The persistence and dedication Owen, Ginny, and the other volunteers have shown have paid off in increased respect in the cancer community.  They speak frequently at cancer conferences and symposiums, and their contacts are leading to better awareness of IBC in both the medical community and the public. 

Using examples of women who did not receive optimum treatment because there were no separate guidelines for IBC in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), Ginny encouraged NCCN to develop specific guidelines for doctors treating IBC patients.  Dr. Robert W. Carlson of Stanford University announced these at the 2008 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.  In an interview focusing on the guideline changes for 2008, Dr. Carlson said this of the new IBC guideline, "Any cellulitis [redness/swelling] of the breast that occurs in a non-gravid [non-pregnant], non-lactating [not breastfeeding] woman should be assumed to be inflammatory breast cancer until biopsy proves otherwise." 

Ginny says, "We are indebted to Dr. Carlson, and the panel, for providing treatment guidance to those in the general oncology community and for his strong statement to his colleagues regarding this difficult to diagnosis cancer."  Because of these new guidelines, many more doctors will perform the biopsy that may save a woman's life.

With this history of cooperation between IBC Research Foundation and major cancer organizations, it is no surprise that when the Milburn Foundation wanted a partner to fund an IBC research study, they contacted the IBC Research Foundation.

After reviewing applicants for this grant, the foundation chose Dr. Palmieri.  Ten years ago Owen Johnson, Ginny Mason, and the other people at IBC Research Foundation knew little about raising money, writing grants, or speaking to doctors at medical conferences.  They were just ordinary folks who wanted to see an end to the suffering IBC causes.  They have already provided information and support that has helped IBC survivors all over the world.  They are laying a foundation of research that will bring a day when they won't be needed any more.