adminOctober is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and was established to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. In the U.S., nearly 40,000 women die each year from breast cancer, with over 232,000 newly diagnosed cases annually¹. The fight against Breast Cancer is constantly waging thanks to education, research and treatment funding, all working in unison to eradicate the disease and treat those affected by it.
Though survival rates continue to improve, the number of those battling through the disease process is massive. The rest and recovery period can be long and arduous. Simple daily activities can be challenging during that time as treatments like chemo and radiation drain patients of their energy and stamina. And because women tend to be primary caregivers themselves, when they need care, they often have to turn outside help such as non-medical home care. Home care can be extremely helpful, but can also be cost prohibitive for many. Enter the Cheryl Kay Foundation (CKF), whose mission is to improve the quality of living and independence for women battling breast cancer and senior citizens in financial need. The Cheryl Kay Foundation is a Mechanicsburg-based family organization dedicated to affordable, dignified, and accessible home care services. They offer $1,000 grants to help offset the cost of care for qualified individuals.
CKF eligibility requirements include any woman undergoing breast cancer treatment or individuals, 79 years of age or older, who live alone or with a spouse, and whose monthly income is between $2,022 and a maximum of $3,635, aimed at helping those who do not qualify for the PA State Waiver requirements.
CKF was founded in 2013 by the family of Cheryl Kay Stawovy, who passed away after battling breast cancer. The foundation seeks to honor Cheryl’s life and model the spirit of neighbor helping neighbor. They work with a limited number of non-profit home care providers to serve those in need, and in August 2015 Messiah Lifeways At Home (MLAH) was pleased to announce they were partnering with Cheryl Kay as one of only two not-for-profit home care providers locally. The grant can allow clients to hire Messiah Lifeways At Home as an extra set of hands during the treatment and recovery phase or eligible seniors assistance with bathing, dressing, laundry, housekeeping, cooking and shopping and even transportation.
This partnership will not only relieve some of the pressure of those fighting breast cancer, it will also give seniors additional resources to help them age in place. These grants cover approximately 50 hours of care for people who otherwise may not be able to afford it, and provides families and clients peace of mind during what can be a very difficult time.
To learn more about Messiah Lifeways At Home and the Cheryl Kay Foundation, please call 717.790.8209 or visit MessiahLifeways.org/AtHome or CherylKayFoundation.org
¹American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts & Figures 2015
