The Incredible Impact Of The Karen P. Nakon Foundation
The Karen P. Nakon Foundation was established on February 22, 2003, Karen’s 38th birthday, to honor her graceful and courageous five-year battle against breast cancer. In its inception, the Foundation was a small family tribute that sought to make a difference in Northeast Ohio. However, over the past two decades, with the generous help of loyal donors and other non-profits, the Karen P. Nakon Breast Cancer Foundation has grown to be a significant force in breast cancer patient assistance.
See the incredible impact and how the foundation helps others by reading below:
Proud Partners
The Karen P. Nakon Breast Cancer Foundation is proud to partner with Ascend this October in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is a month-long message about the importance of research, early detection, and healthy living to help in the fight against breast cancer.
A key message of this month is early detection saves lives, stressing the importance of mammograms and regular check-ups. As a result of these efforts, 1 in 8 women will get a screening that leads to a breast cancer diagnosis during the month of October.
The Sad Truth
However, when the month closes, and the hype has passed, what happens next to these individuals is often not part of the narrative. Many of those diagnosed are taking advantage of low-cost or no-cost diagnosis tools. But often then find themselves facing high-cost treatment plans, high deductibles, additional necessary services and unavoidable lifestyle changes—all of which are often not covered by their insurance (if they even have it).
Time off from work (often unpaid) for doctor’s appointments, treatments, surgeries and recovery periods can be devastating to families who rely on their monthly paycheck to make ends meet. Unfortunately, these individuals then face an impossible decision: to prioritize their health, or prioritize the financial stability of their household.
What The Foundation Does
That is when the Karen P. Nakon Breast Cancer Foundation steps in. The goal of the foundation is to provide direct aid to cover basic living expenses for families when a breast cancer diagnosis causes a financial crisis. Those expenses include rent, utilities, auto loans, etc..
In short, we ensure patients are able to stay in their homes, keep their lights on, and have means of transportation without taking away from their treatment plan. This also eliminates the stress of a financial hardship, which studies show can greatly aid in a patient’s recovery.
The Impact
To date, the Foundation has award over 1.5 million dollars. This money has gone to more than 1,000 families across 45 counties in Northern Ohio. As previously stated above, this money is given to those in financial need while they battle breast cancer. This includes the inability to pay rent, utilities, auto loans, etc.. That way, the family can focus on the needs of their loved one, battling cancer, and not worry about keeping the lights on.
How To Help
During the month of October, you can help make an impact on others lives by donating to the Karen P. Nakon Foundation here at Ascend! All donations go directly to the foundation to help those in need. If you are a member of Ascend, you can make a donation from you account as well!
