If you haven’t noticed the sea of pink that surfaces about this time every fall, you’re probably living under a rock. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and it feels like everyone, from Kendra Scott Jewelry to Erin Condren Planners, is donating a percentage of certain pink purchases to breast cancer research. Women are surrounded by “support” from seemingly every angle; the NFL advertises their Crucial Catch program each week and Hooters offers special calendars, pink drinks, and local events that put proceeds toward funding a cure.

But while these nationwide fundraising campaigns are necessary, and much appreciated, we as women have a much more pressing need. Local resources are key. Whether you are in need of your first mammogram or you have a recent diagnosis and want to check out a support group, the resources at our fingertips mean the most.

Below is a list we compiled that we hope will assist the women of Waco, no matter where they are on their journey. It includes options for financial help, early detection, and even treatment options down the line due to diagnosis.

Community Cancer Association
A local non-profit that services McLennan County, TX. They assist with financial needs that occur as a result of a cancer diagnosis. Providing assistance to patients in our area for over 50 years, CCA helps pay for outpatient cancer drugs, medical travel, mastectomy supplies, and more.

Baylor Scott and White McClinton Cancer Center – Waco 
Baylor Scott and White will be by your side from diagnosis to recovery. They offer top notch medical care as well as social work services, cancer support groups, caregiver support, and a special cancer boutique that offers wigs, mastectomy products, cancer awareness items, and more.

Ascension Providence Breast Health Center
Ascension Providence provides easy access to schedule your annual mammogram. Early detection for breast cancer can save lives, so their revolutionary screening and detection process is vital. They have even made the entire experience spa-like with the hopes of making women feel as comfortable as possible during their testing.

Waco Family Medicine
Waco Family Medicine makes primary care accessible for the insured, uninsured, and those on Medicare or Medicaid. While there are many locations around town, the Women’s Health Clinic branch is specifically designed to assist with breast cancer screenings.

American Cancer Society
Unfortunately, the Waco ACS was permanently closed a few years ago. But the resources that ACS offers are still available to our community. The Hope Lodge in Dallas, the 24/7 help line (1-800-227-2345), and more are great assets to utilize if needed during your journey.

Susan G. Komen
The Susan G. Komen Foundation has an office covering a regional location that includes Austin, San Antonio and Waco. They have a financial assistance program you can apply for as well as social support and a list of clinical trials to aid in your personal treatment research.

MD Anderson Cancer Center
Though not located in Central Texas, MD Anderson is a top notch resource we couldn’t leave off of our list. The Nellie B. Connally Breast Center not only does the testing, but they offer the treatment as well. Treating over 40,000 patients a year, the knowledge coming from MD Anderson is second to none.

Please let us know if we have overlooked any organizations that would be beneficial for other ladies in our area. It takes a village, and ultimately we can be each others greatest advocates!