Breast & Cervical Cancer Program
The Pink Ribbon Society, Inc. supports the State of Indiana’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP). This program underwrites the cost of mammograms for those who are uninsured, underinsured, or who do not have the means to pay for the life saving screening. To date the Pink Ribbon Society has underwritten mammograms at a cost of over $111,725, or approximately 1510 women from our community who would not otherwise have received this life saving screening.
Individuals interested in more information can contact Health Visions Midwest at (219) 844-2698.
Wig Reimbursement Program
There is nothing quite as devastating for a woman to hear, after she is told she has breast cancer and must undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy, than the fact that she will probably lose her hair – her crown. In 2007, the Pink Ribbon Society established a wig reimbursement program to help underwrite the cost of wigs for those who lose their hair during treatment for breast cancer. Most insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid, do not cover this cost.
To help our ladies regain some of their confidence and dignity, the Pink Ribbon will underwrite the cost of a wig up to $ 150. To date, we have underwritten nearly $50,000 (approximately 330 wigs).
We receive thank you notes on a regular basis from the women who have benefited from our program. Following is just a sample of the notes of gratitude we receive.
“Thank you so much for the generous reimbursement to help cover the cost of my wig. I never imagined losing my hair was going to be so devastating. May your organization receive many blessings for the support you provide.” Suzanne
“Thanks in part to the Pink Ribbon Society, my recovery is going well and I really love my new wig. However, it’s the people who I have met through my Journey that count.” Julie
“A mere thank you in no way begins to express my deep appreciation for your kindness. You are like finding a miracle in this jungle called cancer. ”Ruth
“Thank you so much for the donation towards my wig. Your generous gift not only helped me monetarily, it also helped with my self-esteem. As you know, there is no price tag for that.”Pam
“My two sons thought it was pretty cool that their mom got a free wig, even though they often remind me that I am beautiful even with no hair.” Jennifer
“This is the type of generosity that is helping me get through these difficult times. Thank you. ” Susan
For more information on our wig program, contact the Pink Ribbon offices at (219)663-4990.
Bundles of Hope
On March 26, 2010, the Pink Ribbon Society launched a new program called Bundles of Hope. This program reaches out to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients who are starting treatment at local oncology offices in Lake, Porter, Jasper and Newton counties in Northwest Indiana.
Often times, a patient will sit in a chair for several hours to receive their treatment. It is not uncommon for patients to become chilled during this time. The Bundles of Hope program was created to provide comfort for men and women while they are receiving their chemotherapy.
Upon visiting their oncology office, new breast cancer patients are presented with a beautiful pink fabric bag, which contains a fleece blanket, as well as a note of encouragement from the Pink Ribbon Society and an opportunity to send for a free medical records package from the American Cancer Society.
The bags are designed to be reusable, allowing the patient to carry reading materials, snacks, water, and of course, their comfort blanket each time the arrive for treatment.
The bags were underwritten by the Post Tribune, Strack and Van Til, and the Pink Ribbon Society.
Indiana Women In Need (IWIN)
Since 2011, Pink Ribbon Society has granted $ 35,000 to Indiana Women In Need to help the women in Lake, Porter, Jasper and Newton counties who have had breast cancer surgery and are currently in treatment for breast cancer. It is often difficult for those going through treatment to find financial support beyond their insurance companies and insurance companies do not cover so many of the necessities during this difficult time. IWIN offers a variety of prepaid service vouchers to recipients that can include, but not limited to, childcare, housekeeping, lawn services, massage therapy, gas/transportation costs.
For more information on how to secure IWIN services, contact Indiana Women In Need at www.iwinfoundation.org.
Our Newest Endeavor
The Pink Ribbon Society is very proud to announce that we have begun a partnership with the Methodist Hospitals Foundation, Krewe Athena. In 2014, we contributed $7,000.00 to the foundation to help underwrite the cost of diagnostic mammograms for women who have received questionable screening mammograms.
In a recent letter received from the foundation, we were advised that with our help, 12 lives may have been saved due to the diagnostic mammograms provided to women who were financially unable to afford them but received them through the foundation’s funding. This is a program that has been badly needed in our community for many years. We have made a commitment to continue our support of this program in the coming months.