October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the realities of living with cancer, including often overlooked financial challenges. For many, the diagnosis brings not just emotional turmoil but significant financial burdens as well. Research from the National Cancer Institute reveals that between 25% and 50% of cancer patients and survivors experience financial hardship due to treatment costs. This pressure can lead many to borrow money, delay necessary care, or skip medications altogether, especially among those with limited incomes or who are the primary wage earners in their households.
Origins of the CVIM Breast Health Fund
In Centre County, Centre Volunteers in Medicine (CVIM) is at the forefront of supporting breast cancer patients by ensuring access to early detection testing for the medically underserved.
The CVIM Breast Health Program, originally known as the Centre County Breast Care Coalition, was established in 1998 by a group of breast cancer survivors. These dedicated women united to share their stories and create lasting change, determined that no one would go without essential care. In 2020, they entrusted CVIM to continue their mission of providing free mammograms, biopsies, and other vital services for uninsured or underinsured residents. Today, CVIM proudly carries forward its legacy, supported by Centre Foundation through grants from the CVIM Breast Health Fund held at the Foundation.
Darion Shawley, CVIM’s Marketing Coordinator, emphasized, “Breast cancer screenings are crucial for early detection, and we want our community to know that this program is available—even if you’re not a CVIM patient. Our program ensures that uninsured individuals can receive the care they need without worrying about the cost.”
Working Together for a Healthier Tomorrow
In 2023, CVIM entered a strategic partnership with PA Pink Zone, a nonprofit focused on breast cancer awareness and support in Central Pennsylvania. This collaboration combines both organizations’ networks to further maximize impact and expand outreach to those in need, from early detection to treatment. By sharing their resources and knowledge, CVIM and PA Pink Zone aim to raise awareness about breast cancer detection, ensure local resources are fully utilized, and empower patients to focus on their health.
A Community United in the Fight Against Cancer
Between 2017 and 2021, Centre County saw 602 cases of breast cancer. With one in eight women facing a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, it remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the United States. In response to these staggering figures, the Breast Health Fund is dedicated to improving outcomes and fighting back against these challenging statistics, providing essential support and resources to those affected.
The partnership between CVIM and PA Pink Zone further strengthens local efforts to support people affected by breast cancer in Centre County. By combining their expertise and resources, the organizations aim to raise funds, and ensure local patients have access to critical breast health services. This collaboration amplifies the impact of their initiatives, fostering a stronger, more resilient community – ensuring that no one battling cancer in Central Pennsylvania faces this fight alone.
If you want to support breast health services for local women and men, please consider donating to the Centre Volunteers in Medicine (CVIM) Breast Health Fund at https://centre-foundation.org/funds/centre-volunteers-in-medicine-breast-health-fund/.