Stories about breast cancer that can inspire and inform

Blog  |  Newsroom

Making Ends Meet

A new Susan G. Komen report shows how financial barriers undermine care for breast cancer patients, often forcing them to chose between paying for treatment or daily living expenses.

Tiffy’s Story: I Didn’t Have To Worry About Medical Bills But I Couldn’t Afford Daily Expenses

Tiffy was just 29 when she learned she had breast cancer. “I didn’t have to worry about my medical bills, but I couldn’t afford daily expenses,” she said. She turned to Komen’s Financial Assistance Program and was approved for a grant. “That gave me the ability to breathe for just a moment,” Tiffy said. “I could think about my own well-being.”

Helen’s Story:  Financial Help From Komen Allowed Me To Be Here For My Grandchildren

Helen was helping care for her grandchildren when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. While her treatment costs were covered under Medicaid, Helen had other bills she needed help with. “I worried about my electricity being turned off,” she said. That’s when she turned to Komen’s Financial Assistance Program for help.

Colleen’s Story: Financial Help Took A Huge Weight Off Me While Recovering From Breast Cancer Surgery

During treatment for breast cancer, Colleen had to take time off from work. While Medicaid covered her treatment costs, Colleen had other bills to pay. She applied for help through Komen’s Financial Assistance Program. “Komen’s help took a huge weight off of me while recovering from surgery,” she said. “I was able to focus on taking care of myself.”

Gratitude for Each Day

Mindy has undergone treatment for breast cancer twice. First in 2011, then again 10 years later. Finding a positive outlook on life and gratitude for each day were critical to her recovery, as was connecting with other people going through similar journeys. “It’s important to know you are not alone,” she said.

Millions Are Losing Medicaid Coverage. If You’re On Medicaid, Here’s What You Should Do Today.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Congress passed legislation requiring state Medicaid programs to keep people enrolled through the end of the public health emergency (PHE). This requirement ended in the spring, and many states started the process of unenrolling individuals over the late spring and early summer. Unfortunately, as of late […]