Summary of Accomplishments

In celebration of our 20th Anniversary, Women Playing For T.I.M.E. has set a fundraising goal of $750,000 (net). This accomplishment would bring Women Playing For T.I.M.E.’s cumulative contributions to $9,300,000 (net).

Helical Tomotherapy

Proceeds from 2002 and 2003 were combined to meet an $800,000 pledge toward helical tomotherapy.  This technology has become a new technique for administering radiation therapy and is currently being used to treat breast, lung, prostate, head, and neck cancers.  MD Anderson– Orlando will be increasingly using tomotherapy for the treatment of gynecological cancers and other pelvic cancers.  The faculty has received national attention for their published scientific work on tomotherapy.  In addition, a new technique called radio surgery is in the research phase for small brain tumors.  This work would not have been possible without the support of Women Playing For T.I.M.E.

Sheila Solomon Women's Health Center at MD Anderson - Orlando

In 1993, Women Playing For T.I.M.E. raised $85,000 of the revenue needed to create this center.  WPFT funds have now raised more than $2 million toward the center, which was renamed in honor of WPFT co-founder Sheila Solomon in 2003.

PATIENT TRANSPORT VANS/ PATIENT ASSISTANCE

Due to illness from treatment or lack of sufficient funds, many patients find themselves needing transportation assistance to/from the MD Anderson-Orlando to their home.  WPFT has provided more than $500,000 since1998 to help fund the purchase, maintenance, fuel and driver’s salaries for these transport vehicles.  The two original transport vans that were purchased have since served their time and have been replaced by 3 sedans and employ 3 drivers who deliver them safely and comfortably to their radiation, chemotherapy or doctor visit and back home again. Each vehicle averages approximately 40,000 miles yearly, servicing Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. WPFT also contributes to funds to help bridge the medication gap when patients are discharged and sent home while waiting for their applications from pharmaceutical company assistance to be approved.  It is crucial that these patients continue their medication during this gap, and WPFT sees that their medication are filled before they leave the hospital.

Harriett's a Place Breast Cancer Patients Call Their Own

On April 10, 2006 Women Playing For T.I.M.E. opened Harriett’s, an on-site gift shop inside the new Breast Care Center at Orlando Regional Medical Center.  Named after local philanthropist Harriett Lake who pledged $500,000 over five years to build and maintain this service. Harriett's is designed to look like a retail store where patients will find scarves, hats, post-mastectomy camisoles, self-help books and other-items that carry no price tag.  Each woman newly diagnosed with cancer and treated at MD Anderson – Orlando is invited to choose a complimentary item of her choice.  Additional items are available for a donation.  Harriett’s is run entirely by WPFT.

Breast Cancer Research and Equipment

Women Playing For T.I.M.E. has provided more than $1 million dollars toward research and development at MD Anderson – Orlando.  In addition, the Cancer Research Institute is continually conducting clinical trials and researching improved ways to treat cancer.

Community Outreach

Women Playing For T.I.M.E.’s past community outreach programs included providing breast self-exam shower cards to Central Florida’s OB/GYN physicians to distribute to their patients during Breast Cancer Awareness month and throughout the year.  We also offer lunch and learn programs featuring guest speakers who are physicians on staff at MD Anderson– Orlando and breast cancer survivors who speak at community events.

Digital Mammography

October 1, 2009, the Women's Imaging Radiology Department had a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the newly installed digital mammography units. Women Playing For T.I.M.E. raised $930,000 toward the $2.5 million dollar expense and were there to celebrate the opening. Digital mammography is now available at all Orlando Health facilities that offer this service.