In 2006, the American Cancer Society estimates 1.3 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer – and an estimated 1,547 will die each day. More than 36,000 Georgians will be diagnosed with cancer this year and, of those, an estimated 14,790 will die. More startling still, about half of all Georgia males and one in three females will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetimes.

The Self-Image Center is a special service for patients of the Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence (GCCE) at Grady. The GCCE is dedicated to supporting women with cancer by providing medical and supportive care during one’s journey. The Self-Image Center is an extraordinary place where women fighting cancer can find products to help with cancer related changes in appearance.

Patients can receive the following products and services free of charge:

• Specialty bras and breast forms within two months of a doctor’s permission to wear these items
• Camisoles when scheduled for breast surgery
• Wigs during chemotherapy treatment or just before chemotherapy treatment begins

Donations to the Self-Image Center enable the center to purchase bras, breast forms, camisoles and wigs all of which can aid in a woman’s ability to fight cancer by increasing her self-esteem. Products are given to low income women as a one-time gift.

This Self-Image Center Fund is named in memory of the first supporter of the project, Ms. Ocie Rucker. Ms. Rucker was diagnosed with breast cancer and dedicated her life following diagnosis to supporting other women during diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. She continually volunteered at the Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence and gave of her time and talents in the Self-Image Center. This fund is named in memory of Ms. Rucker as a way to honor her life work and commitment to women diagnosed with cancer.