Need Help?
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
Learning to navigate this new crazy world of COVID is challenging for all of us. If you are a Survivor or know a Survivor who is in need of ANYTHING during these critical times please do not hesitate to reach out to WVBHI. If we do not have the resources that they need, we will do everything in our power to help find that resource. We have been calling and checking on Survivors who have been self- quarantining, as well as delivering groceries and other necessities.
DON'T PUT OFF YOUR MAMMOGRAM!
If you or someone you know needs a mammogram, has lost their job, their insurance or never had any insurance, we are here to help. Give our office a call at 304-556-4808 or 304-377-8945.
Resources
Bonnie’s Bus
Bonnie's Bus is a mobile mammography unit that travels across West Virginia, offering breast cancer screening in a comfortable, convenient environment. The Bus serves women who have private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and under- or uninsured women who qualify for the West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program. Also, uninsured women living in West Virginia who are 40 and older can receive a screening mammogram on the Bus through the generosity of grant funding and donations.
West Virginia Breast Cervical Cancer Screening Program
The WVBCCSP provides clinical breast examinations (CBEs), mammograms, and Pap tests for eligible women, as well as diagnostic testing for women whose screening outcome is abnormal. Since Program inception in 1991, the WVBCCSP has enrolled over 107,000 women and provided more than 209,000 Pap tests, 136,000 mammograms, and 198,000 breast exams.
While screening services are key to early detection, their existence alone is insufficient to achieve a reduction in the illness and death associated with these diseases. As required by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the WVBCCSP engages in the following activities in order to implement a comprehensive program:
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Program Management
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Screening and Diagnostic Services
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Education and Outreach
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Partnership and Collaboration
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Evaluation
(Surveillance, Quality Assurance, & Technical Assistance)
Patient Advocate Foundation for Co-pay Relief
At Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program, we put patient and family peace of mind above all else. We provide direct payment for co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles for patients who need financial assistance. To see if you qualify and there is funding available go to copays.org/patients-family/
The James “Tiger” Morton Catastrophic Illness Commission
The James “Tiger” Morton Catastrophic Illness Commission was created during the 1999 regular session of the West Virginia Legislature to act as a last resort for those in dire need of medical assistance during a life-threatening illness once all other resources are exhausted.
"What is a Catastrophic Illness?" A catastrophic illness means there is an imminent risk of death if assistance does not occur. For more information go to https://www.wvdhhr.org/cic/
Survivor Kit
WE CARE FOR YOU! WVBHI is humbled that our office is one of the first places a newly diagnosed breast cancer Survivor, one of their friends or family members calls. And YES you are an official Survivor the moment YOU get diagnosed! The Survivor Kits provide something tangible that they can receive immediately while we work together to find a plan on how we can help. It’s a small way of letting folks know their call mattered and we care! Each kit costs about $50. including shipping.
Survivor Kits are filled with thoughtful items that Survivors have told us are comforting and encouraging while undergoing breast cancer treatment. Survivor kits include:
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Fuzzy socks
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Tumbler
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Survivor scarf
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Lip Balm
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Journal
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Inspirational Pink Prayer Book (written by Survivors and their families and friends)
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A personal note from a fellow Survivor
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Educational materials upon request
And yes, we are always looking for people to sponsor Survivor Kits for this project and even volunteers to put them together. They are a huge hit with our Survivors and their families. Contact our office if you are interested in sponsoring a Survivor Kit or know someone who needs one.
Self Breast Exam
EARLY DETECTION CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE
Survivor Ambassador Program
The West Virginia Breast Health Initiative Survivor Ambassador Program is designed to amplify the voices of breast cancer Survivors. Our Survivor Ambassadors are equipped with first hand testimonials and experience of their individual journeys help to give meaning and understanding to what happens when you are diagnosed with breast cancer, during and post-treatment. WVBHI firmly believes that the MOMENT a person is diagnosed with breast cancer, they are deemed a Survivor.
WVBHI Survivor Ambassador Program strives to empower newly diagnosed and re-diagnosed Survivors with experienced Survivors to share their journeys through –
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Helping to understand their diagnosis
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Helping to understand their treatment plan
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Answer questions or find answers to their questions
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Provide a 24 hour phone hotline
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Celebrate their milestones
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LISTEN
The experiences and feedback from our Survivor Ambassadors will add knowledge and impact to our mission, help us to raise awareness of breast cancer, and improve the support that West Virginia Breast Health Initiative, and our services, provides for Survivors and Co-Survivors. The WVBHI Ambassadors are dedicated to educating the community-at-large about breast cancer. Through our Ambassadors’ experience, dedication, and passion, they will help us to ensure Survivors’ are listened to, embraced, and that responding to their needs is at the heart of everything we do.
The ultimate result of the WVBHI Survivor Ambassador Program is to turn the newly diagnosed breast cancer Survivor into a future WVBHI Survivor Ambassador. This also gives them HOPE of returning the experience in the very near future!
If you or someone you know has been recently diagnosed with breast cancer and would be interested in having a Survivor Ambassador as part of your support system, just call our office at 304-556-4808 or email us at ed@wvbhi.org
Loved One Diagnosed?
A diagnosis of breast cancer can be devastating. Your loved one or friend may have feelings that range anywhere from fear, anger, frustration to feeling vulnerable, helpless and depressed. These emotions are normal. Your loved one has been forced to confront possible loss or change of a breast, the fear of losing her feminine image, or in the case of male breast cancer, his masculinity, their health, and even their life. It is important that you understand what they may be thinking or feeling.
SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO HELP
Suggestions on how to help:
Provide Practical support:
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Go with them to doctors’ appointments
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Coordinate rides to treatment
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Offer to take care of the children, pick up from school, etc.
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Cook or arrange meal delivery
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Do the laundry
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Do the grocery shopping
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Help with house cleaning
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Screen or make telephone calls
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Help care for pets
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Offer to help write note cards, thank you's, etc.
Provide emotional support:
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LISTEN
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Provide moral support
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Be there for them
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Continue to provide support when treatment is over
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LISTEN