Molly's Story

Molly MacDonald post treatment, 2005

Wish I knew who said, "When Life hands you lemons, make lemonade." The Pink Fund is the lemonade I made, only, in pink, of course, when I learned I had breast cancer.

My April 1, 2005 diagnosis came as a complete surprise. I was transitioning between jobs, prepared to maintain my health insurance for about three months via a costly COBRA plan.

With no family history and 13 years of clear mammograms, I never considered the possibility that a mammogram would reveal breast cancer. Calcifications lurking in my milk ducts were banding together to form DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ).

My case was relatively mild, requiring two surgeries and six weeks of daily radiation, but I knew the disruption to the lives of other women was even greater.

Like me, many of these women were employed, their families dependent upon their income and health insurance. I wondered what happens to women who are too ill to work and whose jobs might be in jeopardy if they take off too much time for treatment and recovery.

I began asking questions of my healthcare providers and learned that while indeed this is a problem, they were not aware of a solution.

I know all too well how stressful it is to struggle financially while fighting cancer, and I'm determined to help prevent other women, men, and their families from the same.

Did you know that:

• 64% of Americans have less than a $1000 in savings*
• 48% of our national workforce is women
• 76% of women work full time
• 26% claim head of household
• 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime
• Average treatment lasts 6 months
• In 6 months, a health crisis can throw a family into bankruptcy or homelessness

U.S. Breast Cancer Statistics for 2012:

• About 226,870 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women.
• About 63,300 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be diagnosed (CIS is non-invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer).

The Pink Fund has been formed to help women (and men) focus on healing, raising their families, and returning to the workplace. The Pink Fund will provide short term financial aid during the brief period of treatment and recovery. Literally millions of dollars are being raised for early detection, research, and programs for the medically underserved. Families facing breast cancer urgently need financial help now.

Molly MacDonald
Founder/President
SurThrivor™

*2011 Study