Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the world. There are approximately 3.8 million survivors in the United States who have fought or are currently fighting breast cancer, most of which have families and loved ones who rely on their support.
Though survival rates of patients diagnosed with breast cancer have gone up, the fight against this disease is far from over. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, around 270,000 new patients will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer by the end of 2019, another 62,930 with non-invasive cases. Sadly, one woman dies from breast cancer every minute around the world, and over 41,000 women specifically in the United States every year.
What’s far more devastating than the initial diagnosis of breast cancer is the reality for some patients that they may not be able to afford to treatments. Between taking time off work, chemotherapy, surgery, and medications, even health insurance does not provide enough support for some patients to afford care, and patients who have to pay out of pocket may be looking at hundreds of thousands of dollars in costs.
With October marking National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, our team at Jacobs & Wallace is showing our support for the cause with a special social media initiative to raise funds and awareness for a local charity: the Breast Cancer Emergency Aid Foundation. This outstanding organization has been helping thousands of families across five states (including Connecticut) who financially struggle after with non-medical expenses after diagnosed with breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Emergency Aid Foundation
Breast cancer is a disease that is not discriminatory based on gender, race, ethnicity, age, or socioeconomic background. One in eight American women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. Even men have a 1 in 1,000 chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer, often experiencing a higher rate of fatalities from late diagnoses.
Breast cancer does not care if you are having trouble paying your bills. It doesn’t care if you are living check-to-check, if you have unsatisfactory health insurance, or if you’re saving money to buy a family home.
The immediate and staggering financial consequences of breast cancer puts unbearable stress on survivors and their families. Cancer treatments can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and over $100,000 depending on the procedures and medication required.
Aside from the medical costs, breast cancer patients often fall behind on their personal financial responsibilities when their focus is on beating a deadly disease. With the unthinkable decision to choose daily necessities over living, breast cancer treatments often come first.
The Breast Cancer Emergency Aid Foundation (B.C.E.A.F.) believes no one should have to choose between chemotherapy and a roof over their heads. Since 2006, supporters and volunteers of B.C.E.A.F. have helped over 3,400 patients throughout Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. B.C.E.A.F. focuses on providing financial assistance for the non-medical expenses survivors and families do not plan for after they are impacted by breast cancer.
Many patients cannot work or lose their employment while undergoing cancer treatments. Caregivers and family members may also have to quit their jobs to take care of their loved ones fully time. When patients who are financially struggling are referred to B.C.E.A.F. by nurses, social worker, and other services providers, our team provides direct financial support in the areas needed most, including:
- Specialty bras
- Prostheses
- Car payments and auto insurance
- Rent
- Utilities
- Groceries
B.C.E.A.F. has helped thousands of survivors across the region, but their efforts are far from over. As hundreds of thousands of patients become newly diagnosed with cancer every year, more survivors are in need of support than ever before.
Jacobs & Wallace Gives Back To Breast Cancer Survivors
This year, our team at Jacobs & Wallace is thrilled to be joining B.C.E.A.F. in their mission to support breast cancer survivors. To help, we will be donating $1 for every Facebook engagement we receive to B.C.E.A.F. to go towards the countless essential services they provide.
From now until the end of October, every ‘Like’, ‘Follow’, ‘Share’, or ‘Comment,’ we receive on our Facebook page will equal a $1 donation. It only takes a few clicks to make a significant difference in a survivor’s life, and couple ‘pokes’ at your friends and family to encourage them to do the same.
If you’re looking to get more involved with B.C.E.A.F., there are a few ways to provide your support:
- Volunteer: The B.C.E.A.F. is an organization run by volunteers and fueled by generosity. They are always looking for local volunteers to help!
- Give A Drop: The B.C.E.A.F. Glass Drop Charm is a beautiful reminder that kindness and compassion is a gift for both the giver and the recipient. You can purchase this beautiful piece of art for $20, and all funds go to support a survivor of breast cancer.
- Donate: Donations are the bread and butter of any organization. Providing even a small contribution can make a huge difference in the life of someone struggling with breast cancer.
For more information on how to get involved with B.C.E.A.F., check out their events calendar to show your support.
