VNA Care Network Receives $20,000 Grant from Komen Foundation
VNA Care Network recently received a grant for $20,000 from the Massachusetts affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in support of the agency's Breast Cancer Treatment Support Program for women in more than 200 Eastern and Central Massachusetts communities.
The program, which began in 2001, provides stipends to women with breast cancer who need financial assistance for medications, co-payments, transportation to treatment, and other things that will help increase their access to treatment and support their recovery.
"This program works at the grassroots level, supporting women in their treatment and recovery. The women are so thankful for the support during this hard time in their lives. Thanks to the generosity of the Komen Foundation, we've helped nearly 300 women," said Joan Schaefer, RN, coordinator for VNA Care Network's Breast Cancer Treatment Support Program.
This is the fifth year that the Massachusetts affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation has funded this program. The Komen Foundation, established by Nancy Brinker in 1981 in memory of her sister Susan who died of breast cancer at age 36, is a global leader in the fight against breast cancer through its support of innovative research and community-based service programs.
VNA Care Network's other breast cancer services include a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Women's Health Network to help women with limited or no insurance coverage access free mammograms, Pap tests, and cardiovascular disease screenings in numerous communities. VNA Care Network also provides health care services, such as nursing, home care aide support, and rehabilitation therapy, in the homes of breast cancer patients.
For more information about the Breast Cancer Treatment Support Program, contact Joan Schaefer, RN, at 888-663-3688, ext. 1264 or jschaefer@vnacarenetwork.org.
Posted: Aug. 9, 2005