Local group aims to bring full access to breast cancer treatment to all
Breast Cancer Solutions has been providing patients in Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties with direct financial assistance and removing barriers to breast cancer treatment for 24 years.
The organization primarily provides support for living expenses including housing costs and gasoline.
Breast Cancer Solutions has helped nearly 4,900 people — each one with different needs. The group works with each client oneon-one to be sure they’re getting the most support.
Often, the support that makes the difference between whether a client can start and continue breast cancer treatment seems small, but can be out of reach for clients, according to Jennifer Anderson, the organization’s executive director.
One of the organization’s clients was a bus driver who had to stop working during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was on a fixed income and had applied for Social Security, but was falling short.
To begin chemotherapy, she had to pay an up-front fee. She had Medicare but still wasn’t completely covered.
Breast Cancer Solutions was able to provide funds and also cover gas costs to get her to her appointment. After chemotherapy, two surgeries and get hormone treatment, she is now 70 years old and has no evidence of cancer.
Breast Cancer Solutions continues to be a support system for clients who are no longer in treatment. When a client is not able to go back to work, the organization has been able to assist finding resources for financial support.
“Being able to walk alongside them during their journey, seeing the difference it makes and knowing the impact of what we do is so powerful,” Anderson said. “If we can step in and eliminate even one small part of their stress, I feel like we are doing our job.”
Stress can have a significant impact on the success of treatment, Anderson said. Sometimes, alleviating a stressful situation requires helping with unusual needs. One of the organization’s clients lived in Lake Arrowhead with her children and was getting treatment during the winter. They relied on burning wood to heat the house but were out of fuel and funds to buy more. Breast Cancer Solutions was able to purchase a cord of wood so that their client and her family could stay warm.
Breast Cancer Solutions can only provide clients with support through the funds they have available and depend on donations and grants. Recently, the organization received a Community Impact Grant through the Inland Empire Community Foundation. The organization strives to ensure that access to treatment is equitable, and this grant will support clients who would not otherwise have the means and access to resources.
The organization has a small staff of four and depends on 30-35 volunteers to provide services. Breast Cancer Solutions always welcomes new volunteers and donations. Those who wish to support their work can also attend their annual fundraiser Vino, Amore, Festa on Oct. 3 at the Big Red Barn at Strawberry Farms, 11 Strawberry Farm Road, in Irvine.