Painting the Peninsula Pink is an Upper Peninsula-wide effort to raise awareness about the Superior Health Foundation’s Breast Health Fund. Each year, SHF fundraises for the entire month of October to assure funding is available for individuals across the U.P. who may need assistance with out-of-pocket breast health expenses not otherwise covered by insurance.
SHF spoke with Deb, a recipient from L’Anse, who was not previously aware of this funding. Deb is like so many of us … hard working, always took good care of herself and provided for herself. Then, however, she received the shocking news that she had breast cancer. Deb began radiation treatment on Sept. 28. Her treatments in Marquette are five days per week for five and one-half weeks.
Deb does not drive. With no other options, she was referred to the SHF Breast Health Fund. When asked what this funding meant to her, she humbly said:
“What can I say … .this has made going through those treatments so much easier without having to worry so much about the expenses. It’s so appreciated. It was really hard for me to reach out when you’ve always taken care of yourself and never really needed anything.
“Then, when you get cancer, you learn that you have to lean on others,” she added. “It’s a stressful enough situation without constantly worrying about the costs. I’m just SO grateful for the people who are responsible for this.”
As we Yoopers know, this is an amazing community that often comes together to take care of each other. Deb was so appreciative of this support through the Breast Health Fund. She offers many thanks to others.
“Jacalyn Lasich, the oncology social worker, referred me, and Margaret with the Beacon House has been amazing,” Deb said. “One of my appointments got rescheduled, and Jacalyn came on her own time to drive me to my appointment and then take me back home. They put me up at the Ramada Inn, and the only thing I had to pay for was the $30 per week fee to have my dog with me. She’s my baby, and it’s just the two of us. So, I’m just so very grateful.”
When asked if there was anything else she’d like to share, Deb didn’t hesitate when she said:
“Something that I would want to tell others is that you are not alone.”
One hundred percent of charitable gifts to the SHF Breast Health Fund stay in the Upper Peninsula. To join us and support, or to request assistance, please visit https://superiorhealthfoundation.org/funds/breast-health-fund/