Yale University School of Nursing Professor Receives Lance Armstrong Foundation Grant to Support Cancer Research and Survivorship Initiatives
For Immediate Release
Date: 06/08/08
Contact: Tish Knobf, (203) 737-2357 or tish.knobf@yale.edu
Building a Foundation for Health for Women of Color will help cancer survivors by providing education, support and assistance in developing strategies to integrate physical activity and healthy eating into their daily lives.
New Haven, CT – M. Tish Knobf, PhD, RN, FAAN, AOCN, American Cancer Society Professor at Yale University School of Nursing and a member of Yale Cancer Center, is the Principal Investigator is the Principal Investigator for a recently received $100,000 grant from the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) to support Building a Foundation for Health for Women of Color. YSN was one of 20 community non-profit organizations across the country to receive LAF grants to support cancer research and survivorship initiatives.
Black women in the State of Connecticut have higher breast cancer mortality compared to white women. More than one-third of CT Black women report that they do not engage in physical activity, do not consume more than five fruits and vegetables a day, and 75% are overweight. Building a Foundation for Health for Women of Color is a culturally based 6 week program designed to educate, engage and empower survivors to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors, which have the potential to moderate their risk for cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
“This LAF grant provides the support to enhance our efforts to reduce cancer disparities and improve quality of life among minority populations” said Dr. Tish Knobf, American Cancer Society Professor Oncology Nursing, Yale University School of Nursing.
The grant will serve minority survivors in the New Haven area and those in the Bridgeport area through a community partnership with St. Vincent’s Hospital.
“We are thrilled and honored to be among such an extraordinary group of organizations that share a passion for improving the lives of cancer survivors,” Dr. Knobf added.
The LAF awarded grants in five areas: practical issues of cancer survivorship; cancer pain, palliative, and end-of-life care; physical activity and nutrition; survivorship education; and emotional support for people living with cancer. Each recipient organization completed a rigorous application process, and proposals were reviewed by a selection committee composed of cancer survivors and cancer community experts and advisors.
“Through its grant program, the LAF seeks to create a nationwide community of individuals and organizations that understand the challenges and opportunities a cancer experience presents for a lifetime – a community committed to collaboratively addressing the physical, emotional and practical issues faced by cancer survivors,” said Suzanne Kho, director of grants for the LAF. “We are pleased to award 20 organizations with grants that will inspire and empower people affected by cancer.”
About the Yale School of Nursing
Yale University School of Nursing (YSN) enjoys a national and international reputation for excellence in teaching, research and clinical practice. One of Yale University’s professional colleges, YSN is a leading school of nursing in the United States, enjoying a diverse community of scholars and clinicians with a common goal: better health care for all people. More information on YSN may be found at nursing.yale.edu.
About the Lance Armstrong Foundation
The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) unites people to fight cancer, believing that unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything. We provide the practical information and tools people battling cancer need to live life on their own terms. We take aim at the gap between what is known and what is done to prevent death and suffering due to cancer. We engage the public at large to pursue an agenda focused on preventing cancer, ensuring access to screening and care, improving the quality of life for people affected by cancer and investing in needed research. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the LAF is located in Austin, Texas. UNITE at LIVESTRONG.org.
Yale University School of Nursing (YSN) enjoys a national and international reputation for excellence in teaching, research and clinical practice. One of Yale University’s professional colleges, YSN is a leading school of nursing in the United States, enjoying a diverse community of scholars and clinicians with a common goal: better health care for all people. More information on YSN may be found at nursing.yale.edu.