Mount Nittany Health is pleased to share that Kennita Burns-Johnson, DO, Mount Nittany Health General Surgery, will travel to the Dominican Republic this March with the International Breast Cancer Surgical Mission (IBCSM).

The IBCSM is a nonprofit organization that works with Island Impact Ministries of the Dominican Republic to provide educational resources, breast imaging, and surgical treatment for those affected by a breast cancer diagnosis who may not otherwise be able to receive the care they need. The IBCSM has been helping patients for 10 years and this will be Burns-Johnson’s second time attending.

Burns-Johnson was inspired to become involved in mission trips after learning about disparities that exist in access to diagnostic and treatment services in other parts of the world.

Patients who are candidates for surgery are operated on during the mission, and others visit their clinic for evaluations that may include diagnostic imaging and/or biopsies. Additionally, patients are provided with wigs, bras, breast prostheses, and educational pamphlets. Thanks in part to continual education efforts, the mission has been able to treat more patients prior to their cancers reaching advanced stages, resulting in better outcomes.

Burns-Johnson is one of two surgeons who will provide surgical treatment on this mission.

“After several years of focusing primarily on breast cancer treatment, the patients I’ve had the honor of treating have ignited a personal mission to not let a breast cancer diagnosis defeat them,” said Burns-Johnson. “Providing patients with hope, education, and resources to fight and beat this disease is incredibly important to me.”

Mount Nittany Health would like to thank Burns-Johnson for the compassionate care she provides not just for our community, but also for the communities of the Dominican Republic.

To learn more, follow the International Breast Cancer Surgical Mission on Facebook. To contribute to the mission on behalf of Dr. Burns-Johnson, visit the IBCSM’s GoFundMe page.