VNA Care Network & Hospice Awarded $10K Grant To Fight Breast Cancer

VNA Care Network & Hospice, a nonprofit home health care, hospice and wellness agency, recently received a $10,000 grant from the North Shore Community Health Network to help low-income women in Lynnfield and other communities going through breast cancer treatment.

"There can be a lot of obstacles for breast cancer patients with limited resources. Things like getting to doctor's appointments and co-payments can stand in the way of a woman's recovery," said Joan Schaefer, RN, women's health manager for VNA Care Network & Hospice.

The Breast Cancer Treatment Support Program gives financial stipends to breast cancer patients. Participants decide how the money will best support their treatment and recovery. Medications, co-payments, transportation, wigs and groceries often top the list.

Women have access to additional resources through the program. A nurse case manager offers guidance on medical issues and links women to support groups and other community resources. A client navigator reduces barriers to completing treatment by arranging such things as interpreter services and transportation.

The $10,000 grant from North Shore Community Health Network will be used to assist women in Beverly, Danvers, Essex, Gloucester, Hamilton, Ipswich, Lynn, Lynnfield, Manchester, Marblehead, Nahant, Peabody, Rockport, Salem, Saugus, Swampscott, Topsfield and Wenham.

"We're making a difference in women's lives thanks to the generosity of the North Shore Community Health Network. The financial, medical and practical resources help women regain hope and focus on recovering from breast cancer," said Schaefer.

In addition to the Breast Cancer Treatment Support Program, VNA Care Network & Hospice offers a wide range of health care services in patients' homes. Care includes nursing; physical, occupational and speech therapy; social work; nutrition; home health aide support; and disease management programs for diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure and more. Hospice offers specialized care to terminally ill patients and their loved ones to help them focus on living as fully as possible.

For more information about VNA Care Network & Hospice's Breast Cancer Treatment Support Program, contact Joan Schaefer at 888-663-3688, ext. 1264 or jschaefer@vnacarenetwork.org or visit www.vnacarenetwork.org. To learn more about VNA Care Network & Hospice's other services, call 800-728-1862.