By Craig Anderson

DOVER — Dr. Caitlin Dunham is grateful for her honor from the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition but is also quick to praise the agency.

She is receiving recognition as a Shining Lights Award winner and is appreciative of her partnership with the group.

“I think it’s an acknowledgment of effort, but mostly, none of it would be possible without all the work that the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition gives,” the Dover resident said. “So, it’s really been an honor to work with them, to have the chance to serve the women in our community.”

The gynecologist with the Veterans Affairs Wilmington Healthcare System provides breast exams in private spaces and offers advice with other coalition members at health fairs and other events statewide.

Noting Dr. Dunham’s “unwavering commitment to our mission,” DBCC’s chief operations officer Sue Murray said the awardee “provided vital clinical breast exams to 97 local women during Saturday outreach events in 2023-24.”

“Her exceptional care is directly impacting lives and helping DBCC bridge health care disparities in Delaware, reaching those who need us most.”

In a news release, the coalition noted that Dr. Dunham’s “leadership and tenacious spirit for women’s health inspire hope and progress in the fight against breast cancer.”

Providing such assistance comes from her heart, the doctor said.

“My favorite aunt is a survivor that was caught through early detection, so making sure that early detection is available to all women is important to me, not just as a gynecologist, where I specialize in women’s health and well-being, but also personally,” she said.

Dr. Dunham will be honored at the Shining Light Awards ceremony Wednesday at The Waterfall in Claymont.

Other honorees include Homestead Gardens of Smyrna and Dr. Ana Vargas of Millsboro.

For information, contact Lauren Balcerak at lbalcerak@debreastcancer.org or visit debreastcancer.org. Sponsorship and ticket information is available at give.debreastcancer.org.