Woman honored for work with breast cancer patients

Alpharetta native and two-time breast cancer survivor Jill Binkley is one of 25 Yoplait Champions for 2008.

Sponsored by Yoplait and Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the award is given to ordinary people across the country who do extraordinary things in their communities to help fight breast cancer.

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Kimberly Smith / Staff

Jill Binkley received a $1,000 donation for her five-year-old nonprofit.

“We felt Jill was a great example of someone who took a negative in her life — her diagnosis and treatment — and made something positive out of it,” said Kelly Dolan, executive director of Susan G. Komen For the Cure. “She took her experience to help others and has done amazing work.”

Binkley was honored for her work with TurningPoint Women’s Healthcare, a nonprofit she founded in 2003.

The foundation was awarded a $1,000 donation when Binkley was named a Yoplait Champion.

TurningPoint provides rehabilitation, physical therapy and counseling for women with breast cancer, regardless of their insurance or ability to pay. The center specializes in post-surgery care.

“Women have a number of issues after surgery,” said Binkley, 51. “Many have shoulder problems, chest wall pain and fatigue.”

Another issue that is prevalent, said Binkley, is lymphedema, an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the interstitial tissue.

Binkley, who has worked in orthopedics, sports therapy and physical therapy over the years, recognized the need for doctors to suggest rehabilitation after breast surgery, just as orthopedists would suggest rehab immediately after knee surgery. “After any surgery, the same issue of getting back to full function as quickly as possible is the main objective,” Binkley said.

TurningPoint has helped more than 400 patients over the past five years. The staff includes three physical therapists, one massage therapist, a dietitian and a counselor.

“They can’t get rid of me,” said Merilee Whalen of Johns Creek, who is in remission. “I’ve been here for 10 months and have gotten my range of motion back through the physical therapy. This place is focused on the mind, body and soul and they have the balance of being very professional, but also very nurturing.”

Binkley, who was diagnosed with breast cancer the first time in 2000 and again two years ago, has completed her treatment and continues to get routine check-ups every three months.

“I feel good and back to normal again,” she said. “Breast cancer changes your outlook and helps you appreciate every day more.”

Binkley stays busy with her husband and three kids, her workout routine and her work with TurningPoint.

“My ultimate goal is to have it routine that women with breast cancer be sent to occupational or physical therapy after surgery and that all women will have access to centers like ours,” she said.

— This article is a reprint from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.