Long term illnesses can cripple a patient and family juggling finances to pay for expenses that are not covered by insurance. Our organization provides financial support to patients dealing with life threatening illnesses as well as community education to promote health through regular screenings.
Dear Bust of Steamboat,
Thank you so much for supporting me through my journey with breast cancer. The Bust of Steamboat's financial assistance during surgery,
radiation and presently, to continue my healing, has been incredibly helpful. Not only did the "Bust" ensure I had a comfortable place to
stay the night prior to my first terrifying surgery in Vail; the generosity of the "Bust" made it possible for my family and beloved dog to
be together and nearby. The Bust of Steamboat helped defray some of the very tangible costs of fighting through breast cancer - beyond
the obvious medical expenses. Your generous support has relieved stress in enormous ways and allowed me to put my energy towards
getting healthier. Bust of Steamboat always makes me feel supported by my community, and for that I am so grateful. ~ Linda
"Thank you, you helped me out when I needed it most."
"When you are faced with a breast cancer diagnosis, everything is so overwhelming. I still remember the moment not
long after my first diagnosis six years ago, when Jan Fritz gave me a check from Bust of Steamboat funds to help with all
the extra expenses that were adding up quickly. That moment of support made me feel less alone - there were people
in our community helping me with my journey even if I did not know their names. The support continued while I was
being vigilant and after a reoccurrence, it filled many of the gaps that insurance leaves behind. There are so many
things like travel, expensive scans, and wigs that BC Warriors have to navigate. Having the help of the Bust of Steamboat
has lifted our family up and allowed me to make choices to feel human through a difficult battle." ~ Sarah
"It's that simple. Early detection saved me from so much trauma and potential death. It's nothing short of a miracle."
"I was diagnosed right before Christmas in 2018 after years of several non-suspicious screenings
with no family history. I was very touched to receive the monetary gift from Bust of Steamboat. There
were many days I wasn't feeling well from the chemo- therapy and couldn't work. Their contribution
provided me with a security blanket. It was comforting to know that there was an organization
willing to help support me during my treatment. I cannot express my gratitude enough for what the
Bust of Steamboat has done for me during this hard time in my life". ~ Lynn
"You have no idea how much this means to me."
The mission of Northwest Colorado Aid and Support Group (dba The Bust of Steamboat) is to provide financial assistance to any patient with long term or life-threatening illnesses who are experiencing financial need due to medical expenses not covered by insurance.
We are also dedicated to community education promoting early detection through regularly scheduled screenings and we provide financial assistance for mammograms and wellness visits as needed.
We also offer hope and support to those affected by breast cancer by covering biopsies, some treatments costs, other therapies, and miscellaneous expenses that are incurred in the process of receiving treatment and recovery.
• In the past 5 years, our organization has given out an estimated $211,000 & touched over 425 women.
• In the last year, we have paid $15,000 for mammograms.
Northwest Colorado Aid and Support group began in 1984 as a group to give financial assistance to individuals experiencing long term or life-threatening illnesses for medical expenses not covered by insurance.
Over the years, we have given funds to people as they apply with a streamlined application that was tailored to meet their needs.
In 2000, we began a program called Yampa Valley Breast Cancer Awareness Project dba the Bust of Steamboat; we chose an additional focus on Breast Cancer education for early detection and support for patients undergoing treatment, and continued paying for expenses that were not covered by insurance, or for patients who were wholly uninsured.
Recently we revamped our application to better assess financial situations and prioritize people who are at 300% of the poverty level or below.
We have also contributed to the hospital here to enhance the chemotherapy center as well as provided funding for a "boutique" area where patients could get wigs, prostheses, and other items.
We are starting to provide cold caps to patients, if requested, to use for a scalp cooling machine that was recently purchased by our local hospital foundation.
Living in a small rural area, we are acutely aware that there are many individuals affected when a person receives a diagnosis- patient, family, coworkers, faith community, schools, etc.and our community has offered solid continuous support for our mission.
Due to the changes necessitated by COVID-19 this year, we will not be holding an annual fundraiser; our organization depends on your donations for this funding and every dollar raised stays local.
In 2019, we shifted to a community-wide focus called, “Paint the Town Pink” where, ANY and EVERY business can launch their own fundraiser and have a direct impact for local women.
Our website is : thebustofsteamboat.org.
Organization name
The Bust of Steamboat
other names
Northwest Colorado Aid and Support Group
1984
Tax id (EIN)
74-2340802
Category
Health Care
Organization Size
Small Organization
Address
P.O. Box 880483Headquarters
165 Alpine DriveMailing
P.O.Box 880483Routt County, CO, US