Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/46359
"I can't tell you the number of times [pa- tients] have been in tears because someone offered them help [paying] for these prod- ucts," explains Kathleen Nelson, RN, MS, and program manager of CareWear, a bou- tique within the UW Hospital specializing in breast cancer-related products such as breast prostheses, head scarves and beauty products to help treat skin after chemo- therapy and radiation. It was after years of working as a nurse that Nelson recognized the need for a safe place breast cancer patients could shop for these kinds of products. Under her super- vision 15 years ago, CareWear opened its doors. While most of the women she sees have some kind of insurance (which often covers a portion of the costs of prostheses), many still admit that they have a hard time coming up with the money. For those in the greatest of need, Nelson has a limited number of gift certificates funded by Susan G. Komen for the Cure she can offer to help cover a portion of the costs. They have also begun collect- ing gently used breast prostheses that they offer complimentary to any woman who asks. Though they don't sell wigs at their boutique, another program through UW Hospital provides them to patients receiv- ing treatment there—for free. Yet, Nelson says that word of the bou- tique and the assistance they give has been slow to reach everyone. "[Awareness about our boutique] has def- initely been growing," Nelson says. "But UW Health CareWear A boutique located inside UW Hospital special- izing in products for breast cancer patients including breast prostheses, breast forms, bras, natural hair eyebrows, headscarves and more. Ask about gift certificates and compli- mentary used items. (608) 262-2609 or uwhealth.org A volunteer-based program, Road to Recovery pairs patients in treatment with a volunteer driver who gives them a lift to and from the hospital—easing the cost of travel and offering support to patients groggy or ill after treatment. To fund lodg- ing costs for patients who come in multiple times a week for their treatment regimens, ACS hopes to launch a program in part- nership with area hotels by the summer of 2012 to offer to offer patients a free or affordable place to rest their heads in the Madison area by the summer of 2012 in partnership with local hotels. ACS can also deliver breast cancer patients a free wig of their choosing. And for those patients who could also benefit from tracking down these programs with a bit of face-to-face consulting, they visit Webb's office at UW Hospital. With this kind of assistance out there, why aren't more lining up to take advan- tage of it all? As Michelle Heitzinger, ex- ecutive director of Susan G. Komen for the Cure South Central Wisconsin, explains, many patients are too overwhelmed with all the medical information they have to process to reach out for help. "ACS does a great job in helping connect people [with programs]," she says. "[But many could still use help] getting through this maze of our medical system." For now, one of the best solutions Heitz- inger sees could be one of the easiest to at- tain: an increase of navigators to help guide patients through it all. It's a small step, and Wigs for Patients Offers free wigs, turbans and scarves for patients receiving treatment at UW Hospital. (608) 266-6025 or uwhealth.org Want to lend a helping hand…or car? ACS is always looking for volunteer drivers to participate in their Road to Recovery program, transporting patients to and from treatment. Call (800) ACS-2345 for more information. still every week, one or two women [stop in] and say 'I didn't know you were here.'" Nationally, ACS's Patient Service Center and Patient Navigator are resources with local expertise to guide patients to more help than they realized was out there. "A lot of time people call [ACS for help] thinking they need [to just use one pro- gram] and they find six more," Nystuen explains. After phone consultations, Nystuen and her team can direct patients to a number of options, including their busiest program, Road to Recovery. she hopes local organizations will be able to come together to help ease a burden that isn't likely to let up any time soon. Insurance or no insurance, financially secure or in debt, a cancer diagnosis leads many down a path of confusion, stress, and, no doubt, financial strain. "For many [middle class families] who are barely making it, [paying for cancer] is going to be a stretch," Heitzinger explains. "For those [women] paying rent, putting food on the table, buying a new outfit ev- ery now and then … A diagnosis like this is going to be [financially] devastating." ••• October 2011 bravamagazine.com 59