Star Medical Center Plano Becomes State’s First Affiliate

IRVING, TEXAS (Oct. 1, 2014)… Star Medical Center, a surgical hospital in Plano, Texas, has joined the Necessities Bag program as the first affiliate in the state. The national community service project supports breast cancer patients by providing them with vital products and educational information that will help them prepare for and recover from mastectomy.

“This is a great opportunity to really make a difference in the community and in individual lives. These Necessities Bags provide patients with things that they may need after a mastectomy – like a comfortable T-shirt that’s soft and gentle against the skin, and a tool to help secure your surgical drains when you shower,” said Amy Binkley, acute care director at Star Medical Center. “When you have a mastectomy, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Having these products readily available helps make things a little easier.”

Necessities Bags are free to mastectomy patients. They are distributed exclusively through surgeons, nurses and hospital-affiliated breast cancer support centers. Star Medical Center’s Necessities Bags are assembled by Star Medical Center staff and volunteers, including local Girl Scout troops, women’s groups and other organizations dedicated to community service. Contents should include:

• Large, cushioned bandages (5x9): covers the entire breast area for wound care or for peace of mind
• All-purpose cushioned bandages (4x4): great for smaller areas that may need covering
• Gentle paper tape: when securing bandages, this tape is less likely to irritate skin
• Ointment: for bandage changes
• Cotton t-shirts: soft against the skin, hold bandages in place and work well for pinning surgical drains
• Ribbon tool: helps secure surgical drains during showers
• Pre-moistened wash cloths: keeps women feeling fresh between showers
• Pocket folder, memo pad and pen: to keep track of instructions, medications and questions for the doctor
• Lip balm: soothes and moistens lips after surgery
• Water bottle: helps hydrate
• Life Savers: a treat for a dry mouth
• Emery board: to take care of annoying, chipped nails
• Tissues: an essential convenience
• Hand-made cushioning pillow: for comfort
• Information: to provide education and give back a sense of control

“I wanted to tell other women facing mastectomy what to really expect, help articulate those unasked questions, and give them back some sense of control. It helps to know what questions to ask, that you have the things you need to get through those first few days and that you’re not alone,” said Maureen Lutz, breast cancer survivor and Necessities Founder.

Necessities Inc. is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, and Necessities Bags are funded by individuals, foundations and businesses. For more information, visit necessitiesbag.org.

Star Medical Center offers surgical services in spine; orthopedics; foot and ankle; breast reconstruction; ear, nose and throat; gynecology; and gastroenterology. Its physicians are highly trained, skilled specialists who are dedicated to providing exceptional patient services in a first class environment. An affiliate of Lumin Health™ in Irving, Texas, Star Medical Center is associated with SpineCARE™ – a nationally acclaimed, comprehensive spine center – and OrthoCARE™, which specializes in orthopedics, foot and ankle care, and sports medicine. For more information, call 1-888-600-6474 or 972-265-1050, or visit starmedcenter.com, spinecaredfw.com or orthocaredfw.com.



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Krista Simmons
TrizCom Inc.
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All other inquiries:
www.starmedcenter.com
1-888-600-6474
972-265-1050