We too are aware of devastating impact of Metastatic disease

Like many survivors, I live in fear of hearing the news that I might be one of the 30% diagnosed with breast cancer who experiences a recurrence, learning the breast cancer I thought was cured has moved beyond the breast into my bones, vital organs and brain, meaning I am metastatic, which means I will be in and out of treatment the rest of my life.

With metastatic disease, treatments are almost back to back, with periods of relief that can vary making one NED, no evidence of disease. Apart from all the challenges that come from metastatic disease, like punishing treatments, side effects, clinical trials, there are the ongoing medical and non-medical costs. And at some point, working women can no longer work and apply for Social Security Disability. Once approved to receive disability, an application process that can be trying. Once approved there is a mandatory wait period. You must be disabled for five months after your disability onset date before you can start receiving SSDI cash payments.

I don’t know too many people who can go without an income for five months. And this is why The Mary Herczog Fund For Metastatic Breast Cancer for women with metastatic breast cancer, waiting on disability to kick-in can provide a significant financial bridge. Now more than ever, we need to replenish these funds so we can provide 5 months of Real Help Now and One Less Worry for women with mets, making payments directly to their creditors for housing, transportation, utilities and insurance.

Stage IV definitely needs more. More research. More help.

Donate here in memory or celebration of a loved one, or just because you care and you can.

Thank you.

Molly MacDonald