Since 1993, thousands of women in this community (and beyond) who face    the prospect of being diagnosed with and then treated for breast cancer have realized a better experience dealing with this common disease because of the work of a group of dedicated advocates, the Women Playing for T.I.M.E.

Through their efforts, nearly $8 million have been contributed to the breast cancer research, diagnosis and treatment programs of M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Orlando.

An example of this is that recently, all of the mammography centers within Orlando Health, the parent organization of M. D. Anderson – Orlando, converted to a digital format, and WPFT contributed nearly $1 million to make that a reality. Studies have shown that digital mammography is significantly better than film mammography in screening women under the age of 50 or women of any age who have very dense breasts. And, digital mammography allows improvement in image storage and transmission because images can be stored and sent electronically.

Even though mortality rates for breast cancer continue to decline, the incidence of the disease has actually increased, presumably through better diagnosis and earlier detection. Clearly, the explanation for improvements in mortality includes the fact during the past 20 years more dollars have been spent on basic and translational research, bringing new discoveries from the laboratory to the bedside.

Several million dollars raised through the events that WPFT sponsor, including golf and tennis tournaments and now rowing and dragon boating have allowed the research scientists at the Cancer Research Institute of M. D. Anderson – Orlando to uncover many mysteries of the biology of cancer and the effectiveness of new therapies.

So, while this group of women is committed to do all they can to eradicate this disease, they cannot do it alone. They need your help in their battle, and that help can come through sponsorship and/or donations of money, time, and in kind contribution.

Please take time to visit the pages of this website with an open heart and head that will hopefully lead you to becoming a partner in this lofty effort. On behalf of not only the women of WPFT, but also the patients, their families and the team member of M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Orlando, thank you for your consideration.

Cordially yours,

Clarence H. (Buck) Brown III, M.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Orlando

Clarence H. Brown