To Whom Concerned:

...I was recently diagnosed and successfully treated for breast cancer. In the beginning of my realization of my condition, I found the "Women's Information Network" on the internet. I phoned and spoke with Renee Gaines.

My purpose in writing is to thank you for your wonderful organization. Also, to give my heartfelt thanks once again to Renee. In addition to providing me with a wonderful package of information that literally lead me out of the "dark places", she made me feel loved and in some way gave me back the respect that I had lost for my body.

Thank you so much for your understanding and compassion. May you always be blessed to continue with your heartfelt endeavors.

 -- LuLu

To Whom it may concern,

     Regarding Elizabeth "Betsy" Mullen; it is my pleasure to offer my recommendation and support to this very dynamic lady. She has virtually single-handedly put together a seminal organization for the benefit of women with breast cancer. WIN ABC (Women's Information Network Against Breast Cancer) has thrived under her tutelage. It has brought many resources to Kaiser's breast cancer patients in an abundant and timely fashion. The materials and resources are now being made available to the entire community. WIN ABC has become a form of one-stop shopping for information and resources for women at a crucial and desperate time in their lives. It brings the resources of the National Institute of Health and American Cancer Society to those stricken with cancer and who can benefit from having this information at their fingertips!

     WIN has also brought the "Wellness Community" within the reach of our patients. She initiated the collaboration of Kaiser, and its members, with this valuable organization.

     It has been a very positive experience to be the site of her pilot project entitled "Breast Buddies". This peer support program for women, who have been newly diagnosed with breast cancer, has proven to be a valuable source of emotional support for patients. It has also proven to be a valuable adjunct to the physicians who oversee and provide care for these women. The tandem approach has proven workable and the patients have benefited greatly as a result.

     Much has been accomplished over the last two years thanks to this indefatigable lady. She is a great resource to herself (She is a Cancer Survivor!) as well as others. Supporting her plans for the future of WIN ABC should yield multifold benefits in terms of supportive cancer patient care.

Sincerely,

Robert L. Rudek M.D.
Southern California Permanente Medical Group