Says she was lost after diagnosis, helped by grant
Rebecca Savage of Luling said she doesn’t know where she would have done without the Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans.
“I was lost,” Savage said.
Savage was diagnosed with breast cancer in December of 2014.
After a taxing battle, she learned from doctors she was officially cancer-free by summer of the next year. But that fight against cancer left Savage greatly affected financially — Savage, 36 at the time of her diagnosis — had been unable to work since a December double mastectomy and then medical complications later on: she suffered intestinal bleeding after beginning chemotherapy in February of 2015, and at one point required a blood transfusion. A single mother of two, Savage was in need of help.
She reached out to the Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans (CAGNO), which aims to assist cancer patients and their families by providing support that will enable them to continue their treatment, often times when the patient has exhausted their own resources during their fight.
Savage was able to contact CAGNO’s Tammy Swindle, CAGNO’s executive director. Savage applied for a grant, and from there it wasn’t long before the organization stepped up to help Savage — CAGNO went on to write two grants to help Savage find her footing.
One of those grants came under the CAGNO program called “Breastoration,” offers financial help to patients seeking breast reconstruction after surgical mastectomies.
“It was incredibly helpful,” Savage said. “They were able to help me really quickly and I’m very grateful for that. I was unable to work for a long time and underwent a lot of surgeries. It was a real struggle and (the grants) helped me tremendously.”
Savage’s mother battled breast cancer and thus, she said, she knew what to look for when she detected her own affliction. After a medical visit, she learned she had four tumors and said the ensuing weeks and months turned into “a whirlwind.”
But a little over a year later, Savage said she is still cancer-free and doing great.
“A lot of people came through for me and I’m grateful to all of them,” she said. “Things have been good.”
Under CAGNO patient services program, the group helps cover the costs of prescription pain and treatment medications, colostomy bags and comfort items for cancer patients who cannot afford these necessities. The program has helped more than 450 cancer patients in the greater New Orleans area over the past year.
CAGNO in large part relies on the help of able volunteers. Those interested in helping the cause can contact CAGNO by calling 504-733-5539 or 1-800-624-2039.
Be the first to comment