Elizabeth "Betsy" Mullen is the Founder of the Women's Information Network Against Breast Cancer™ (WIN ABC), a California-based national nonprofit organization with offices in San Diego and Los Angeles counties.  Ms. Mullen resides in San Diego, California with her WIN ABC Co-Founder and husband of twenty-three years, Ken.  Prior to founding WIN Against Breast Cancer, Ms. Mullen was a Market Research Analyst with a background in political science, public administration and public relations.  WIN ABC was created to empower breast cancer patients to become informed partners with their health care team as they travel through diagnosis, treatment and recovery with confidence and grace.  A second key objective of the WIN ABC organization is to work with health care providers and policy-makers to ensure responsible health care policy, appropriate delivery systems and pathways of care for breast cancer screening and treatment services and culturally competent education and psychosocial support for patients. 

Betsy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 at the age of thirty-three.  What she learned and experienced from her personal journey in combating this disease transformed her from a confused, frightened patient into an informed patient advocate.  Betsy is committed to using her knowledge and expertise to assist others battling breast cancer to undergo the same positive transformation.  Since its formal founding in May of 1994, the WIN Against Breast Cancer organization has served the needs of an ever-growing number of breast cancer patients, their family members, health care providers, researchers, public health officials and policy-makers throughout the United States.  

Ms. Mullen and WIN ABC are committed to ensuring equal access to appropriate, high quality breast cancer education, screening and treatment services for individuals from all cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.  Betsy and WIN ABC have been actively involved in the establishment of the first breast cancer treatment fund in the United States for patients at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (the California Breast Cancer Treatment Fund) since its inception, helping to raise over $65 million to date for this benchmark program.   

Betsy is a founding member of the California Breast Cancer Treatment Fund Advisory Council where she served two terms as Treasurer for this groundbreaking and vital fund.  Ms. Mullen and the WIN ABC organization remain actively involved in efforts to make this fund a permanent state funded program and template for federally funded programs for underserved patients throughout the United States. 

WIN ABC's signature program, the Breast Buddy Breast Care Program has been identified as a new best practice by the Commonwealth Fund and the American Association of Health Plans (AAHP). 

Representing over 130 million health plan members throughout the country, AAHP’s recognition established the Breast Buddy Program as “an exemplary practice…an outstanding women’s health program that really is making a difference in improving women’s health.”  WIN ABC has brought this award-winning program into the lives of medically indigent and underserved patients in a successfully completed Los Angeles County based pilot program at two county run hospitals.  The intention is to facilitate the program's replication throughout the country as funding permits, to reach medically underserved and indigent populations historically disconnected from the comprehensive health care services and psychosocial support that they so desperately need.

Ms. Mullen and the WIN ABC organization are also committed to increase funding for breast cancer research.  Their dedication and hard work in partnership with others resulted in the passage of the Stamp Out Breast Cancer Act in July 1997 and issuance of the historic Breast Cancer Research Semipostal Stamp in July 1998.  Ms. Mullen was a featured speaker at a special White House ceremony for the stamp's first day of issuance on July 29, 1998 hosted by First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton.  Ms. Mullen and WIN ABC also spearheaded efforts that secured legislation in July 2000, extending the issuance of the special fundraising stamps for two additional years.   

Ms. Mullen again spearheaded a nationwide effort to extend the stamp’s issuance for two more years beyond the first extension, working with Congress to pass a third consecutive piece of legislation, the Breast Cancer Research Stamp Act of 2001 and helped to secure an additional extension in January 2004.  As a result of these efforts, over $45 million has been raised to date for breast cancer research at the National Institutes of Health and Department of Defense.  The awareness raised as a result of this special stamp designed to save lives continues to be priceless.  Betsy is currently involved in efforts again underway to secure federal legislation to keep this historic stamp on the market. 

Lifetime Television's series New Attitudes has highlighted Ms. Mullen and WIN ABC's Breast Buddy Breast Care Program for Underserved and Indigent Patients.  Betsy has also appeared on the NBC Nightly News to discuss the importance of breast cancer research and was the subject of a four-part series produced by the KTLA Morning News highlighting WIN ABC and the Breast Buddy Program.  Betsy participated in a press conference hosted by the American Association of Health Plans (AAHP) and the Commonwealth Fund, held at the National Press Club. The event received widespread national media and aired live on C-SPAN in August 1998. The event highlighted the AAHP's new Women's Health Initiative, in which WIN ABC's Breast Buddyâ Breast Care Program, in partnership with Kaiser Permanente Southern California, was recognized as a new best practice of care for patients. Ms. Mullen was honored in January 2004 by San Diego Magazine naming Betsy as the publication’s "One of 50 People to Watch in 2004".  In 2005, Betsy had several guest appearances on the Emmy-winning show, Starting Over to share her experience and expertise as a breast cancer survivor and advocate.

Selected Awards and Honors 

• Recipient, special proclamation issued by Nevada Governor, Kenny C. Guinn proclaiming Friday, January 28, 2005 “Stitch to WIN Against Breast Cancer Day” in honor of Ms. Mullen and the WIN Against Breast Cancer and the National NeedleArts Association organizations 
• Recipient, 2005 Special Certificate of Recognition issued by Nevada Lieutenant Governor, Lorraine T. Hunt to recognize the first Stitch to WIN Against Breast Cancer event in the state of Nevada, in honor of Ms. Mullen and the WIN Against Breast Cancer and the National NeedleArts Association organizations 
• Recipient, 2004 San Diego Magazine’s 50 People to Watch in 2004 
• Recipient, 2000 Women’s Referral Service Lee Bright Pink Ribbon Award 
• Recipient, 2000 National Association for Women’s Health 9^th Annual Award for Excellence in Women’s Health, Award for Special Service – National Level 
• Recipient, 2000 California Health Decisions Informing the Public in Health Care Choices Award 
• Recipient, 2000 Women’s Referral Service Lee Bright Pink Ribbon Award 
• Recipient, 1999 Women Making History Award hosted and presented by United States Senator Barbara Boxer and co-presented by United States Senator Dianne Feinstein  
• Recipient, 1999 California Association of Nonprofits Public Policy Excellence Award for Communications Excellence  
• Special Recognition, 1999 Kaiser Permanente Vohs Award Dinner: “In appreciation for your contribution to the successful implementation of the Breast Buddy Program for our members and the Breast Cancer Research Stamp for cancer research.” 
• Recipient, 1999 Woman of Accomplishment Award, Soroptimist International of San Diego
• Recipient, the 1999 Soroptimist International Desert Coast Region's Women Helping Women Award
• Recipient, 1999 Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Recognition of Community Service "for helping empower women with breast cancer… and dedication and commitment to increase funding for breast cancer research"

Selected Awards and Honors  (continued)

• Recipient, 1998 Woman of Achievement Award, YWCA of the San Gabriel Valley; Women's Health Advocate Award Recipient.

• Recipient, 1998 Los Angeles County Award of Merit

• Recipient, 1998 Los Angeles County Resolution – “Outstanding Advocate for Women’s Health for Establishment of New National Standard of Care for Breast Cancer Patients.”

• Recipient, 1998 California State Assembly Certificate of Recognition
• Recipient, 1998 Freeman, Freeman & Smiley Vision in Philanthropy Award -- California Community Foundation Award.
• Recipient, 1998 United States Senate Certificate of Commendation -“Exceptional Record of Service on behalf of individuals with breast cancer and her tireless dedication on behalf of the Breast Cancer Research Stamp”
• Recipient, 1998 City of San Diego Proclamation - naming August 10, 1998, Breast Cancer Research Stamp Day from the Mayor of San Diego in honor of Ms. Mullen and the WIN Against Breast Cancer organization
• Recipient, 1998 San Diego City Council Proclamation -Recognition of work on behalf of Breast Cancer Research Stamp
• Recipient, International Public Relations Association/United Nations Department of Public Information UN: Honorable Mention, 1997 UNDPI Award; IPRA: Recipient, Golden World Award
• Recipient, 1997 United States Public Relations Association Award of Excellence
• Recipient, Service Excellence Program/Team Excellence Award, Kaiser Permanente Inland Empire MSA Breast Buddy Program Team.
• Recipient, Service Excellence Program/Team Excellence Award, Kaiser Permanente Inland Empire MSA Women’s Health Event Committee Team.
• "Breast Buddies -- A Comprehensive Breast Care Program Poster Session” American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Nurses 1996 Annual Conference; Second Place Award.

Selected Current Societies and Professional Affiliations 

• British Medical Journal (BMJ) Knowledge Advisory Board, Member
• California Association of Nonprofits (CAN), Member
• The Greater San Diego Business Association, Member
• 2005 National Cancer Survivors Day Speakers Bureau. Member
• San Diego Chamber of Commerce, Member 

About the WIN Against Breast Cancer Organization

The WIN Against Breast Cancer organization is a caring, open and welcoming organization sensitive to the differing needs of individuals from various racial, ethnic, cultural, socio-economic, age, gender and sexual identity groups.

WIN Against Breast Cancer’s Mission

WIN ABC is dedicated to increasing public awareness about breast cancer and ensuring that individuals from all cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds receive rapid access to quality health care and state-of-the-art support, education and information about the disease. 

WIN Against Breast Cancer’s Goals 

1)  Equip breast cancer patients with the knowledge and culturally competent tools necessary to facilitate confident and informed decisions regarding their treatment options and overall health care. 

2)  Educate patients, their family members and the public about the importance of self-care, personal health responsibility and how to partner with their health care team to receive the comprehensive, quality care and support they need. 

3)  Provide ongoing peer support for breast cancer patients throughout their diagnosis, decision-making, treatment and recovery continuum of care.

4)  Collaborate with the health care community, policymakers and the public to address the complex medical and psychosocial issues facing breast cancer patients from all cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds in order to ensure improved standards of care, improved community outreach and equal access to quality care for all breast cancer patients.

Reference Material Featuring WIN ABC, WIN ABC Programs & Ms. Mullen (partial listing) 

A Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, 1996; Published by the state of California Department of Health Services (CA DHS), Breast Cancer Early Detection Program; Elizabeth Mullen, consultant to the California DHS; Author: Resources section of the publication. 

Advancing Women’s Health: Health Plans’ Innovative Programs in Breast Cancer; Survey Results and Case Studies; 1998; American Association of Health Plans and HealthPartners Research Foundation; Authors: Felicia B. Bloom, Sharon J. Rolnick, Kristine K.J. Fortman, and Barbara D. Lardy. 

Allies for Quality Final Evaluation Report; July 2004; California HealthCare Foundation and Samuels and Associates in partnership with the Women’s Health Collaborative; copies can be ordered at http://www.samuelsandassociates.com. 

Allies for Quality Issue Brief: Activating Consumers To Improve Health Care Quality; September 2004; California HealthCare Foundation and Samuels and Associates in partnership with the Women’s Health Collaborative; download available at http://www.chcf.org/topics/view.cfm?itemID=20882 

Allies for Quality Issue Brief: Defining Consumer Perspectives on Health Care Quality; June 2003; California HealthCare Foundation and Samuels and Associates in partnership with the Women’s Health Collaborative; download available at http://www.chcf.org/topics/view.cfm?itemID=20882

Allies for Quality Issue Brief: Influencing Health Care Delivery; September 2004; California HealthCare Foundation and Samuels and Associates in partnership with the Women’s Health Collaborative; download available at http://www.chcf.org/topics/view.cfm?itemID=20882  

Allies for Quality Issue Brief: Lay Health Workers’ Role in Improving Health Care Quality; November 2003; California HealthCare Foundation and Samuels and Associates in partnership with the Women’s Health Collaborative; download available at http://www.chcf.org/topics/view.cfm?itemID=20882  

Be a Survivor: Your Guide to Breast Cancer Treatment; 1999; Lange Productions; Author: Vladimir Lange, M.D.; ISBN #: 0-9663610-0-8; and companion video and interactive CD-ROM.  Elizabeth Mullen, consultant to the author. 

Best Practices in Women’s Health: Identifying Exemplary (Breast Cancer) Care (“Ten Key Questions Every Woman Can Ask Her Health Care Plan to Identify Exemplary Care”); June 1998; American Association of Health Plans and the Commonwealth Fund; available on the American Association of Health Plans website at: http://www.aahp.org  

Breast Cancer: Society Shapes an Epidemic, 2000; St. Martin’s Press; Authors: Anne S. Kasper, Ph.D. and Susan J. Ferguson, Ph.D.; ISBN #: 0-312-21710-2 (pages 111-112). 

Breast Cancer Sourcebook, 2nd edition; 2004; Omnigraphics; Edited by Sandra J. Judd. Charts and Tables. Index; 595 pages. ISBN #: 0-7808-0668-9. 

Confíe en el Mañana: Guia para el Tratamiento del Cancer de Mama (Have Faith in Tomorrow: Your Guide to Breast Cancer Treatment); 1999; Lange Productions; Author: Vladimir Lange, M.D.; ISBN #: 0-9663610-0-8; and companion video, funded by WIN ABC through a grant from The California Endowment. 

Effective Clinical Practice Journal, July/August 2000; Evaluation of a Breast Cancer Patient Information and Support Program; 2000; Published by the American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine; Authors: Ann M, Geiger, Bradford W. Edgerton, Elizabeth S. Mullen, Patricia A. Sloman and Diana B. Petitti.  

Evaluation of Breast Buddies, 1996; Kaiser Permanente, Southern California Permanente Medical Group; Authors: Ann Geiger, Ph.D., Diana Petitti, M.P.H., M.D. 

Healthplan Magazine November/December 2001; The Breast Cancer Research Stamp: Sticking with a Great Idea; Breast Buddy Program Offers Integrated Care, Information, Solace for Indigent Women; published by the American Association of Health Plans; Author: Genevieve Belfiglio. 

Meeting Psychosocial Needs of Women with Breast Cancer; 2004;  Insitiute of Medicine and National Research Council of The National Academies Press; National Cancer Policy Board; Maria Hewitt, Roger Herdman and Jimmie Holland, Editors; 278 pages, ISBN# 0-309-09129-2 (pages 147-148). 

Plastic Surgical Nursing Journal, Fall 1999, Volume 19, Number 3; Delivering a Promise: One Woman’s Story of Partnership and Hope; WIN Against Breast Cancer Programs; 1999; Published by the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Nurses; Author: Elizabeth “Betsy” Mullen.

Understanding Healthcare Quality; June/July 1999; California Magazine Roundtable; Editors: Diana Kenney and L. Ann Movalson; supported by the California HealthCare Foundation. 

Women’s Health Concerns Sourcebook, 2nd edition; 2004; Omnigraphics; Edited by Amy L. Sutton. Charts and Tables. Index.; 746 pages; ISBN #0-7808-0673-5. 

For more information regarding the WIN Against Breast Cancer organization, please feel free to visit WIN ABC’s award-winning web site at www.winabc.org

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