The Rena Rowan Breast Center opened on November 6, 2000. Mrs. Rowan Damone, a breast cancer survivor, together with Dr. John Glick, Director of the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, collaborated to create this center. The Rena Rowan Breast Center offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment, psychological and nutritional counseling and rehabilitation care.

The Rena Rowan Breast Center at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania specifically treats and cares for women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. Like all the projects that this renowned designer, businesswoman, and philanthropist supports, the Rena Rowan Breast Center emanated from her own life experience.

The Center is an 11,000 square foot facility on the 14th floor of the Penn Tower Hotel at 34th and Spruce Streets on Penn’s campus. The Center’s focus is to diagnose and treat breast cancer patients at all stages of their disease. Along with patient exam rooms that reflect Rena Rowan Damone's creative and sensitive design skills, the Center houses eight private chemotherapy suites equipped with home-like comforts such as televisions, DVDs, and CD players for patients. Another unique feature of the Rena Rowan Breast Center is an on-site boutique staffed with experts who advise patients in the selection of prosthetic supplies and cosmetic accessories such as breast molds, wigs, scarves, and hats. Additionally, nutrition specialists, rehab instructors and psychological counselors are available to the patient, making the transition through diagnosis, treatment and survivorship go smoothly.

At its dedication ceremonies, Dr. Judith Rodin, then Penn’s president, warmly acknowledged Rena Rowan Damone’s leadership in the development of this extraordinary facility. Dr. Rodin presented Rena Rowan Damone with a citation which recognized her commitment to the realization of the Breast Center and her dedicated advocacy for the enhancement of women's health, which serve as inspiration to the multitudes whose lives have been touched by breast cancer.

Rena Rowan Damone, herself a breast cancer survivor, remembers the "wonderful treatment" she received at Penn. She says it is very fulfilling to be able to give back to the community considering her difficult beginnings and the ensuing life challenges she has faced.

Says one of the Rena Rowan Breast Center’s approximately 4000 patients, “I don't dread chemo day at all. I welcome it.”

For more information about the Rena Rowan Breast Center, please call
(215) 662-7900 or visit www.penncancer.com.