Donating More Than Just Time; Donating Tissue for the Cure

I don’t know if it’s because I’m chairing the 2010 Komen Indianapolis Race for the Cure or because one of my best friends from college was diagnosed (fought and won) her battle with breast cancer last year – or maybe it’s because one of my best friend’s mother lost her battle with breast cancer last year and I want a cure to be found so others don’t suffer. Whatever the reason, I’m seriously contemplating donating breast tissue to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Tissue Bank at the IU Simon Cancer Center next month.

This hasn’t been something I’ve ever considered before (or even knew about), but ever since a friend sent me an e-mail about it; I can’t seem to get it out of my mind. Is it possible that my healthy breast tissue can help make a difference? As I understand it, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Tissue Bank collects tissue from women who have – and haven’t had breast cancer and with a variety of benign breast conditions, scientists will be able to determine differences which ultimately could lead to a better understanding of the breast cancer process. I don’t understand how science works, but if I can contribute to it, I’ll consider it.

I’m not going to lie, the process sounds painful (and I’m a big baby when it comes to needles). The sample tissue is taken from one breast through a breast biopsy. It’s done with (yep, you guessed it) a needle and local anesthesia. According to my friend who donated last year there is swelling, bruising and soreness for a few days. The amount of tissue taken during the procedure is about one gram; the size of 2 peas. Small sample… big difference! The way I see it, it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make if it benefits women and men who may be diagnosed with this disease in the future. Another way I see it, I’m not only donating time to chairing the Komen Indianapolis Race for the Cure, but I’m donating a part of me to finding a cure. How cool is that?

The next tissue collection event is scheduled for January 23, 2010 at the IU Simon Cancer Center. Appointments are scheduled from 8:20 a.m. – 1:40 p.m. in 20-minute increments. If you’re interested, contact Pat Mitchum at 317-274-2366 or pamitchu@iupui.edu. And if you donate, thank you! I’d be interested in hearing about your experience.