History
Cancer Walk
The San Felipe Cancer Early Detection and Education Center – better known as the San Felipe Cancer Center – or, - the “Caminata” – began in 2006, as a simple, local, “Cancer Walk”.
The idea behind the effort was to introduce the concept of “Early Detection Save Lives” to the local Mexican population. The project was founded by two American women, cancer survivors, who realized that their survival was credited to early detection. The ladies were a member of the local Rotary Club and a member of San Felipe Association of Retired Persons. Along with energy from another local group, Club Las Amigas, the project took off.
The Rotary Club of San Felipe soon became the lead organization. The project has received a tremendous amount of financial assistance from other Rotary Clubs and Rotary International – including the donation of a mammogram machine and an ultrasound machine.
The simple Cancer Walk has grown into its own agency: San Felipe Cancer Foundation, Inc. an IRS recognized 501.c.3 organization. The clinic has become a full-time operation employing a doctor, nurses, mammo technician, administrator and support staff and hosts a visiting radiologist.
Use of the clinic building has been donated by the Mexicali Chamber of Commerce ( CANACO ). The building is the highly noticeable - PINK - building located at Calzada Chetumal #360. Near the entrance to San Felipe.
The clinic provides physical examinations, mammograms, ultrasounds, colon and PSA testing and other cancer screening procedures. All examinations are free.
In addition to examinations, when necessary, the clinic staff coordinates patients’ testing and treatments with the Mexicali or Tijuana medical facilities and doctors. The Clinic often will financially assist patients with “non-insurance-covered” costs for needed testing and follow-up treatments.
The clinic is experiencing in excess of 5,000 visits per year and had outgrown its original designed capacity. In the summer of 2019, the Clinic will complete construction of expanded clinic facilities, with the inclusion of an Estancia “hospice like” facility. Funds for the expansion were provided by a grant from Rotary International. Other Rotary Clubs as well as private individuals provided some ancillary funding.
In addition to many individual Rotary Clubs, Rotary International and “Friends of Rotary”, much thanks must to go to the people who organize and work on the annual Cancer Walk and the October Luminary Walk: Club Las Amigas, San Felipe Association of Retired Persons and all of the dozens of individual volunteers.
Several of the local Off-Road Racing Teams, especially those who participate with “Racing for Boobs”, Pete’s Camp Poker Run, Ultra-4 Racing, King of Baja, and, a Mexicali “Biker” run have all been great financial supporters.
A special Thanks goes to the “Second Chance Resale” for their “over the top” support. “Second Chance Resale” adds support not just for the operation of the Cancer Center but they provide funds for many other important organizations within the community.
The public is cordially invited to tour (with appointment) the San Felipe Cancer Early Detection and Education facility to see, firsthand, how, by working together, we are saving lives.
San Felipe Cancer Foundation, Inc.
FUNDACIÓN EN CONTRA DEL CÁNCER DE SAN FELIPE, A.C.
Calzada Chetumal #360, San Felipe, Baja California, México
686-577-0280, 6861136096.
