Metro Health Hospital has received a grant from the Grand Rapids Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® to support its life-affirming work with breast cancer patients.
The Wyoming community hospital received $30,000 for its "Pink Compassion at Metro Health" program in conjunction with the The Cancer Center at Metro Health Village, which is a joint partnership with the University of Michigan Health System. Pink Compassion provides financial assistance to 20 breast cancer patients to ensure they are able to meet their basic financial needs, such as rent, utilities and childcare, while undergoing cancer treatment.
Pink Compassion is part of the Compassionate Care Program which was launched in 2009 by the Metro Health Hospital Foundation. The Compassionate Care Program provides funds to help Metro Health patients and their families pay for incidental expenses in the event of unexpected hospital stays for patients who are struggling financially or emotionally.
Another offshoot of that program, Compassionate Cancer Care, recently received a $3,000 grant from Hastings Mutual Insurance Company Charitable Foundation to provide medical garments, scarves and head coverings, prostheses and other clothing items for seven financially vulnerable cancer patients.
"We are gratified by the support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Hastings Mutual and others in our community to assist us in our mission of helping the underserved," said Laura Staskiewicz, Metro Health Hospital Foundation chief development officer. "Pink Compassion ensures that women receiving treatment for breast cancer can focus on their recovery and not worry about the added financial stresses that often emerge at these times.
"All too often, women who need breast cancer treatment have too little income and health insurance, which forces them to choose between paying for cancer treatment and paying the rest of their bills. At Metro Health, we focus on the whole person. Pink Compassion and related programs are designed to cover the gaps and give patients a little extra financial breathing room so they can focus on recovery and return to good health."
About Metro Health Hospital Foundation
The Metro Health Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to improving the health and well being of the West Michigan community through philanthropy. The Foundation's support of Metro Health Hospital, which is a 100 Top Hospital for the third year in a row, allows individuals, organizations and businesses to contribute funds that prevent catastrophic illnesses, provide life-saving education and screenings, improve overall patient care and fund a wide variety of programs and services. Learn more.
Contact: Ellen Bristol, Metro Health Hospital (616) 252-5033
or Mary Ann Sabo, Sabo Public Relations (616)485-1432.