Need a Mammogram, but Can’t Afford it?  There’s Help!

We know that times are tough and many people are putting off paying for what they don’t think they need, like a mammogram.

Some people don’t have insurance to cover the close to hundred dollar procedure while some insurances won’t cover the cost because the woman is too young.

Not being able to afford a mammogram shouldn’t stop you.  There are free resources right here in our community.

Lynn Bishop was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was just 34 years old.  She made it almost 8 years before the cancer came back.  Now she has two chemotherapy treatments left.

“The other day I got, and it’s not a final bill, it’s just a portion of a bill, and it was - it blew me away at what the amount was going to be, and I have insurance, so I can only imagine for someone who doesn’t,“ explains Lynn Bishop, a breast cancer patient.

Cancer diagnosis and treatment is beyond expensive, especially since you don’t plan for it.  Jennifer Currin-McCulloch, a social worker at the Anderson Cancer Institute at Memorial Health University Medical Center, says a mammogram is close to 100 dollars, and then depending on the treatment plan, it can cost $15,000 to $70,000.

“A lot of people don’t go because they’re worried about once they have the mammogram what other bills will happen from there.“

The Lynn Bishop Mammography Fund was established about a month ago in Lynn’s honor.  The money in that fund will pay for mammograms for people who can’t afford it, don’t have insurance, or their insurance company won’t cover the mammogram because they’re too young.  Other funds set up here at the hospital will pay for gas cards and prescriptions.
 
“If there’s funds out there to pay for one, the reason to not get one should not be I don’t have the money,“ adds Lynn.

You can call the Breast Imaging Center at Anderson at 912-350-5101.

You can help support mammogram funding at the Anderson Cancer Institute and have a great time while doing it.

Neighbors on Tybee Island are holding a poker run as a way to remember a dear friend, who lost her battle with cancer.

The Joyce Harrision Memorial Poker Run 2009 is on Sunday, November 15th.

The poker run begins at noon at Docs Bar and Grill, makes stops at Stingray’s, AJ’s, The Quarter and ends at Huc a Poos for an oyster roast and live music.  It’s $25 to participate and all of the money will be donated to the Anderson Cancer Institute in Joyce’s name.  If you don’t own a bike, don’t worry, you can rent one from Fat Tire Bikes on Tybee Island.  (912) 786-4013.

For more information, go to the facebook page above or email Beth Martin at or call 912-227-4229.