High cost-sharing practices continue to cause a barrier to care for breast cancer patients. They can prevent them from accessing the treatments prescribed by their physicians and force physicians to make decisions based on outdated health plans rather than what is best for the patient. Patients and their physicians should be able to choose the most beneficial treatments. That’s why Susan G. Komen has long advocated for policies to reduce these insurance barriers.
Because of this tireless advocacy, patients are finally beginning to receive the treatment options they deserve, without breaking the bank. Unfortunately, we have found that most patients are unaware of these new treatment options, updated insurance policies and their options for cost-savings.
On the webinar, Representative Leding discussed the oral parity bill he filed and his journey to the passage of HB 1592 during the 91st Arkansas General Assembly – Regular Session in 2017. Greg discussed the importance of gaining bipartisan support and working with organizations with opposition to address their concerns.
Representative Leding had a host of House co-sponsors supporting HB 1592 and engaged Senators Greg Standridge, Elliott, S. Flowers, and Teague for Senate sponsors. Senator Standridge was a vocal supporter of this bill. He was battling cancer and taking oral chemotherapy drugs. Sandridge provided his own testimony on the high cost and the need for parity between IV and oral anticancer medications. With sadness, Senator Sandridge passed away from cancer at the age of 50 in 2017.
“When I got diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 38 it was overwhelming. I was scared and life felt fragile and unstable. After my diagnosis, Misty Johnson called me and let me know of the support and service that the Cancer Support Home provides. I received help from the “No Excuses” program, paying for some diagnostic tests since my deductible was so high. The boutique at CSH has many items available for surgery support. This wonderful team put me in contact with other community support programs that helped me through my treatments, as well as, survivor programs for myself and for my children. Thanks to the Susan G. Komen Ozark and the many organizations that benefit from the Komen Ozark funding, my cancer journey was made into a blessing.”
Almost a year ago my Mom was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. She began her journey having her first chemo treatment on her birthday, She tolerated her chemotherapy so well and she even did Cold Cap Therapy so she never lost any hair. She had a mastectomy and lymph node removal. Sadly, her scans after surgery indicated the cancer had metastasized. We were devastated to hear the news. Although there were many tears, my Mom never lost her positive attitude. She would tell everyone that “It’s ALL going to be OK”. She lost her battle on February 11, 2018. So my reason for starting the team Peggy Summers Pink Pride is in memory of my Mom and in hopes of helping others.
I have served on the Race for the Cure Steering Committee for over 5 years. I began serving in college in honor of my grandmother, who was a breast cancer survivor. Little did I know that just after my 25th birthday that I too would be diagnosed with breast cancer. I moved to Little Rock to be with my family through treatment, but immediately started serving on the committee again when I returned to Fayetteville. I now have an even deeper commitment to Susan G. Komen and am so grateful for all they do. I am a huge supporter of the Race for the Cure not just because of the funds raised for our community, but also because of the education and awareness aspect. I want others to know that breast cancer does not discriminate based on age. It can happen to anyone at any time, and catching it early is key. I serve as a volunteer because I personally have been touched by the lives of so many who have had breast cancer and by so many who have cared for and supported those with breast cancer.
Your race day liaison, Anna Daily, is a graduate of the UofA, lifelong hog fan, and longtime NWA resident. Anna has volunteered in other capacities with Komen Ozark, and understands how the funds raised through this race will impact the lives of women and families throughout Northwest Arkansas and Southern Missouri.
I am Lindsay Rutherford and I serve as a race day liaison. I have volunteered with Komen Ozark for the past two years, serving as a concierge on the Race Committee. I fully believe in the work Komen Ozark is doing. By not only educating women on Breast Health but also by supporting women financially, emotionally, and physically, I truly believe that the number of breast cancer deaths and late stage diagnosis will be greatly decreased.