In 2016 we held a fundraiser to help with the additional financial burden of my lymphedema diagnosis. To my dismay and shock, insurance does not cover these items (considered Durable Medical Equipment- DME). As we started organizing, we discovered we were not alone in this struggle. There are very limited resources for survivors and their needs after being “cleared” cancer free. You are no longer a cancer patient in active treatment. The resources are no longer available. With the assistance of local businesses, close friends and family, and many volunteers, we established the Ta Ta Rebels Inc.a non-profit 501(c)3. Our mission is to raise funds and give survivors a voice. Also, our organization is listed on the PA Breast Cancer Coalition as the only resource that does not require an active treatment plan.
Financially Assisting Survivors (Pennsylvania residents only)
Our funds go directly to the individual survivor. This covers the cost of DME (Durable Medical Equipment such as prosthesis, custom bras, compression sleeves, etc.). We also assist with co-pays and deductibles for the expenses of associated therapies that help maintain a healthy lifestyle. We do not assist with household expenses or the costs related to surgeries and treatments. Please contact the PA Breast Cancer Coalition – Resources for assistance.
Our Resources – The Perfect Match Boutique – LympheDIVAs
You Must Meet the following criteria to receive funds:
- Must be completely done with treatments and surgeries. **No longer in active treatment. (see below)
- Must be a Pennsylvania resident (Primary Address)
- All request must be for medical expenses related to a Breast Cancer diagnosis.
**Active treatment is defined as the period after a positive diagnosis of breast cancer has been made (with a diagnostic biopsy), and during which therapies are being administered, including surgical procedures to remove the cancer (e.g. single or bi-lateral mastectomy, lumpectomy, axillary dissection, or sentinel node biopsy), chemotherapy and/or radiation.
If you would like to donate, become a sponsor or get assistance with your post-treatment expenses; view the links below.
Kim Ramirez– President – Founder – In 2016 I discovered that there is very limited resources for those that make it through Breast Cancer Treatments and surgeries to become survivors. That is why this Non-Profit organization was established for survivors only. To meet their needs to live an active, healthy lifestyle. I am dedicated and very passionate to make this a successful non-profit and to bring awareness for the many survivors. The daily struggles are real and vary for each survivor. Each day can bring on another side effect from the treatments and surgeries that may become permanent, creating another adaptation in our daily life. I am also a Pennsylvania advocate for the Lymphedema Treatment Act (HR930/S497) this bill was passed into law December 2022. This will help many with the associated cost of managing their Lymphedema.
Hello!! What a great thing you have going!!! I am a BC survivor also. I have some bras i’d love to donate. please give me some info on where i can drop off items!!
Hi Lori,
Thank you! At this time we do not accept those items. I do believe that the PA Breast Cancer Coalition will accept them for their event held on the Pride of the Susquehanna in October. We will post the event when we have the details.