The Mickaela Foundation Board of Directors at the 2004 Hope for a Cure Celebration

The 2005 Mickaela Foundation's Yellow Team - Over 350 strong for the Race for the Cure in Denver

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!