[The Course for the Cure] has been a wonderful growth experience for me and our organization, allowing us to become part of Komen's work and the [breast cancer] network which has been created [here in Costa Rica].".
Global Initiative in Costa Rica at a Glance
2007 – 2011
Global Initiative Costa Rica network members participate in a group activity at the Network Conference (2010).
- Advocates gain knowledge and skills to impact breast health outcomes: 91 Course for the Cure™ graduates.
- 60 Organizations involved in the Global Initiative network.
- 5 Community Breast Health Assessments.
- Community Grants Awarded: 11 community grant projects focusing on community outreach, working with vulnerable populations and survivor and patient support.
- More than 860 women screened through Clinical Breast Exams (CBE).
- More than 5,000 men and women reached through breast self-awareness (BSA) outreach.
Costa Rica Highlights
NGO Born from the Global Initiative
A group from the remote, low resource, largely Afro-Costa Rican province of Limon used the training, support and inspiration they received from the Global Initiative to start Limon’s first non-governmental organization dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness.. Learn More »
Women’s Education Campaign
The Ross Foundation was awarded a community grant to develop a breast cancer education program for the inmate population at the Buen Pastor Women’s Prison, the largest women’s jail in the country.
Learn More »
Post Diagnosis Manual
The Association for Women’s Health (Casa AMES) used a community grant to create a manual for women diagnosed with breast cancer incorporating an integral and holistic health perspective. Learn More »
Migrant Outreach Through Theater
The Humanitarian Foundation received funding to develop a breast cancer play focused on vulnerable audiences, such as migrant workers and the uninsured. The play promotes early detection, empowerment and breast self-awareness.
Learn More »
Local Partners
- Lead Partner Organization: Dr. Anna Gabriela Ross Foundation (San José)
Website: http://www.ross.or.cr
Steering Committee
- Victoria Abdelnour – President, Fundeso
- Dr. Marisel Aguilar – Breast Oncologist
- Juan Luis Bermudez – Lead Researcher, Women’s Health Studies, National University
- Dr. Lidieth Carballo – Technical Advisor to the President of CCSS
- Hermann Faith – Executive Director of CR-USA
- Anita Fuentes – Fundación Esperanza
- Dr. Gustavo Gutiérrez – Genetic Researcher, Breast Cancer
- Dr. Marcela Leandro – Director, Alajuela Hospital
- Dr. Ana Morice – Vice Minister of Health, Ministry of Health
- Dr. Adolfo Ortiz – Head of the National Oncology Network
- Victoria G. Ross – President, Ross Foundation
- Dr. Ma. Rocio Saenz – Ex-Health Minister and National University Breast Health Researcher
- U.S. Embassy