The Mid-Michigan Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure awarded MSU a $45,438 grant to help women who can’t afford to be checked for breast cancer.
Christine Pearson, executive director of the Mid-Michigan Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, said the grant covers everything up to the point of being diagnosed and helps women under 40 years old.
She added the grant fills a huge gap left by women unable to afford health insurance.
“The money is for people who know they have a problem, but aren’t well-insured,” Pearson said.
Grants are awarded depending on priorities, and Pearson said MSU is near the top, based on its service to the community.
Pearson was alluding to a story of a 34-year-old woman from eastern Michigan who didn’t have sufficient insurance and needed help. MSU helped out even though she was out of their area of service.
“(MSU) got her here in a matter of days,” Pearson said.
According to Pearson, Susan G. Komen for the Cure relies on donations and support from the community, and 75 percent of the money raised stays in local research.
She added that with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, she hopes Susan G. Komen for the Cure will be able to focus more of the money raised on new, creative ideas.
Mary Smania, project manager for the grant and a nurse practitioner in MSU’s Department of Surgery, said in a press release that Susan G. Komen for the Cure helps many women in the area.
“The Susan G. Komen Mid-Michigan Affiliate has significantly impacted many women in the area by providing the funds to provide essential breast services to uninsured, low-income women,” Smania said. “Without their support, many women would not have had access to important care.”
Pearson said that MSU has been a fabulous partner with the foundation and she hopes to continue working with them in the future.
“Right now, it’s a gap, and they’re doing a great job.”
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