North Bay Woman

48 NORTH BAY WOMAN | F A L L 2 0 1 8 unusual. "It was a function of reporting. It's not the water; it's not the air; it's not the soil. It's not Marin," says Head. In addition, she reports that imaging, surgery techniques and systemic therapy have gone through revolutionary changes. Marin General Hospital's new Breast Health Center, which opened in 2017, offers 3-D mammography, which identifi es small breast cancers that are curable, and ultrasound picks up every single duct in the breast. Screening for women at high risk also includes MRIs to com- plement mammograms. In addition, treatment has improved, with new endocrine therapy, targeted therapy and better ways to control side effects. "The therapy has really transformed since the '90s," says Head, explaining that patients are tolerating treatment better. And methods continue to evolve. QT Ultrasound, in Novato, has re- ceived FDA approval and is offering the QTscan, a new non-invasive breast-imaging tool that can detect microscopic tumors and is used in addition to mammography. Meanwhile, To Celebrate Life con- tinues to provide emotional support and nurturing for models and reach out to help people when they need it most. Head has been to every event except one since its inception, and her patients who have modeled describe it as an uplifting experience that shows them "Models change, thanks to the support of 450 people cheering them for their courage and showing them that they're still beautiful. " – Kristen Bennett, president of the To Celebrate Life foundation Clockwise from top left: The 20th anniversary of To Celebrate Life's Fashion Show and Gala, with BB Bernheim, Kathryn Servino, Janice Still and Anne Butler; the fi rst Stepping Out gala in 1996: Kathleen Clark (left) and Jane Kraft; Cindi Cantril (left) from Sutter Pacifi c Med- ical Foundation receives a grant award on behalf of To Celebrate Life from Dr. Cheryl Ewing of UCSF. Dr. Ewing is on the To Celebrate Life Medical Advisory Board. Also pictured is Judy Hallman, To Celebrate Life Board of Directors member; Dr. Bobbie Head, Marin Cancer Care (at podium) presents a check to Pam Pierson from Charlotte Maxwell Clinic; Both lower photos are from their March 2018 grants reception. They awarded $325,000 to 24 Bay Area nonprofi ts. – Photos courtesy of To Celebrate Life

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