More Money in Cancer Patients Stockings Thanks to Local Program
December 28, 2011
Share Our Suzy helps Roper St. Francis patients cover critical expenses during treatment
CHARLESTON, SC – December 20, 2011 – Roper St. Francis Foundation and the local chapter of Share Our Suzy (SOS), a key supporter of the RSFH breast care program, have partnered to help Lowcountry breast cancer patients bridge the financial gap from diagnosis to remission.
So far this year, SOS has helped more than 65 breast cancer patients in the Charleston area with expenses incurred during breast cancer treatment that are not covered by insurance, such as rent, food, transportation and utilities. The organization’s goal is to help eliminate barriers that might stand in the way of patients focusing their full attention on getting better.
Share Our Suzy’s partnership with Roper St. Francis Foundation has given us the opportunity to fulfill our mission completely, said John Buxton, SOS board member. A lot of patients we work with need financial assistance, but not every patient. Many need emotional support as well, due to lack of a family support system. Some have a good support system, but need someone to talk to who can be objective with them. All of these scenarios can be handled by the wonderful breast health navigators at Roper St. Francis.
Roper St. Francis Healthcare breast cancer navigators know the resources available in the community; they know the treatment options, the physicians and most of all, the patients. In addition to covering critical living expenses for local breast cancer patients, SOS grant money paid for the hiring of a second breast cancer navigator at RSFH.
The partnership between Share Our Suzy and Roper St. Francis Foundation allows our patients with breast cancer the opportunity to focus on health and healing while reducing some of the stress and anxiety often incurred by non-medical bills, said Blair Grass, RN, RSFCC breast navigator.
The breast nurse navigator serves as a clinical resource throughout the treatment continuum. She identifies the ongoing needs of patients and families and ensures that they are met. She serves as a link between healthcare providers and treatment settings and connects patients and families to resources for disease management or treatment-related problems.
SOS’s annual Black & White fundraising event will be held at Harborside East on Saturday, January 21, 2012. Advanced ticketing is available by clicking the following link: https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=b12daf.
