Service for a Cure: Air Specialist Supports Breast Cancer Awareness and Research

Air Specialist A/C Heating Plumbing & More believes in service for a cure. As the country turns pink in October to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Air Specialist will do their part by donating a portion of the proceeds for each October service call to the Susan G. Komen Foundation of Greater Houston.

In 2022, 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed among U.S women.  Another 51,400 cases of ductal carcinoma in situ, a non-invasive breast cancer, are also predicted. About 43,250 women will die from breast cancer this year. Breast cancer is not limited to women. Experts expect 2,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer in men to be diagnosed this year in the U.S., with about 530 men dying from the disease.

The statistics aren’t all dire. Although incidences of breast cancer have risen since 2005, breast cancer mortality rates have declined. Experts credit better breast cancer treatment, early detection, and increased knowledge about the disease.

At Air Specialist, we take this cause and your comfort seriously. Let’s look at the history behind the Susan B. Komen Foundation of Greater Houston and how it has and will continue to fight for a cure.

Who was Susan G. Komen?

Susan Goodman Komen was a 33-year-old Peoria, IL, resident when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her quest for a cure took her from Peoria to the Mayo Clinic and finally to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for treatment. Between treatments, she volunteered at health facilities and continued to work as a model. Komen died in 1980 at the age of 36.

Dallas resident Nancy Brinker, Komen’s sister, founded the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in Dallas in 1980 to honor a promise she made to her sister to fight for a cure for this disease. Today, the Susan G. Komen organization has invested more than $3.3 billion in research, advocacy, and educational programs in more than 60 countries.

Making a difference in patient’s lives

In addition to funding for research, the Susan G. Komen organization offers several different programs for people with breast cancer. These include:

A breast care helpline with information about breast health, breast cancer, clinical trials, and local and national resources. You can reach them at 877-GO-KOMEN or by emailing helpline@komen.org.

The Komen financial assistance program assists low-income patients with payments to help with housing, utilities, and other bills.

A screening reminder tool helps you remember to schedule those all-important mammography examinations. Current cancer screening guidelines recommend that women ages 40-44 should have the option of starting annual mammograms. From ages 45 to 54, women should receive mammograms annually, and women ages 55 and older can switch to mammograms every other year or continue with the annual schedule. You can read the full recommendations here.

Racing for the Cure

The 2022 Komen Houston Race for the Cure was held on Saturday, October 1. If you missed this important fundraising walk and run, you can see more local opportunities on the Susan G. Komen website here.

At Air Specialist of Houston, we treat our customers like family. Your continued health and comfort are important to us, which is why we believe in supporting local causes like Susan G. Komen Houston. If you need to schedule an HVAC or plumbing service call in October, book your appointment with Air Specialist and support local breast cancer eradication efforts. You can call us or contact us online. Let’s work together to find a cure.