Jeanne Malcuit, a breast cancer survivor, spoke passionately about her experience at Loma Linda University Cancer Center during a check presentation from Inland Women Fighting Cancer and Stater Bros. Charities.
“The Cancer Center provided me with a social worker whose dedication to my case allowed me to focus on getting well,” she said. Malcuit received a $15,000 bill her insurance refused to pay because they believed her treatment was experimental. When her social worker contacted the necessary doctors and the insurance company to explain that the treatment was not experimental, but necessary, he was able to resolve the issue. Malcuit also used the support group services at the patient resource center within the Cancer Center.
Patients like Malcuit receiving treatment at Loma Linda University Cancer Center (LLUCC) will receive enhanced support services thanks to a gift of $150,000 from Stater Bros. Charities and Inland Women Fighting Cancer.
Representatives from the two organizations presented a check to Cancer Center officials on Aug. 7. Funds were raised at the 6th annual Believe Walk, which took place Oct. 6, 2013.
Because services that helped Malcuit are not covered by insurance, “It is incredibly powerful to receive a donation like this,” says Judy Chatigny, executive director for the Cancer Center. “Donations of this caliber allow us to focus more on our patients’ treatment.”
“Stater Bros. Charities knows how important the Cancer Center is to the community and its patients,” said Susan Atkinson, president and CEO of Stater Bros. Charities. “It’s very important to us that it continues to have the resources it needs to be a critical and meaningful role in the lives of its patients.
“We are pleased to present this gift because it will help enhance services that may not be normally covered by medical insurance — services that are much needed by the patients,” Atkinson continued.
Mark Reeves, MD, PhD, director of Loma Linda University Cancer Center, said the ongoing support from Stater Bros. Charities and Inland Women Fighting Cancer is enhancing the treatment patients receive at the center.
“It has been a blessing to be partners with Stater Bros. Charities and Inland Women Fighting Cancer because they have been tireless advocates for cancer patients in the Inland Empire,” he says.
Believe Walk is a community-based, volunteer-driven, grassroots event in Redlands, California, that engages more than 10,000 participants, donors and sponsors who have invested over $2 million in the fight against cancer since 2008. Many Loma Linda University Health employees participate in the event, with funds raised donated to support local cancer centers and cancer-fighting organizations’ initiatives.
The 7th annual Believe Walk will take place on Oct. 5.