OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Every two minutes, one woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States. It's a disease that already causes a lot of stress, on top of the pandemic.
Susan G. Komen Great Plains is working to relieve some of that financial pressure with a special fundraiser Komen Cares Week which runs April 22 through April 28.
“No one should have to face the question do I buy my groceries or do I pay for my cancer medication? That’s unacceptable,” said Melissa Baron, Mission and Communications Director, Susan G. Komen Great Plains.
No matter what’s happening in the world, breast cancer doesn’t stop. Neither will their efforts, Baron said.
“We’re not taking away their breast cancer,” Baron said. “But we are providing them a glimmer of hope saying we’ll cover your utility bill this month, we will help you cover your rent, we will help you get gas cards so that you can drive back and forth to treatment. That’s a wonderful thing.”
You can donate online or by texting ‘Komen’ to 243725. On their website komengreatplains.org, you can say where you'd like to direct your donation. Gas, groceries, rent, and medication are all needs. The money donated in Nebraska stays in our state.
“We know people are struggling with job loss or a spouse losing a job, potentially losing insurance and other things,” Baron said. “We know there is going to be a greater need for breast cancer patients who are struggling financially.”
The organization had to cancel several spring fundraisers, adding to their need for donations right now.
Nebraska’s More Than Pink Walk, formerly called Race for the Cure, on October 11 is still scheduled, but may look different based on social distancing guidelines this fall.