Facts About Breast Cancer Diagnoses

Sandra Wade, Stage 4 Inflammatory Breast Cancer

I was desperate for financial assistance in purchasing essential equipment for my chronic stage 2 lymphedema. I searched locally and nationally for help for months with no success. I was depressed, discouraged and exhausted. I made one call late on a Friday to the Breast Cancer Society. A extremely nice woman answered, I told her I needed financial help in paying off a balance for a badly needed piece of equipment. The manufacturer had donated the machine (The Flexitouch lymphedema pump), but I had to pay for the personal attachments that wrap the leg, chest and left arm. This cost was almost $1,000 which I did not have. I obtained aid from the Avon Foundation and $100 from Cancer Care. When I explained my situation, this wonderful lady went to Executive Director, Mr. Reyonolds, II. , he approved aid to fulfill the balance of my purchase. Four weeks later I received my machine delivered to my door. I know for a fact that the generosity in providing assistance for this machine helped keep me out of the hospital. I’ve heard people in my situation have stayed up to 3 and 4 months in the hospital getting their lymphedema under control. THE BREAST CANCER SOCIETY saved me from incredible long term pain, suffering and the huge expense of a prolonged hospital stay. I cannot thank the Breast Cancer Society enough. I have lost everything I’ve ever worked for in 45 years of work history. I’ve lost all savings, 401-k, I’ve even used an advanced death benefit from my life insurance company. I’m not even sure if I have enough for a funeral or cremation. The people at the Breast Cancer Society cannot possibly know just how much I appreciate all that that have done for me. I am single and live alone. I live on disability and my account is overdrawn all the time from unexpected expenses. I live in a constant state of fear of not having enough money to live on month to month. Mr. Reynolds and the other people at The Breast Cancer Society, in my opinion, are heroes. I thank God for these people and keep them in my prayers that their lives be blessed. Sandra