purchase medical supplies for cancer patients in need. Specifically, mastectomy bras, prostheses, compression bandages and lymphatic sleeves.
“Our primary goal is to improve both the length of survival and quality of life for disadvantaged women as they recover from the traumatic effects of a cancer diagnosis and treatment,” said Olga Young, cancer survivor and executive director for SLEW. “This $5,000 donation from Security Service is not only going to supply some of the immediate medical care items for cancer patients but also help reinforce to them that they have a community who cares and is here to walk with them through their journey.”
Young founded SLEW after undergoing treatment for breast cancer and discovering disparities for low-income women. Today, SLEW is an integrative cancer care survivorship agency that provides free emotional and physical support to meet the needs of 600 uninsured, under-insured, and low-income women who are recovering from cancer treatment.
“No one is ever emotionally prepared for a cancer diagnosis and few are prepared financially,” said Brandy Ralston-Lint, senior vice president of corporate communications for Security Service Federal Credit Union. “Security Service is honored to help SLEW Cancer Wellness Center with this $5,000 donation as they work diligently to improve the quality of life for underserved cancer patients.”
Of SLEW’s 600 unduplicated clients receiving services annually, 85% are diagnosed with breast cancer; 57% are Hispanic, 21% Anglo, 21% African American and 1% of other nationalities. In addition, 96% of the agency’s survivors are unable to work because of their permanent or temporary disability, while 60% live in deep poverty and do not drive.
The Security Service Charitable Foundation helps further Security Service Federal Credit Union’s corporate goal of community service by contributing to deserving organizations and causes in the credit union's market areas that better the community and help to improve the quality of life.
Olga Young, executive director for SLEW Cancer Wellness Center; and Brandy Ralston-Lint, senior vice president of corporate communications for Security Service Federal Credit Union.