ACS Research to Eliminate Disparities

After immigrating to the US in 1978 to escape the consequences of the Iranian Revolution, Parvin Atabay dedicated her life to finding ways to promote human and women’s rights, especially for Iranian women. While working as a skin care specialist, first on the East Coast and later in Los Angeles, Parvin Atabay remained involved in humanitarian projects and supported many voluntary health organizations, including the American Cancer Society (ACS).

One of the latest ACS research studies, conducted by professor Karen Freund, focuses on cancer care for patients of color, with low income, or with housing insecurity. People belonging to these groups are less likely to get proper cancer care, in part because of the many concerns that come before their own health. The solution that Karen Freund proposes is that of patient navigators, meaning trained laypeople who can help patients diagnosed with cancer get the care they need. Their work consists of making sure cancer care is not neglected while also helping patients navigate the complex health care system.

Research showed how patients dealing with social disparities who received patient navigation had the same completion of treatment rate as other more advantaged patients. This meant no delays in treatment that are usually common in patients of color or with low income.

However, more research is needed for patient navigation to become a standard of care and to be customized for each patient. The ACS grant will allow professor Freund to continue with her research on health disparities for the next decade.

Volunteering with the ACS CAN

Based in Los Angeles, California, Parvin Atabay is CEO of Arti Enterprises, a medical management company that oversees surgery centers. In her free time, Parvin Atabay enjoys donating time and money to the American Cancer Society and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The American Cancer Society operates based on a mission to free the world from cancer. To achieve this goal, the nonprofit funds and conducts research, provides support to patients, and increases awareness about preventive measures. The organization relies heavily on generous support from volunteers.

There are many ways to lend your time to the American Cancer Society. One option is to volunteer with the Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), which is ideal for those with a passion for politics. ACS CAN volunteers work to ensure that leaders are taking productive steps toward eliminating cancer. These volunteers meet with legislators, make phone calls, and plan events. So far, ACS CAN has been instrumental in helping 35 states go smoke-free, as well as increasing funding for cancer research at the National Institutes of Health.

For more information about volunteering with ACS CAN or other opportunities, visit https://www.cancer.org/involved/volunteer/virtual.html.

 

Pink Lotus Foundation Provides

An Iranian-American entrepreneur, Parvin Atabay manages the surgical center of Arti Enterprises in Encina, California. Outside of his responsibilities at the health management company, Parvin Atabay donates to several good causes, including the Pink Lotus Foundation, which pays for breast cancer screenings and treatments for women who cannot afford them.

The foundation assists women who are uninsured, underinsured, or have a low income and those who lose medical access because of natural disasters, unemployment, or the end of a marriage. The organization seeks to reduce the uncertainty and anxiety that comes with financial challenges, as well as the increased mortality caused by undetected breast cancer. It operates the Pink Lotus Breast Center in Beverly Hills, California, an independent female-run facility that brings in highly qualified doctors to help prevent and deal with the disease.

Pink Lotus draws income from its Elements store, which features products ranging from vitamins and suppplements to aloe and food bars. Also available is Breasts: The Owner’s Manual by Dr. Kristi Funk, founder of Pink Lotus. For more information or to donate, please visit pinklotus.com/foundation/

Virtual Cancer Kicking! Summit 2021 in April

Managing the surgical center of Arti Enterprises in Encino, California, Parvin Atabay also co-founded the former satellite news network, National Iranian Television, which aims to bring democratic reforms in Iran. A champion for women’s rights, Parvin Atabay is a supporter of Dr. Kristi Funk’s Pink Lotus Foundation, which assists in providing 100 percent free screening and treatment of breast cancer for women in low-income populations.

An affiliate event of the Pink Lotus Foundation is the Cancer Kicking! Summits. A virtual summit version will be held starting April 2021. Like the in-person summits, the April summit features Dr. Krisit Funk, a bestselling author and globally-recognized breast cancer surgeon. The gathering is a lively event that aims to inform and empower women of all ages to live their healthiest lives and lessen their chances of getting cancer.

Through Dr. Funk’s friendly and often comical speaking style, participants will be exposed to scientifically-based information and tools to kick cancer as far away as possible. The scientific knowledge is imparted in an uncomplicated, doable, and primed-to-implement manner. For more information on this illuminating and inspiring summit, visit www.pinklutos.com.