When Jennifer turned 40, she was ready to take an important step in her breast health journey: getting her first mammogram.
“I thought it would be easy,” she recalls.
But what began as a routine screening quickly became an emotional and stressful experience.
When Jennifer saw her mammogram images, with the abnormalities circled in red, her thoughts immediately turned to her family. Her husband works nights so Jennifer can care for her son, Jake, who has a rare and severe form of epilepsy.
“My first thought was, I got to live for Jake,” Jennifer says.
Her doctor suggested getting additional testing, but an unexpected barrier stood in her way: the cost. While her mammogram was covered by insurance, the recommended ultrasound was not.
Suddenly, Jennifer was facing a decision no one should have to make: how to afford the care she needed while continuing to meet the needs of her family.
“I didn’t know how I was going to come up with $800 on the spot,” she says. “I was thinking, maybe I don’t need this ultrasound.”
However, instead of skipping the ultrasound, Jennifer reached out to Gateway to Hope.
Through her Patient Navigator, Kacey, Jennifer learned that financial assistance was available to cover the cost of her ultrasound, as well as the gas she needed to get to her appointment.
But the support went beyond financial assistance. In Kacey, Jennifer had an advocate who understood how overwhelming the process could be. Kacey shared that she had undergone similar testing, helped Jennifer understand the importance of the ultrasound, and guided her through each step.
Before every appointment, Kacey checked in just to see how Jennifer was feeling. For Jennifer, who struggles with anxiety, those moments made a big difference.
“Kacey knew exactly what to say,” Jennifer says. “She was relatable. She was amazing.”
After a series of tests, Jennifer received good news: she did not have breast cancer. However, she learned that she has dense breast tissue and will need an annual breast MRI.
The experience helped her learn the importance of making her own health a priority, even while caring for her loved ones. Now, Jennifer hopes her story will encourage others who might be delaying screenings because of financial concerns.
For Jennifer, Gateway to Hope was more than just a resource to help pay for an ultrasound. It was a lifeline during a time when fear, financial uncertainty, and the demands of motherhood nearly kept her from getting the care she needed. With Kacey’s support, Jennifer found not only the financial resources to move forward but also the reassurance she needed to navigate an uncertain time.
“Gateway to Hope helped me through each process mentally and financially,” Jennifer says. “Learning there are programs like you is inspiring. And I’m forever grateful.”
We believe no one should have to make the impossible choice between essential living expenses and healthcare that could save their life. By getting involved with Campaign for Hope, you’re supporting financial assistance programs for Gateway to Hope patients like Jennifer. Learn more at gthmo.org/CampaignForHope.
