OK – I’m not
going to rant today on the dearth of breast cancer husband/partner sites.
Today I’m going
to rant about celebrity breast cancer and the dearth of breast cancer
inspiration from women in poverty.
I’m sure I don’t
have to reiterate the recent spate of celebrity women who have been diagnosed
with breast cancer mutations or have had breast cancer surgery. Their health
care is guaranteed and none of them need concern themselves with who will be
paying for their prescribed regimen.
But others live
beneath a darker shadow and celebration is harder to find. Women like, “...Juanita,
a victim of missed opportunities for cancer control. Despite having an obvious
breast tumor—and cancer treatment coverage through the Mexican health care
system—Juanita did not seek treatment until the cancer had grown so much that
she could not use her arm properly...” are much easier to find. (You can read
more on this here: http://nihrecord.od.nih.gov/newsletters/2011/09_30_2011/story2.htm)
Even so, as
these essays are intended to inspire, I thought I’d include some of the best
stories here.
The Hospital
Corporation of America (known now as HCA) has taken an active role in helping
its employees. While anyone experiencing medical challenges and crises can apply
for a grant, I wanted to focus specifically on what we are doing to help those
who live in poverty – and even more tellingly – and those who have jobs and
STILL can’t make ends meet.
“In 2007, I
found out I had breast cancer. I had surgery and had to go through chemo and
radiation treatments. As a result, I exhausted all of my PTO and EIB. The chemo
treatments affected me, so I was out a whole week after each treatment. I
didn’t know how I was going to pay my rent and pay my bills. My supervisor
suggested the HCA Hope Fund. I didn’t know anything about it, but I filled out
the application and a check came in the mail. It really helped ease some of the
worry over how I was going to pay my bills. The second time I applied to the
HCA Hope Fund was just last year. My youngest son passed away and the HCA Hope
Fund came through for me again so I was able have him cremated. The HCA Hope
Fund has been there for me in two critical points of my life. I don’t know what
I would’ve done without the extra help.”
Of course, one of
the strongest supporters of financially strapped women who suffer from breast
cancer is the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Recently, they gave to a local
organization called Angel Foundation. A beneficiary of their funds: “Maggie, 47,
has been diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. A single mom of two teenage
boys, Maggie holds down two jobs to make ends meet. However, in one job, she is
self-employed and pay fluctuates, making her income uncertain. She has tried
her best to continue working through cancer treatment, but this is not always
possible given the side effects. Angel Foundation was able to provide her with
$600 to help her support her family while continuing her cancer treatment.”
For more inspiration from this
organization, go here: http://www.mnangel.org/donate/celebratingamilestone
Image: http://www.mnangel.org/cmsimage/955/wide
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