Most of the programs we hear about in October are raising money for research, which holds the answer for a cure for those with breast cancer, and for preventing new cases of the disease.
While research is critical, support services are vital for those newly diagnosed, in treatment, transitioning from active treatment to survivorship, and those with metastatic breast cancer
With 232,000+ new cases of breast cancer expected in 2014 (American Cancer Society), a similar number diagnosed in 2013 and currently in treatment, and 150,000+ living with metastatic disease, there is a tremendous need for support services. Support services encompass, but are not limited to: financial assistance to subsidize what insurance doesn’t cover for treatment;income to live on when in treatment and unable to work; emotional support, wigs and prostheses; reconstruction costs if uninsured or under insured;child care, transportation to and from treatments; securing life insurance, health insurance, and employment once treatment is over; and coping with metastatic cancer physically, emotionally and financially.
Returning to the stage just five months after finishing chemo, she billed herself as the“Lop-sided Showgirl”. She shared her plans to start an organization to help women who were uninsured or under-insured get reconstruction. Her story was picked up by the local CBS affiliate and My Hope Chest became a reality.
My Hope Chest is a not for profit organization, the only national non-profit organization in the nation that offers assistance in obtaining breast reconstruction surgery for the uninsured and under-insured. My Hope Chest is continuing its unique 10-year crusade to provide breast reconstruction treatment for those in need.
“Thankfully the success of research this last decade has produced many more survivors of the disease,” said Alisa Savoretti, “However, My Hope Chest’s wait list indicates that in this pool of survivors, many are falling through the cracks of care as they lack insurance or co-pays to achieve their desired reconstruction. We need people to be aware, not only in October, that breast reconstruction is the topic that needs our focus and resolve.
Since the launch of My Hope Chest in 2003, our grassroots organization has worked tirelessly towards increasing awareness of the lesser-known issue of inadequate funding for breast cancer reconstruction for the uninsured. In 2010, more than 22,000 uninsured patients that had undergone lifesaving mastectomy procedures were left maimed and disfigured. Despite the support that hundreds of breast cancer organizations offer to breast cancer survivors around the country, there is a lack of advocacy, education and funding directed to breast reconstruction. The result has created a wait list of applicants seeking hope of healing and closure”.
Savoretti concluded, “Breast reconstruction is not only a restoration of the body, but a total transformation of the mind and spirit. My Hope Chest’s vision is to help all survivors heal completely, to be able to put their cancer journey behind them at last, and sooner rather than later.”
For more information on My Hope Chest, call (727) 488-0320 or visit their website at http://www.myhopechest.org
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