The organization
The Alamo City Cancer Council (ACCC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in San Antonio, Texas. Its members are representatives from organizations in Bexar County that focus on the needs of individuals afflicted with cancer: American Cancer Society, Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation, Susan G. Komen San Antonio Affiliate, WINGS (Women Involved in Nurturing, Giving, Sharing) and Cancer Therapy and Research Center (CTRC). The ACCC members believe that by pooling the talents of these organizations they can provide a more effective and valuable service.
After much interest was generated in the breast cancer booklet and other resources, the council decided to expand its vision of educating the public about a range of cancers, the Alamo Breast Cancer Council changed its name to the Alamo City Cancer Council in the spring, 2006.
Our mission
The mission of the Alamo City Cancer Council is to provide education, resources, and services for any project that supports the cause of the eradication of cancer.
Our vision
We will reduce disparities within the diverse populations of Texas by providing information about cancer and cancer-related services. We will increase access to information needed to make informed decisions and reach underserved populations.
Primarily, we will serve the residents of Bexar County, Texas, and we also will develop a collaborative network throughout Texas and will share generously our educational materials and promote their distribution in other Texas communities.
We will provide educational seminars about cancer to health care professionals in Bexar County, Texas and extend our influence by networking with other organizations in Texas.
Core Values
- Efficient use of resources
- Diversity of membership
- Excellence in cancer education
- Scientific accuracy of information
- Outreach to both English and Spanish-speaking communities
Goals for 2007-2008
- Continue distribution of both English and Spanish versions of the breast cancer booklets.
- Distribute the newly produced colorectal cancer booklets which are entitled, "I’ve Just Been Diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer, What’s Next?".
- Complete the translation of the booklet into a Spanish version and distribute to targeted groups in the Bexar County community and the state of Texas at large.
- Create a new booklet in lung cancer modeled after the 2 previous booklets.
- Sponsor and support the 5th Annual Breast Cancer Update to be held at the University of Texas Health Science Center which will cover new and important issues as it relates to diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer-this event will be held on October 13, 2007.
Thanks
The ACCC is grateful for the multitude of support and for financial support that it has received for maintenance of the organization.
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Booklet: I’ve Just Been Diagnosed with Breast The Alamo City Cancer Council (ACCC) received a grant in July 2005 from the Baptist Health Foundation in support of projects designed to fill in a gap in existing services for breast cancer patients in Bexar County, Texas. One project is a booklet titled “I’ve Just Been Diagnosed with Breast Cancer—What’s Next?” It provides answers to questions commonly asked by newly diagnosed breast cancer patients before they visit a specialist who will give them specific recommendations for their care. Written by Sharon Wilks, M.D, a practicing oncologist, and reviewed by local experts, the booklet provides information on types of breast cancer, surgery, reconstruction, staging, and therapy (the same information available in this web site, but in a 4 1/2 x 8 inch, purse-size booklet format). Twenty thousand copies of the English-language booklet are being distributed to primary care physicians, surgeons, obstetricians and gynecologists, and public health clinics as a tool to help patients. Ten thousand copies of a Spanish-lanugage booklet are also being distributed. Booklets are available at no cost to Bexar County residents and health care facilities. |
Booklet: I’ve Just Been Diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer: What’s Next? This booklet was recently created and printed with interest for provision of these items to individuals recently diagnosed with colon and/or rectal cancer. This booklet was written by several local San Antonio specialists who work in the fields of gastroenterology, radiation therapy, surgery and medical oncology. |
The website
The generous grant from the Baptist Health Foundation also provides funds for this website that contains the information in the booklet, along with supplementary information. Other web sites provide excellent information oncancer, but this new website is specifically directed to the patient newly diagnosed with cancer who may not be able to see a cancer specialist for several weeks.
The Alamo City Cancer Council (ACCC) provides information in this website and in the booklet only as a guide. It does not replace your best source of information—your doctor. Experts have reviewed the information, and some feel that it may be overwhelming for newly diagnosed cancer patients. In addition, the information provided may not completely address every patient’s situation; the tests and procedures described may not be offered due to special circumstances. This resource serves only as a bridge from the point of diagnosis until an individual can see an expert who can explain the specific steps for managing an individual’s cancer.
This site, which went live on December 23, 2005, contains sections not published in the booklets, including timing of treatment; choosing a doctor; support groups; transportation; prosthetics, apparel and accessories; patient rights; financial help; upcoming events; and a more extensive list of resources. The information targets Bexar County, Texas residents.
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The Breast Cancer CD The CD is part of the Cancer Matters CD Library. As a guest speaker on the CD, Sharon Wilks, M.D. answers questions about breast cancer with a focus on the needs of the newly diagnosed patient. |
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Breast Cancer Update Seminar
The 5th annual Breast Cancer Update is planned for October 13, 2007. Topics to be covered include:
- Update on Aromatase Inhibitors
- Update on Surgical Techniques for Breast Cancer
- The Role of Breast Tomosynthesis in Detection of Breast Cancer
- Estrogen/Hormone Replacement Therapy-Is it Safe?
- A discussion of the role of Excercise in Prevention of Breast Cancer Recurrence
The program will be held at the University of Texas Health Science Center of San Antonio's Nursing School again.
Scheduled Speakers this year include Dr. Gary Unzeitig, Dr. Luis Rodriguez, Dr. Lillian Jones, Dr. Elizabeth Rafferty and Dr. Sharon Wilks.
Our last Breast Cancer Update was held on October 7, 2006 and was attended by over 120 health professionals and individuals from the community including breast cancer survivors.
This program remains a collaborative effort by local groups who have strong interest in Breast Cancer including the local chapter of the American Cancer Society, the Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation, the Cancer Therapy and Research Center, and the local chapter of the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
This program will be offered for free to the public other than parking fees. Individuals interested in credit will be charged appropriate fees for credentialing.
Director
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Sharon Wilks, M.D, F.A.C.P. |
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Dr. Wilks is an oncologist and hematologist with Cancer Care Centers of South Texas. Her special interest in oncology is breast cancer, especially early detection, prevention, and adjuvant and metastatic treatment. Her undergraduate degree is from Goucher College, Towson Maryland, and her medical degree is from Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland. She completed her internship, residency, and fellowship at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. She is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in internal medicine, medical oncology, and medical hematology. Dr. Wilks is currently a reviewer of medical cases for the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners and an investigator for the National Cancer Institute. |
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As a member of numerous professional organizations, Dr. Wilks has served in leadership roles with the American Cancer Society, and she is a regular speaker at their events. She has also served on the Breast Cancer Subcommittee Program and the Pharmacy Committee at Baptist Health Systems in San Antonio.
Dr. Wilks was honored to be one of the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame in 2002 in the area of volunteerism.
In her spare time Dr. Wilks enjoys reading, walking, shopping, and travel.
Board Members
- Melissa Fischer, J.D. – Criminal District Courts Administrator for Bexar County, Texas
- Sherri Hatch – Oncology Sales Specialist, Novartis Oncology
- Sharon Wilks, M.D. – Oncologist and hematologist, Cancer Care Centers of South Texas (See brief biography above.)
Booklet and Website Planning Committee
- Melissa Fischer, J.D. - Criminal District Courts Administrator for Bexar County
- Deborah Gaeke - Executive Director, Cancer Care Centers of South Texas
- Sherri Hatch - Oncology Sales Specialist, Novartis Oncology
- Eileen Lundin - breast cancer survivor and advocate
- Joy Moose – President, Alamo City Breast Cancer Foundation
- Donna Ward - Program Manager, San Antonio Metro Unit of the American Cancer Society
- Derek Waters – Oncology Sales Specialist, Novartis Oncology
- Sharon Wilks, M.D. – Medical Oncologist & Hematologist, Cancer Care Centers of South Texas
Funding Committee
- Melissa Fischer, J.D. - Criminal District Courts Administrator for Bexar County
- Gloria Goodwin - Board of Directors 2003-2005, American Cancer Council
- Sherri Hatch - Oncology Sales Specialist, Novartis Oncology
- Donna Ward - Program Manager, San Antonio Metro Unit of the American Cancer Society
- Sharon Wilks, M.D. - Medical Oncologist & Hematologist, Cancer Care Centers of South Texas
Breast Cancer Update Committee
- Nancy Anthony – Facilitator, cancer support group, First Baptist Universal City, Texas
- Ronni Chozick – Director of Education/Prevention & Outreach, Cancer Therapy & Research
Center (CTRC) - Dixie George – Director of Physician Services, Cancer Therapy & Research Center (CTRC)
- Gloria Goodwin - Board of Directors 2003-2005, American Cancer Council
- Sherri Hatch – Oncology Sales Specialist, Novartis Oncology
- Joy Moose – President, Alamo City Breast Cancer Foundation
- Niki Simpson – Executive Director Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, San Antonio
Affiliate - Rose Tierney-Gumaer - Director, Nursing Continuing Education, University of Texas Health
Science Center-San Antonio, School of Nursing - Donna Ward - Program Manager, San Antonio Metro Unit of the American Cancer Society
- Derek Waters – Oncology Sales Specialist, Novartis Oncology
- Sharon Wilks, M.D. - Medical Oncologist & Hematologist, Cancer Care Centers of South Texas
- Olga Young – Executive Director, SLEW Wellness Center
Breast cancer booklet information review
Thelma Hurd, M.D. (breast surgeon), José Lopez, M.D.(hematologist/medical oncologist), Peter M. Ravdin, M.D. (medical oncologist-area of specialty is breast cancer), Sharon Wilks, M.D. (hematologist/medical oncologist), Carol Wratten, M.D.(obstetrician/gynecologist), and Sylvia Zubyk, M.D. (radiation therapist)
Illustrator and Designer
Brian Hegvold, 30 Degrees North