John Muir Health’s Post

🎗️ The Hidden Costs of Cancer: A Survivor's Heartfelt Journey 🎗️ When Corina Tsuda was diagnosed with breast cancer just before the pandemic, she faced not only the emotional and physical challenges of the disease but also the staggering financial burden. Here's her story: 🌸 The Diagnosis: Corina's world turned upside down with her breast cancer diagnosis, leading to countless doctor visits, treatments, and surgeries. 🌸 The Financial Strain: Beyond the emotional toll, Corina highlights a lesser-discussed aspect: "I don’t think people realize how expensive cancer can be. It is insanely expensive, and insurance doesn’t cover everything you need." 🌸 A Helping Hand: Facing nearly a million dollars in insurance claims, Corina found solace and support in the Oregon Cancer Foundation. This local non-profit offers financial aid, a wig boutique, educational classes, support groups, and more to cancer patients in Lane County. 🌸 Community Support: The Foundation, which doesn't receive state or federal funding, relies entirely on community support. Their largest fundraising event, Bras for a Cause, runs throughout October, allowing the community to vote on creatively decorated bras, with proceeds directly aiding cancer patients. Corina's journey underscores the importance of community and the hidden challenges many cancer patients face. Today, she gives back, teaching makeup techniques to help women regain their identity post-treatment. #CancerJourney #FinancialStruggles #CommunitySupport #HealthcareUpdates #HealthcareNews #Centerinsuranceandfinancialservices #CIFS #Medicare #Lifeinsurance #Healthinsurance #NMO #Aetna #Cigna #Humana #UHC #Devoted #Anthem #Wellcare #Joinus #Teamwork #Sales #Networking #Smallbusiness #Life #Healthylifestyle

The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) hosted its first MG walk in Boston since the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a pleasure to volunteer, organize, and be part of it and meet the amazing people in this community. This walk was a great opportunity to connect with MG patients, caregivers, and advocates. For those who don’t know, Myasthenia Gravis is a rare autoimmune disease where autoantibodies attack different receptors in the skeletal neuromuscular junction. In short, Myasthenia Gravis patients experience rapid fatigue of muscles that affects their everyday lives. We also surpassed our $15,000 fundraising goal. These fundraisers are critical for advancing research and treatments for Myasthenia Gravis. As Kevin O’Connor, a Yale principal investigator focused on Myasthenia Gravis and rare disease research, said: “The work that MGFA does is important not only for patients but also for researchers, as it provides us with the funds needed to understand the disease and better target it for treatment.” #AWorldWithoutMG #MGStrong #Research #PatientAdvocacy 

In 2021, the United States saw 1,777,566 new cancer cases. Maryland alone reported 33,665 new cases, with 26,168 in Baltimore County and 16,149 in Baltimore City. Who steps in to care for these patients when they need it most? Let's take a moment to honor the cancer caregivers. They selflessly dedicate their time, energy, and love to support their loved ones on their cancer journey. 53 million Americans provided unpaid care to an adult or child with cancer in 2020: - 61% women, 39% men - 34% boomers - 45% faced financial impacts - 61% juggled employment and caregiving - Caregivers often experience high psychological burdens, financial strain, and emotional stress, providing an average of 23.7 hours of care per week. One of our goals for #GiveMoreon24 is to raise funds to provide resources and assistance to cancer caregivers. We aim to make their caregiving journey easier, allowing them to focus on what matters most—their loved ones. Join us in making a difference! Tag a caregiver you admire, and let's show them our appreciation. Together, we can create positive change and help those who care for others in their time of need. Learn more about the #GiveMoreon24 campaign and get involved: http://bit.ly/GiveMore2024

It's Movember! We want to know: How does your mo grow?〰️ The Movember movement raises money for men’s health issues by challenging participants to "grow a mo" and fundraise during November. The money goes towards research for three major men’s health issues: ~Mental health and suicide prevention; ~prostate cancer, which accounts for 20% of all new cancer cases in men; and ~testicular cancer And there are different ways you can participate. Learn more: https://hubs.ly/Q028g_xw0 #Movember #growamo #menshealth #menshealthissues #prostatecancer #testicularcancer #mensmentalhealth #suicideprevention

1 in 4 families lose nearly half (or more) of their annual household income due to childhood cancer treatment-related work disruptions. Furthermore, 94% of families who have a child battling cancer experience some level of decreased income. The B Foundation is committed to financially assisting families nationwide so they can focus on what's most important – giving their child the best chance of surviving this disease. Learn more about our Family Assistance Program at https://bit.ly/3XsiJ9D #CCAM #FactFriday

In the United States, each year sees approximately 1 to 3 new cases of myelofibrosis per 100,000 individuals.* Though these numbers may seem small, the strength and resilience within the myelofibrosis community are immeasurable. This Rare Disease Month, we recognize and honor the myelofibrosis journey.  Your voice is powerful, your journey inspires, and your advocacy lights the path toward progress.  Let's unite in support of myelofibrosis research.   By donating to organizations that strategize and fund critical research based on the patient's experience, you contribute to a future of hope and healing for every person affected by this rare condition.   Your story and our unique convening role in the MPN community bring real progress in getting innovative, therapeutic solutions to the clinic faster. Together, we can transform the lives of those living with MPNs for the better. Donate today: https://mpnrf.info/rdmli24 *[Copher, Ronda PhD, et al. "Treatment Patterns, Health Care Resource Utilization, and Cost in Patients with Myelofibrosis in the United States." The Oncologist, vol. 27, no. 3, 2022, p. 228–235, https://doi.org/10.1093. Accessed 23 Feb. 2024.]

It's that time of year again - the one time I reach out to my professional network and ask for your financial support for the most personal and significant cause to which I donate my time, money, blood, sweat and tears - fundraising for research and development of new treatments (and hopefully one day a cure) for Crohn's Disease. If you're reading this, chances are you know my story. I have lived (and often struggled) with Crohn's Disease for the last 25 years - requiring multiple surgeries and more than a dozen hospitalizations. A few years ago - after yet another flare and hospitalization - I decided to get more involved in the work of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. Helping others navigate this chronic illness and the challenges it presents. Let's be real, no one wants to talk about the uncomfortable and often embarrassing symptoms of this disease. It's not a "sexy" disease in terms of media attention and fundraising. But, chances are you know someone living and dealing with it (or ulcerative colitis) - there are more than two million of us in this country alone. From kids afraid of a flare at school, to adults navigating the impact of a flare on their job or the cost of treatment on the family budget. This past year, I was honored as my local chapter selected me to serve as its President. While that comes with many responsibilities (and opportunities), I would be remiss if this year I did not strive to out-raise each of the previous few years. If you have the means, I am asking for your support. It's never easy asking others for money - but I do it for this cause with full confidence that what I am doing is right. And doing the right thing is never the wrong thing.  Know what I mean?

We all have a role to play in the fight against cancer! • Spread awareness: Share info about prevention, early detection, and resources. ️ • Support fundraising events: Every dollar counts in the fight for a cure. • Volunteer your time: Hospitals, research centers, and patient support groups need your help. • Live a healthy lifestyle: Make choices that reduce your risk. ♀️ • Be there for someone affected: A kind word or a listening ear can make a world of difference. ❤️ #sarcoma #sarcomacancerawareness #sarcomacancerawarenessmonth

A snippet of our research..