The Mickaela Foundation provides treatment funds for uninsured breast cancer
patients in Colorado.
Unfortunately breast cancer is not going away, and just as tragically, neither is the
growing population of uninsured working adults in Colorado. A study from Families
USA in June 2004 revealed that nearly one of three people under the age of 65 in the
state of Colorado is uninsured (32.1%). Over
84% of those uninsured reside in working households. These are families that are living
paycheck to paycheck, unprepared for an emergency or catastrophic illness. Studies have
shown that over 66% of uninsured persons will remain uninsured for over six months1.
Many of these households earn over the qualifying limit for state assistance, but not
enough to afford private insurance. The trade off of insurance versus food for the family
leads to a decision to ignore symptoms. The end result is delaying or even ignoring
detection of disease, thereby decreasing chances for survival.
Finding a lump in the breast, with no
insurance prevents a visit to the doctor, because, even though 90% of lumps found early
are benign, if diagnosed as malignant, it constitutes a pre-existing condition.
Uninsurable from that point forward perceived by the patient as a death sentence, with no
hope and no help.
That is why the education component,
and awareness of The Mickaela Foundation itself, is equally as important as the treatment
funds provided. When the patient is aware there are funds available to them for treatment,
and early detection can a mean a long-life well lived, new options emerge. The Mickaela
Foundation’s purpose is simple, education and funding. The battle song is Don’t
Panic! There is help and there is hope! Click here
to learn about our progress in 2005
If you have found something
suspicious in your breast, no matter how insignificant it seems, go get it checked out!
Screening is not expensive and if there is any thing to worry about later, you won't have
to go through it alone. Please visit the Breast Cancer
Resource Links page for screening locations and other supporting organizations that
can help.
The Mickaela Foundation is available
to appear as a speaker or participant at your next community or health event. Please
contact Martine at 303-452-1898 for scheduling and more information.
Learn More about our Board of Directors and how you can join the Board or Advisory Group
to really make a difference!
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