health & fitness Positive Shade Of Pink Cancer survivor fights back thanks to support fund. Ruthan Brodsky Special to the Jewish News "We are a small nonprofit organization:' said MacDonald. "Our first year, 2007, t. the Pink Fund raised $4,500. In 2010, we raised $73,000 and assisted 24 women with bill payments totaling $41,514. We also advocated for clients with insur- ance companies and unfair treatment by employers. I'm hoping we can raise at least $150,000 from our October luncheon with Kris Cart" N o one plans for cancer, says Cheryl Gumenick of Birmingham, a divorced single mother with two children, Haley and Ross. Gumenick closed her home daycare busi- ness in April 2009 because of the reces- sion and found a job. In September, she learned she had breast cancer and under- went a right breast lumpectomy. Ten months later, in July 2010, Gumenick was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma with lymph node involvement in her left breast. She under- went a left radical with lymph node removal and a right simple mastectomy. Gumenick was unable to work after her surgery and during her cancer treatments. "I first learned about the Pink Fund when I stopped by their booth at the Birmingham Farmers Market and bought a pink hat," recalls Gumenick. "When diagnosed with my second cancer, a good friend told me about this wonderful woman, Molly MacDonald, and the Pink Fund, and that she may be able to help me with finances. "I had lost my house, found a place to rent in the same school district, but the bills were piling up. I called Molly and applied for funds. The Pink Fund helped pay several bills and I was able to provide some normalcy for the kids — and for that I am forever grateful!" Exacting Cancer Cancer can be a major economic burden for patients and their families. Some have health insurance plans that pay for a portion of their medical expenses, including treatment. For patients who don't have health insurance or who need financial assistance, there are resources available, including Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit, services sup- ported by voluntary organizations and government-sponsored programs. For example, Medicaid provides health insur- ance for low-income individuals and families who meet its requirements; those with advanced cancer are sometimes considered disabled by Social Security's definition. One problem is the time it usually takes to get results from government and other funding program applications. The Pink Fund closes the gap with short-term financial aid through direct bill payment for those who lost all or part of their income because of surgery and cancer 50 September 15 • 2011 Cheryl Gumenick and Molly MacDonald have built their friendship over the past year. treatment. This may include coverage for rent, utilities, insurance policies and auto- mobile leasing. Raising Dollars To increase the number of people who receive aid, the Pink Fund is sponsoring "The Crazy Sexy Pink Fund Luncheon" on Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester. Kris Carr, author-celebrity and cancer thriver, will speak at the event. Dr. Jen Green, NP, Naturopathic Doctor, of West Bloomfield, a practitioner at the integrative medicine program at Royal Oak-based Beaumont Hospitals, is co- chair of the event. "I specialize in breast cancer in my practice," says Green, "and frequently watch women have treatment, get into financial trouble because they lost their jobs and can't pay their bills, and then face the additional financial burden of pay- ing for their treatment, which can be very costly when not covered by insurance. "I became active when I realized that this program makes a positive difference for women who are doing their best to deal with a disease that no one expected." Carr- Full " Bestselling New York Times author of the Crazy Sexy Cancer books and self-acclaimed wellness warrior, Carr is the headliner at the luncheon. She will describe how she trans- formed her health and life through diet, exercise and mindful mediation. Carr was diagnosed in 2003 and found fame with her 2007 video documentary, called Crazy Sexy Cancer. The New York " Times Magazine profiled her on Aug. 14. Her first two books, Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips and Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor, relat- ed her peppy, pop spiritual approach to her disease — and she became a celebrity. Her third book, Crazy Sexy Diet, published in January, became a New York Times best- seller, elevating her from cancer expert to total wellness guru. A yoga class for 100 participants pre- cedes the luncheon. Jonny Kest of The Center for Yoga in West Bloomfield will lead the class. Tickets are $75 for the lun- cheon and $100 for the lunch plus yoga class. They are available at www.thepink- fund.org . Kris Carr, 39, will sign her books. Eating Right Stacy Goldberg, a nutritionist and regis- tered nurse from West Bloomfield, also co-chairs the event. Consultant for Whole Foods and founder/owner of What's In Your Cart, Goldberg educates women and their families about the need for good nutrition during cancer treatment. "Eating the right combination of foods and consuming nutrient dense foods can boost a patient's immunity': explains Goldberg, who helps families plan menus that provide the nutritional needs of a family member undergoing cancer treat- ment. "Good nutrition helps bridge the gap from diagnosis and care in the hospital to your own dinner table!' Molly MacDonald of Beverly Hills founded the Pink Fund following her experience with breast cancer in 2005, losing her job and finding no resources to help her and her five children. How To Apply To receive funds, requirements include proof of interrupted income, copies of bills that require payment and other sup- porting documents. After a processor gives completed applications a number for anonymity, grants committee members determine if applicants qualify for avail- able funds. Selected bills are paid under Pink Fund guidelines for a specified time. Money is paid directly to creditors and not to recipients — which keeps administra- tive costs down. "If we have the funds, we try to sup- port clients for three months, giving them time to return to work or to get on Social Security disability:' says MacDonald. "Sometimes, we only have enough money to help for 30 days, but we're always help- ing clients find other resources to fill in the gaps." The Risk Numbers Research scientists have determined that Ashkenazi Jewish women have an increased genetic susceptibility to breast cancer. Genetic counseling and testing can help determine if a Jewish woman carries alterations in two genes identified as BRCA1 and BRAC2, which makes her more susceptible to developing breast and ovarian cancers. "Recent studies suggest that a wom- an's risk of developing breast cancer approaches 65 to 85 percent if she inherits an altered BRCA1 or BRCA2," says Dana Zakalik, M.D., oncologist and director of the Beaumont Cancer Genetics Program. "Women of Ashkenazi descent and women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer may want to seriously consider going through genetic testing. There are proactive steps to take to lessen your risk. "Women who already developed breast cancer should also be tested because they may be at a higher risk for developing can- cer on the other breast' I I For more information about the Pink Fund, visit www.thepinkfund.org .