Inland Women Fighting Cancer Deliver Donation from Believe Walk to LLU Cancer Center

The Inland Women Fighting Cancer (IWFC) visited Loma Linda University Cancer Center (LLUCC) Wednesday, July 8, and they didn’t come empty-handed. The ladies in pink, along with representatives from Stater Bros. Charities, delivered a check for $175,000 to the Cancer Center, funds that were raised at the 7th annual Stater Bros. Charities and Inland Women Fighting Cancer Believe Walk last October, which will go toward the center’s genetic screening program. Mark Reeves, MD, PhD, the center’s director, said the genetic screening program has been part of the Cancer Center’s standard of care for some time, but this additional funding will allow for a more coordinated program. “Genetics has taken on a completely new role for the importance in deciding what types of treatments will be successful in attacking a given type of cancer in a very specific patient,” Reeves stated at the check presentation. Genetic screening at LLUCC is not something that is covered by insurance companies. “It is a cost we take on at the Cancer Center,” said Judy Chatigny, RN, MSN, executive director, LLUCC. “We believe it will help our patients manage their lives and make important decisions about their care.” Chatigny is also a member of IWFC. One lady from IWFC who was missing from the check presentation was Christina Milian. The 57-year-old recently lost her battle against cancer and was a patient at LLU Cancer Center. However, Milian will forever hold a place at LLUCC, as the Wig Center within the LLUCC Patient Resource Center was named after the Highland resident. Milian’s family was present for the check presentation and an intimate dedication ceremony in which the center was revealed with its new name, The Christina Milian Wig Center. Milian’s son, Michael, was one of many family members who attended the presentation. “The Inland Women Fighting Cancer provided such friendship to my mother,” he said. “You were such a team to her. She loved each and every one of you, and I’m so grateful for you.”