A survivor has another chapter in an unwritten book that changes almost daily. Some things change temporarily, others are permanent. Our non-profit organization the Ta Ta Rebels Inc. is to support other survivors like myself. Our goal is to help individual survivors with after treatment/surgery expenses.
For 5 years, there are scans every 6 months by either mammograms or MRI, lymphedema therapy, reconstruction surgeries, hormone therapy, and many other medical appointments. Most of these have out of pocket expenses such as co-pays, and deductibles. In addition, there is the expense of non-covered DME (Durable Medical Equipment) such as mastectomy bras, after reconstruction surgery bras, prosthesis, and Lymphedema compression sleeves to name a few. These add to the financial strain caused by the loss of income and the medical expenses during treatments.
Most people are quite aware of Breast Cancer, and most people have donated to the many established organizations for education/research. The one area of Breast Cancer most people do not know about is the survivor and their struggles afterwards.
There seems to be many opportunities to raise awareness/early detection (ex: American Breast Cancer Foundation, Feel Your Boobies), or donate to research and create legislature (ex: Susan G. Komen, PA Breast Cancer Coalition) but resources for the actual individual survivor is very limited. Our hope is to raise funds to help the individual survivor meet their needs.
Thank you for taking time to read our mission. I hope that this gives you a better understanding of what it means to be on the other side of Breast Cancer.
I am very grateful to have the opportunity to take on this endeavor.
Sincerely,
Ta Ta Rebels Inc.