This is a brief summary of CDM’s 2011/2012 operations.
First, the Clinic: At final count this year, we fitted 465 women with prostheses, tit bits and bras. Many of the women also received wigs, scarves, hats and make-up from our “Look Good – Feel Good” tent. All of the women and their companions were provided lunch and other refreshments. Most took home some free but good used clothing from “La Tienda”. One participant was taken to a local physician for medical attention. All this was possible thanks to 250 volunteers on the days of the Clinic and many, many more who helped with financial donations and the collection and transportation of bras, prostheses and other supplies.
Second, the Survivor Support Program: This year there were not many demands on the Program, although two ladies suffering from breast cancer were helped with medical and daily living costs. Many of our supporters will be aware that the year before it was necessary to spend significantly more money in this Program.
Now, about CDM’s finances and future:
Our income was 154,508 pesos, primarily from donations and sales of things like cookbooks and t-shirts. Our expenses were 132,079. Added to funds already accumulated, CDM at its year end had 205, 967 pesos (roughly $16,000 Canadian/American dollars for our northern readers). Thanks to our many donors, we feel confident that the future of the Clinic is secure.
We are hoping that it will be possible in the future to move to a more community-based Clinic. This year we took a first step and were pleased to include many more Mexican women in all phases of Clinic operation, from the Executive decision-making group to the fitting, sewing, wigs and make-up departments. If our income remains at current levels we think there will be sufficient funds to continue in this direction.
We also believe that we are now in a financial position for the first time to be able to responsibly expand the outreach and activity associated with the Survivor Support Program. This is something we will be working on in the coming year as well.
Thank you to all our Mexican, Canadian and American supporters, our finders and deliverers-of supplies, and our clinic volunteers. Well done!
Pat Cutshall, Outgoing Chair
Carole Thacker, Incoming Chair
On behalf of the CDM Executive Committee