National Spotlight
Who are you running for? — Join in the fight against breast cancer by running a full or half marathon through Marathon for the Cure™
Rally for the Cure — Golf, tennis, dinner events and so much more...
A brand to trust — We are honored that Susan G. Komen for the Cure® ranked number one in a recent Harris Interactive poll as the most valued non-profit brand and the charity people are most likely to donate money to. Additionally, Komen for the Cure ranked second on the 2010 list of the nation’s most trusted charities. Thank you to all who help us daily in the fight to end breast cancer!
Komen grant helps younger women
When Heather Costa’s doctor prescribed for her a baseline mammogram, she was surprised to learn that her insurance company wouldn’t cover the cost. At age 30, the insurance plan determined she was too young, despite a family history of breast cancer.
The mother of two small boys, Heather was worried. She couldn’t afford to pay for the screening herself, yet she knew she was at an increased risk. Her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 41, and after a long fight, died in 2007.
So, Heather’s aunt put her in touch with Sarah Sanford-Smith, the Hispanic outreach coordinator for program funded by a grant from the Milwaukee Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure to help women like Heather get their breast cancer screenings. After talking with Sarah, Heather was able to get her mammogram at no charge.
“I was beyond grateful for it,” Heather said. “I thought it was too good to be true.”
Because the screening detected calcifications in both breasts, Heather’s doctor has advised another mammogram in six months. Again, Heather will rely on the Komen grant program administered through ProHealth Care to cover the cost, as her husband was laid off from his job and the family will soon be without health insurance altogether.
ProHealth Care uses its Komen grant to provide screenings to younger women who have a strong family history of breast cancer but lack the financial means to cover the cost of a mammogram. So far this year, the grant has covered screenings for 130 women in Waukesha County- a real blessing in these tough economic times, Sarah said.
Heather couldn’t agree more.
“Getting the mammogram was something I had worried about, and this help came as a huge relief,” she said. “It was wonderful.”
Susan G. Komen for the Cure raises funds for national breast cancer research and programs in eight southeast Wisconsin counties that provide education, screening and help during treatment for underserved women.
To learn more about the Komen Milwaukee Affiliate's community-based grants click here.
 |
