Susan G. Komen

Mission

Susan G. Komen® is the world's leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, working to save lives by meeting the most critical needs of our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer. Komen has an unmatched, comprehensive 360-degree approach to fighting this disease across all fronts and supporting millions of people in the U.S. and in countries worldwide. We advocate for patients, drive research breakthroughs, improve access to high-quality care, offer direct patient support and empower people with trustworthy information.

The Need

No one should have to choose between paying for basic needs and getting treated for breast cancer. The financial implications of breast cancer are significant. Even with medical insurance, the out-of-pocket cost for initial breast cancer treatment can be more than $5,000, which is five times more than what the average American has in their savings account.  

The Kaiser Family Foundation found that more than 50% of women delay or avoid breast cancer care because of the cost, choosing to prioritize their families and children over their own health and instead using already limited financial resources for food, bills, and/or transportation costs.  

Komen estimates that nearly 1,400 people, or 1/3 of those diagnosed with breast cancer in Colorado in 2023, may be eligible for financial assistance.  At current funding levels, we are only able to serve approximately 10% of those who qualify. In Colorado, awards to recipients have increased by 237% since 2020 but financial strain continues to burden our community of breast cancer patients and we expect to see the demand to continue to surge. 

We need your help to close this gap and ensure no one has to make the difficult decision of getting the treatment they need to save their life or putting food on the table for their family. 

Colorado's Diana Lynn Trujillo Financial Assistance Program, (DLTFAP) is named in honor and celebration of Diana Lynn Trujillo who died of metastatic breast cancer in 2019. This program addresses financial barriers that may prevent lower-income breast cancer patients in Colorado from completing treatment. It helps patients pay for costs associated with basic needs like housing, transportation, groceries, medications, co-pays and more.  DLTFAP provides financial assistance to individuals in active treatment for breast cancer with an annual income at or below 300% of the federal poverty line. Qualifying breast cancer patients receive up to $500 annually in financial assistance and qualifying metastatic breast cancer patients receive up to $750 annually. FAP is designed to be flexible to meet the needs of patients today. In 2023, Komen’s Financial Assistance Program recorded that 95% of respondents said they improved quality of life after receiving assistance 

Testimonials

"Dear Susan G. Komen Foundation, I am writing to thank you, for your generous gift. I cannot even express how much this will help me pay off a large surgeon's bill, from my cancer surgery. I worry about paying this bill, day and night. I live alone on social security so being gifted this has left me in awe. Forever thankful."

“I had spent quite a lot on breast cancer treatment within such a short time. It was becoming increasingly difficult to cope with my financial burden.” – Esiri, Komen Financial Assistance Recipient 

"Before I went to bed last night, I checked my phone messages and to my surprise, you wonderful people left me a message stating I had been accepted for relief from rent," she said. "My mind that is normally racing because of all I'm going through, now is feeling calm. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you."

“Upon losing my only source of income and insurance, I became depressed and overwhelmed. I had no idea how I was going to focus on treatments, bills and daily living expenses. My Patient Navigator referred me to the program and within a week I was approved. Thank you so much, Susan G. Komen!” – Tonya, Komen Financial Assistance Recipient 

"Being without health insurance for 5 months has been scary let alone have an abnormal mammogram requiring biopsy. Received the info and financial assistance needed instead of postponing much needed tests. Was recommended from a coworker. Very glad I did."

 Background Statement 

In 1980, Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan, that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became the Susan G. Komen® organization and the beginning of a global movement. To date, we've invested more than $3.3 billion in groundbreaking research, community health outreach, advocacy and programs in more than 60 countries. Our efforts helped reduce deaths from breast cancer by 40 percent between 1989-2016 and we won't stop until our promise is fulfilled.