Komen Colorado has a Bold Goal to reduce breast cancer deaths by 50% in the U.S. by 2026. In partnership with our community, healthcare professionals and partners, researchers, legislators, we are saving lives and changing outcomes for those at risk of breast cancer in Colorado.
Testimonials
Money was tight for Paula. Her family was rebuilding after a recent flood, but they were getting by. Then the unimaginable happened. Paula was diagnosed with stage IIB breast cancer, in late 2016. She needed surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. "My insurance unfortunately does not cover office visits…That's easily $300 per visit which I cannot afford." A Komen Colorado-funded treatment grant with The Poudre Valley Health System Foundation enabled Paula to get the critical treatment she needed to fight breast cancer. "I am really thankful for all the support and peace of mind that Komen provides to people in such a stressful time of their lives." Paula completed her treatments this summer.
Single mom, Rochelle, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. She was 30 years old. Rochelle had health insurance, but her plan did not cover all of the care she would need to fight the disease. Getting enrolled in Medicaid would take some time - time Rochelle didn't have. "They were very urgent about getting it taken care of." That's when Komen Colorado stepped in. Rochelle was able to receive treatment right away under one of our treatment grants. "[The Komen grant] allowed me to focus on getting better and not worry about having to pay for all of my treatments out-of-pocket and struggle even more." While doctors warn her cancer could return, so far Michelle's scans are clean, and she is focused on her daughter and her work.
When Melissa was 43 years old, she wanted to get tested to see if she had a BRCA 1/2 mutation. She had been through two bouts of breast cancer, and several of her immediate family members had battled the disease, too. Melissa says Komen® Colorado directed her to a local genetics study for which she was eligible. Test results showed Melissa was positive for the BRCA 2 mutation. "I was able to provide my results to my cousins and my sisters on that side of my family." Many of those family members were tested, including Melissa's sister. "She says Komen saved her life." Melissa continues to fundraise and give back to Komen Colorado. She believes that one day there will be a cure for breast cancer. "I just refuse to believe that when people put that much energy and passion and spirit into a cause that it won't come true. Of course it will. I believe it completely will."