Team Chincheck Goes Miles for Smiles

BALTIMORE, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ — Lynn R. Chincheck, DDS, and her staff will be racing to save lives and end breast cancer on Sunday, Oct. 18, as part of Baltimore’s 2009 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Inspired to participate by patients who have battled breast cancer, Team Chincheck has raised more than $4,700 for breast cancer research.

“After meeting several patients who have been affected by breast cancer and witnessing their strength and courage throughout their fight against the disease, my staff and I knew that we wanted to support breast cancer research and raise awareness,” said Dr. Chincheck. “It is an honor and privilege to be a part of such an important cause and to contribute to an organization that has led the way to some of the most promising breast cancer treatments.”

According to Dr. Chincheck, one patient in particular who inspired her staff to support breast cancer research is survivor Stephanie Flaherty.

Flaherty was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 2004. At the time, she was just starting her third trimester of pregnancy. After finding an oncologist in Baltimore who had experience treating pregnant women with cancer, she endured four months of chemotherapy with her baby in utero. Flaherty gave birth to a healthy baby girl at 37 weeks and then endured another four months of chemotherapy. A year later cancer was found in Flaherty’s brain. She has since undergone two stereotactic radiosurgery procedures, a brain resection, a skull resection and additional rounds of chemotherapy. Flaherty initially was given two years to live. With her faith and the support of her family, friends and team of doctors, she has surpassed that mark and will reach her sixth year of survivorship in 2010.

Dr. Chincheck and Flaherty met following the birth of her child and her first bout with cancer. During labor, Flaherty cracked her front teeth and when she was temporarily in remission, she sought Dr. Chincheck’s expertise.

“In addition to being on the leading edge of dentistry, Dr. Chincheck and her staff are very warm, accommodating and compassionate,” said Flaherty. “During a difficult time in my life, I felt confident and relaxed in their care. I cannot thank them enough for all they have done for me, particularly supporting a cause that is so close to my heart.”

According to Dr. Chincheck, she was personally touched and inspired by Flaherty and her battle with cancer because she, too, is a mother.

“I cannot imagine being diagnosed with breast cancer during what should be one of the happiest periods in a woman’s life,” said Dr. Chincheck. “Stephanie has touched and inspired our entire staff with her strength, courage and positive attitude. Participating in the Race for the Cure is just the first step for our office in supporting the fight against breast cancer and raising awareness.”

Dr. Chincheck and her staff have always been committed to three families – their patient family, their work family and their home families. Helping to find a cure for a disease that has affected patients, friends and family members is no exception.

Dr. Chincheck and her staff have served the Lutherville, Phoenix, Towson and surrounding areas for more than 20 years. Their practice offers the latest techniques, including laser dentistry, Invisalign, Lumineers by Cerinate, ViziLite Plus Oral Cancer Detection, 1-hour teeth whitening and TMJ splint therapy. For more information about Dr. Chincheck’s practice, visit www.lynnchincheckdds.com.

SOURCE Lynn R. Chincheck, DDS