Every year during the month of October, for every WINK sold, we donate one to a cancer warrior, to help their lashes and brows, lost through chemotherapy. In partnership with the Breast Cancer Charities of America, we are sharing these warrior’s stories, as powerful examples of how your gift is directly helping breast cancer patients across America.
This week we share the story of one of those warriors, Shanita B., in her own words:
I was diagnosed in December of 2015. My cancer had metastasized to my liver. My primary care doctor referred me to an oncologist. He immediately drew out a plan to help me. I have undergone 5 months of the strongest chemo, have lost 42 lbs and have lost my hair. I had surgery on June 8th, a double mastectomy. My co-workers have been a great support system, along with my family. I am blessed.
But as of June 8th, I can proudly say that I am cancer free! Even though the chemo and side effects were extremely hard, I knew it was important to stay positive and keep a clear mind, and knowing this I knew that I would apply for the Help Now Fund and remain positive and in the end I got positive results. The funding allowed me to be stress-free and stay afloat during a bad situation. It means a lot to have the Breast Cancer Charities of America willing to help out!
This is SO important.
If you’re not familiar with the Help Now Fund, it’s an emergency fund run by the Breast Cancer Charities of America that helps Breast Cancer Warriors with their daily needs–like rent, utilities, and mortgage bills–while they’re busy fighting cancer.
Financial instability is not something you’d necessarily think of: most Americans have insurance anyway, right? Well, yes, most (48 Million Americans are still uninsured (source)).
But beyond the piling medical bills, those going through chemotherapy don’t have the strength or physical ability to go to work; and boy is it hard to pay the bills when your income stops flowing in. Believe it or not, 40% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck (source).
October is all about Breast Cancer–and honestly, all types of cancer–Awareness. You can choose where to spend your dollars: research, individual’s life funding, the running of cancer charities–or all of the above.
For those already in a seemingly hopeless situation, your small donation can make a big difference in the stress levels–and therefore the potential life outcome, given the strong links between psychological stress and physical health–of a cancer warrior.
