Glimmer of Hope Donates $140K to Launch Comprehensive ‘Mind, Body, Care’ Breast Cancer Initiative within AHN Cancer Institute

PITTSBURGH - Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Cancer Institute today announced a $140,000 donation from Glimmer of Hope Foundation to launch a comprehensive "Mind, Body, Care" initiative in partnership with the AHN Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Institute and the AHN Imaging Institute. The new initiative is designed to enhance the quality of life for breast cancer patients, with a particular focus on those living with metastatic disease.

The gift will expand access to behavioral health services, introduce advanced diagnostic technology, and provide comfort-focused resources for patients across AHN's footprint in Western Pennsylvania.

This latest contribution builds on Glimmer of Hope's longstanding commitment to the AHN Cancer Institute and further strengthens the region's continuum of breast cancer care. The "Mind, Body and Care" initiative is centered on three core pillars:

• Mind: Expanding access to behavioral health services for metastatic breast cancer patients, this pillar builds on a successful 2025 pilot program. Funding will support the continued placement of a specialized behavioral health psychologist in the clinic, providing therapy to this high-need population.
• Body: Introducing contrast-enhanced mammography at AHN Allegheny General Hospital, representing a significant advancement in breast cancer diagnostics. Contrast-enhanced mammography offers superior lesion visibility, particularly for women with dense breast tissue, and demonstrates diagnostic performance comparable to breast MRI. Expanding access to this technology is expected to reduce diagnostic delays, minimize unnecessary biopsies, and shorten time to treatment - especially for underserved patients who face barriers to obtaining breast MRI.
• Care: Providing SuzziPads to patients at five AHN Cancer Institute locations - Saint Vincent in Erie, Wexford, Allegheny General, Forbes, and Jefferson Hospital/Bethel Park. SuzziPads are specialized cold-therapy socks and mittens designed to help reduce chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, a common and often debilitating side effect of treatment. SuzziPads can also help prevent fingernail and toenail loss and other extremity damage associated with chemotherapy.

"The AHN Cancer Institute is deeply grateful for the Glimmer of Hope Foundation's continued partnership and generosity," said David Bartlett, MD, chair of the AHN Cancer Institute. "The 'Mind, Body and Care' initiative represents an important step forward in our holistic approach to breast cancer treatment. By integrating mental health support, advanced diagnostics and comfort-focused care, we are addressing the full spectrum of patient needs - not just treating the disease but caring for the whole person."

Through this multifaceted initiative, AHN and Glimmer of Hope are working collaboratively to improve access to care, enhance diagnostic accuracy and provide comprehensive support for breast cancer patients throughout Western Pennsylvania.

"For more than three decades, Glimmer of Hope has been committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of breast cancer patients in our community," said Diana Napper, founder and president of Glimmer of Hope Foundation. "As we approach Mother's Day, we are especially mindful that many breast cancer patients are mothers, daughters, sisters and wives. We are proud to support a program that addresses not only the physical challenges of breast cancer, but also the emotional and mental well-being that is so essential to healing."