Because of Early Detection, Cyndi’s Experience is Different
In spite of a double mastectomy, 16 rounds of chemotherapy, and finally radiation treatments, Cyndi is in a great mood.
Her diagnosis of breast cancer was a difficult moment, but not a huge surprise. Her sister, too, was diagnosed with breast cancer and died seven years ago. Since then, Cyndi (now age 50) has done everything in her power to get her yearly mammograms.
But in 2006 her husband’s job was eliminated and he was put in a new position, at only one-third of his former income. Insurance was not provided, and health care became a serious challenge. Mammograms and regular screenings were not affordable for the couple.
The Breast Cancer Relief Foundation (TBCRF) has met far too many women who do not have access to mammogram screening because of lack of insurance, inadequate coverage, or financial hardship. Through our Mammogram Access Program, we are providing grant funding to cancer centers throughout the country like the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Baton Rouge, which gives free mammograms to low-income and uninsured patients. Their mammogram van has an ambitious schedule and screens approximately 2500 people a year. TBCRF is also providing funds to the Center through our Patient Relief Program to assist breast cancer patients with the often overlooked incidental costs like transportation, lodging, and co-pays, that often create serious obstacles that cause patients to miss appointments or discontinue their necessary treatments.
Today, Cyndi is in a great mood because she is ready for her last radiation treatment at Mary Bird Perkins and she feels fantastic. She credits her success with early detection, great care, and the help with her expenses from TBCRF grants. She explains the sense of family she has developed with her care-givers, who she credits for always building her spirits up when she felt exhausted and “making me feel good about myself”.
She has many more words of praise for Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and TBCRF. “My experience is so different from my sister’s, because of early detection. It’s all about that! And the gas cards were huge. My trips for treatment from my home in Mantz were too expensive for our small income. The gas cards were the only way I could afford to get here – they were just a huge part of my recovery.”
