LINKS FOR LIFE INC

Links for Life aims at filling the medical "gaps" in the healthcare system by providing breast cancer screening services to individuals who fall outside of State funding guidelines due to age. Addressing the health of vulnerable populations is fundamental. Many in the community must rely on charitable services to obtain healthcare for acute episodes of illness or injury. This includes breast healthcare. For breast cancer, a positive diagnosis requires a mammogram and /or ultrasound followed by a needle biopsy and pathology report. Links for Life aims to provide the funding needed to provide those in need with a definitive diagnosis of breast cancer. Those who test positive are then able to access a state funded program for treatment. Without Links for Life funding, many of these women may go un-diagnosed and untreated for breast cancer. They may also not receive treatment until later stages of the disease when treatment is less effective and more costly. Ultimately, Links for Life programs are aimed at providing breast cancer diagnosis at the earliest possible stage and better overall breast health for those in our community who are living at or below the poverty line and most in need of medical services.

Links for Life strategies for success include building community relationships that promote program development, leadership and sustainability while providing programs and services that are consistent, effective, and efficient for those in need.

Strategy 1: Community Partnerships

" It takes a village" Links for Life is based on the collaborations of "Community Health Partners." Referrals to Links for Life come from low cost clinics across the County. Medical Diagnostic services come from local radiology partners who provide their services at deeply discounted prices through the Links for Life Comprehensive Breast Health Program. Links for Life also maintains a collaborative partnership for funding of our wig and prosthesis boutiques for those needing that support.

Strategy 2: Fundraising and Sustainability

October is “Breast Cancer Awareness Month" creating a platform for both private and corporate fundraising events throughout the month. An annual golf tournament, gala and auction fundraiser each spring produces additional funds. Endowments, membership dues and sponsorship's raise money for Links for Life's programs and are included in annual fundraising activities to promote the sustainability of programs and services. Links for Life is currently in the process of expanding the “Development" and "Outreach" staff in an effort to increase funding and community education.

The Links for Life “Legacy Endowment" has been to promote the longevity of the organization and to sustain programs and service for future needs in our community.

Links for Life is able to provide services to the community through referring partners, medical service providers, and generous funding. With 29 years of serving the community, Links for Life programs and services have continually grown over the years. To address the breast health of our target population, Links for Life relies on community partnerships to provide referrals to our programs as well as Radiology and surgical partners to provide diagnostic services. Our capability lies within our partnerships and our supporters. Links for Life has built strong ties with community sponsors for financial support. Corporations and individuals sponsors alike. Allowing us to focus nearly all fundraising efforts locally.

In 1992 Links for Life was created to provide funding mammograms and later added ultrasounds. The organization was run by a few volunteers and finally hired an office manager after 10 years in service. Links for Life has slowly grown to what it is today. Links for Life began a breast cancer support group in 1993 with only a few members. Today's support group has nearly 40 members in regular attendance. In 2004 Links began the Needle Biopsy program. In 2011, The state breast cancer treatment program froze funding for women under age 50. Links for Life responded by expanding its guidelines from age 40 and under to include those up to age 50 allocating an additional $100,000 in funding to cover the gap. Links provides wigs and prosthesis due to cancer treatment. A scholarship fund is available to students in the medical field at the local University and Community College. Fundraising has grown from a small women's golf tournament to several large scale events. Signature events include a Golf Tournament, Love Links! Luncheon, Hot Pink Celebration and Lace'n It Up walk. Between all the events we have 1000+ participants. As many as 30 outside sponsored community events are held during the month of October in the name of Links for Life. In 2012, the Links for Life "Legacy Endowment" was created to fund operations that will allow every dollar raised to be put directly back into programs and services.

While accomplishments are many, there are always additional needs and goals to reach. To reach our constituents and engage the community, the move toward an online presence has become increasingly important. We are developing an online existence through our organizational website and social media platforms.