Grantee Spotlight

October 2008
xilin association - ping zhang

As the Xilin staff member coordinating the Avon Foundation's breast cancer outreach and screening program, I have many successful stories that I could share how this grant has helped many low income and uninsured women in Asian communities to have better knowledge of breast cancer prevention and obtain free mammogram screenings. One particular story that I would like to highlight is how two women of different generations were brought together to help and support each other through their difficult times.

After many failed attempts, I was finally able to get in touch with an elderly lady by using the name list on the Xilin senior nutrition meal club at the Arlington Heights congregate meal. I called her and invited her to Avon's sponsored workshop and signed her up for the screening. After a few long conversations, she seemed to finally trust me and she agreed to do the mammogram screening at the Palatine Senior Center, with an agreement that I will drive her home after the screening. It was the middle of June and a hot summer day. Her husband dropped her off at the center on his way to work. The Mobile Van from Cook County Health Department came at around 9:00 A.M. The technician started the machine; meanwhile I was getting the all the documents ready. All my 15 plus clients were busy watching the presentation about Breast Cancer Screening on the TV (15 min. DVD – “Be in Touch A Woman’s Guide to Breast Health). I was also showing the clients how to do the CBE and importance of doing it every month with Breast Model, follow the brochure step by step. A couple hours later, the technician told us that the machine was not working properly, so, we had to cancel the screening. I had to comfort all my clients and send them home one at a time and drive the elderly lady home. Later, when I called her about next screening date she thought I was joking. I patiently explained the van will not always break down, but she declined. The following January, another staff member and I were hosting a Mobile Van at Korean Church in Schaumburg. I remembered the elderly lady and called her one more time to convince her to do the screening, this time she said she would do it in China and she was leaving soon. After a long conversation, she asked me if I could pick her up at Woodsfield Mall by Marshall Fields entrance. She only knew how to get there by bus. In fact, most my Chinese elderly clients don’t speak English nor drive and because their lives and schedules can be a challenge, my answer always has to be “YES”.

Finally, she had the screening done that day!! Later, I had to call for follow up, after many failed attempts and later I learned she went to China. She had mammogram in Shanghai and found out that she had breast cancer. Doctors at Shanghai hospital encouraged her to stay and start treatment. She said she wants go home and call her daughter in the U.S. Upon returning back to Chicago and she started her treatment. Through Xilin's help she was able to get referral to Cook County Hospital for treatment. She is now in remission from breast cancer and getting active in the Xilin Senior Club programs.

On September 28, 2006, a younger woman, aged 37 years old, walked in to Xilin and asked for help. She wanted to know if she can have a mammogram. She handed me a piece of paper with the doctor’s writing “Mammogram ASAP”.

Due to her age there was additional paperwork which added to her anxiety as her husband was due to lose his job on Oct.1, and his health insurance is good only until the 30th of that month. This was a mother with two young children, 4 and 6 years old. She was devastated when she found out that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Then I asked my self, “Who can possibly help this young woman with 2 young kids?” “Who will be the right person to talk to her and comfort her that she will listen to?” The elderly woman’s name came up in my mind. Yes, she can provide experienced help and talk to her. I picked up the phone, dialed her number and said, “Auntie, can you help me?” “I have a young lady who just went to the doctor and found out that she has breast cancer. Can you call and comfort her?” She had been crying and worried about her situation.” She said not to worry “I will call her and I’m sure she will feel better and I have an idea of what she had been through.” From there on, she followed her doctor’s orders step by step.

She is now in remission.

These two ladies became my best friends through Xilin networking. I call them every now and then and inform them about health care awareness events that are going on our local community. They see to it that they attend those events with their whole family.

Thank you Avon for your generous breast cancer prevention grants that made it possible for these two women with similar illnesses to connect and encourage each other.