October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual international health campaign devoted to educating everyone about breast cancer and the importance of early detection and prevention. Although breast cancer is most common among women — one in eight, or about 13% of the female population, in the U.S. will be diagnosed in their lifetime — both men and women can develop the disease. The National Breast Cancer Foundation reports that an estimated 310,720 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year. While there is no cure for metastatic breast cancer (Stage 4), when the disease is caught in its earliest, localized stages, it is highly treatable, with a 99% relative survival rate over five years. Annual mammograms are the best tool for early detection; in April, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released guidelines urging all women to get screened every other year, starting at age 40. More than 4 million breast cancer survivors across the country are alive today thanks to advancements in screening, detection and treatment.

Based on this data, chances are we all know someone who has been personally affected by breast cancer, be it a co-worker, relative, spouse or friend. That’s why PORAC believes it’s important to help raise awareness about this disease. In addition to highlighting statistics, we’d like to share the story of Inglewood Police Detective Jacqueline Sipaque, a member who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer on July 25, and how the Inglewood Police Officers Association (IPOA) is supporting her during this difficult time.

Supporting a Hero

Jacqueline Sipaque began serving the citizens of Inglewood at a young age, getting her start in the policing profession as an Explorer at the age of 12. That experience encouraged her to apply and be hired as a cadet at age 18. She then became employed as a police officer and graduated from the academy in January 2015. Sipaque has since been promoted to the Inglewood P.D.’s Detective Bureau and is currently assigned to the Homicide Unit.

When Sipaque received her diagnosis in July, she didn’t let it deter her. She maintained a strong work ethic, putting in 40-hour weeks and double shifts to ensure that she could provide for her family throughout her cancer journey. She worked up until September 11 and began her first chemotherapy treatment the next day. 

The Inglewood POA recognized the financial and emotional support that Sipaque would need on the road ahead. “Our first thought was, ‘How can we help?’ We know that Jackie is the sole provider of her household; she has a 5-year-old son and a 3-year-old daughter,” shares Detective Corinna Rodriguez, a colleague and fellow IPOA member. “We anticipated that Jackie would be undergoing a series of medical treatments, so we are organizing a series of fundraising events.” 

So far, the IPOA is hosting a comedy night fundraiser on October 24 in Hermosa Beach and is in the early stages of organizing a casino night and a golf tournament. The association’s president, Jose Barragan, also set up a PORAC Fund a Hero campaign to help garner donations for Sipaque from members and the public across the state.

“We immediately thought of PORAC because of the significant impact the organization’s support could have. With its extensive reach and the Fund a Hero campaign, we believe we can raise substantial awareness and support for Jackie’s situation,” says Rodriguez, who adds that Sipaque is one of her dearest friends. “I was her Explorer advisor, her mentor as a cadet and her training officer. I love her like a sister.”

The IPOA hopes members and the community at large consider contributing to the campaign and sharing it with others to help support Sipaque — an extraordinary peace officer, colleague, mother and friend who “has exemplified the epitome of strength throughout this time, staying positive and smiling.”

“Donating to a breast cancer cause for a colleague who’s been diagnosed is a powerful way to show support and solidarity during a challenging time,” Rodriguez explains. “It provides tangible help with medical expenses, travel costs and other related financial burdens that can quickly add up. Beyond financial aid, it’s a meaningful gesture of empathy that reinforces a sense of community, reminding our colleague that she is not alone in her fight against breast cancer.”

PORAC commends the IPOA for supporting a member in need and wishes Sipaque the best of luck during her treatment. To donate to the IPOA’s Fund a Hero campaign, please click here.

More Facts About Breast Cancer 

• The average age of U.S. women diagnosed with breast cancer is 62 years old.
• About 9% of all new breast cancer cases in the U.S. are diagnosed in women younger than 45 years old.
• The lifetime risk of a U.S. man developing breast cancer is about one in 726.
• On average, every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S.
• Approximately 66% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage (before cancer has
  spread outside of the breast), when it’s easiest to treat.

Source: National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., nationalbreastcancer.org