RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) -- Two-time breast cancer survivor Belinda Baker-Stores considers herself lucky because she had a full-time job with health insurance that paid for her screening and treatment.
“I was blessed to have insurance,” said Baker-Stores. “And they paid for everything.”
As a member of the African American survivorship organization Sisters Network, Baker-Stores says she’s talked to many women who are uninsured or underinsured.
They can’t afford a mammogram or the costs of cancer treatment.
That’s why she’s pleased the Sisters Network will help women with the financial challenges of cancer.
At this recent reception held at Nirvana salon in Carytown, the Richmond chapter launched its Breast Cancer Assistance program or BCAP.
Women who qualify can receive assistance paying for things like co-pay, office visits, or prosthesis.
“I hope it says someone cares, said Rose Thomas, President of the Richmond chapter. “That we’re looking out for them. We’re there to support them and you’re not alone,” said Rose.
In 2006, 47 million people had no health insurance. According to the National Institutes of Health, inadequate access to health care is one reason why black women have a higher death rate from diseases like breast cancer than white women.
Baker-Stores says it confirms for her that programs like BCAP are really needed.
“It makes me happy that BCAP can step in,” said Baker-Stores.
The BCAP program is funded by corporate donations and an annual 10K walk held by Sisters Network, Inc.
For more information about BCAP, you can call Sisters Network Richmond Virginia at 804-426-9575. Or click here for a link to Sisters Network.
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