Profiles/Success Stories

Treatment Grant: Julie's Prosthesis

When a woman is diagnosed, and lacks insurance, what does she do? After she has received chemo, but needs help with specialty garments, which are very expensive, to maintain her quality of life, where does she go? Many of our grantees help to meet the many needs of breast cancer Survivors, both during and after treatment. Let me share with you a story from Cancer Services of Gaston County, which will help you see the multitude of needs that can be met by a Treatment Grant. 

“One client in particular sticks out in my memory. Julie visited our office wearing a bra that was FOUR sizes too small for her. The prosthesis she was using was leaking. She had been attempting to cover the holes with Band-aids, “just to get by.” Her husband was on disability and Julie had no insurance coverage. The bra was cutting into her body from all sides and she was extremely uncomfortable.

Because of the Susan G. Komen funds provided to Cancer Services of Gaston County for its Project PINK program, Julie was able to get two bras and a prosthesis that fit her perfectly. Our goal is to help meet the needs of breast cancer survivors in our community. Today, Julie feels more confident about herself and is worry-free about her appearance. These funds help us to be better community stewards. We are eternally grateful.”

Many of our local grantees help their communities by providing screening services.  This is a truly pivotal role in the fight against breast cancer, and I’d like to tell you a story submitted by Chris Vaughn of the CURE Program at Stanly Regional Medical Center. This true story shows the incredible impact of how screening grants save lives.

“Karen, a single mother of two teenage girls came into the center struggling with multiple medical burdens: a child who battles a seizure disorder, a severe panic disorder herself, and lacking insurance to help pay for medical needs. Needless to say, life was chaotic. On top of these ongoing concerns, she had developed a problem in one of her breasts – she could feel a cyst.

After much conversation to help alleviate fears and concerns, Chris agreed to accompany Karen to her mammogram appointment. While waiting in the office between the mammogram and the ultrasound that was ordered afterwards, Karen wanted to leave multiple times, driven by fear induced from her panic disorder. Chris stayed with her, and ultimately the test results came back positive for breast cancer.

Karen has since gone through a mastectomy, completed chemotherapy in January, and recently finished radiation. She would tell you that the Komen grant saved her life. If these funds had not been available, she would never have gone for a mammogram.

Chris is thankful for the Komen grant, and says “Through this entire process we were able to treat Karen’s breast cancer, as well as her panic disorder. She now has a new lease on life!  Her daughters will grow up with a wonderful mother, and they will understand the importance of routine breast exams and mammograms.”

Education Grant: Girl Scout Mother Discovers A Lump

Each of our local grantees fulfills the Komen mission through education, screening, treatment. While all of our grants have an educational component, the Scouting for the Cure Program, put on by the Hornets’ Nest Council of the Girl Scouts, is 100% education based. Scouting for the Cure has been a grant recipient for 9 years, and focuses on educating young girls and their families about breast health. Here is a story that was submitted by a mother who attended a Scouting event, about the difference this program made in her life.

“I just thought you might like to know how "Scouting for the Cure" that my daughter & I attended last year in Union County helped me.  I have always had rather lumpy breasts and was confused as to how one could tell the difference between a normal lump and an abnormal one. Thanks to the activity with the lumpy breast model, I learned what to look for when performing a breast self-exam.”

“In August of 2006, I discovered an odd lump in my breast and went immediately to the doctor.  I learned I had invasive lobular carcinoma.  Fortunately for myself and my family, my cancer was caught early and my prognosis is good. I have already finished my chemotherapy and am waiting for my hair to grow back so my head won't be so cold!”

 “Another benefit of Scouting for the Cure was for my 11 year old daughter.  The knowledge she received about breast cancer helped her understand what breast cancer is and what I was going through.  After I told her about the cancer she disappeared into her room.  When she returned, she had all the pamphlets and information she had received from Scouting for the Cure and she handed them to me:  "Here mommy, I think you need these..." 

I think Scouting for the Cure is a wonderful Girl Scout activity and I wanted you to know how much I appreciate the time and energy both put into this program. I thought you might like to know that your efforts helped save at least one life and hopefully, your continued efforts will save more. Thank you, thank you, thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”