Ellie Fund

“I couldn’t find your information… then I turned on the TV and there you were.”? ? Nekia Clark, Ellie Fund’s Patient Service and Outreach Director received this call from a woman she met earlier in October. Nekia presented at Bethel Pentecostal church in Boston as part of October for Ellie. While there, Nekia spoke with a woman anxiously awaiting her breast biopsy appointment. Nekia shared her contact information and urged the woman to reach out after receiving her procedure. The business card was misplaced, but luckily this lovely woman happened to turn on WCVB’s City Line on Sunday, October 27 and there was Nekia and Raechelle Joyner, the facilitator of Ellie Fund’s BIPOC support group discussing Ellie Fund services and the importance of mind and body wellness during breast cancer treatment.? ? Watch the CityLine segment on WCVB. https://lnkd.in/e7JTeNqj

Health inequity is part of Black history that continues to impact people every day. Black women are 38% more likely to die from breast cancer than their white peers, despite a lower incidence rate. Ellie Fund is supporting the American Cancer Society’s VOICES study, which will help researchers understand cancer and other health conditions among Black women. The online study is currently accepting participants who are Black Women in the United States between the ages of 25 and 55 who have never had cancer. To learn more about the groundbreaking initiative that can directly improve the health of Black women for generations to come, visit https://voices.cancer.org/ #blackhistorymonth #breastcancer #healthequity

Earlier this year, it was reported that breast cancer incidences were rising by 1% annually during 2012-2021, with the steepest increase in women younger than 50 years (1.4% per year). Ellie Fund serves any patient regardless of their age and has come to know the challenges for younger women can differ from those of older women. Younger patients face immediate decisions about their future fertility options. One of our young patients had less than two weeks to decide if she should freeze her eggs. Other patients, like Nicole, need to manage the care of their young children. Nicole was diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant with her second child and had a toddler at home. It is no wonder why our surveys show patients under 50 feel more pressure and stress when it comes to their diagnosis and treatment. As patient demographics change, and therefore patient needs, Ellie Fund is here to adapt with them. For Nicole, we provided funding for a night nurse to care for her infant as she navigated the side effects of her treatment. For other mothers, we have provided grants for babysitting and summer camps. All of this falls under our ‘childcare’ service options. #breastcancer

As an organization full of hope and positivity, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to show the love that’s felt each and every day between Ellie Fund and our amazing patients. We are so grateful when we hear from our patients like Eva who sent us a beautiful note. #breastcancer #valentinesday

This Black History Month, Ellie Fund and the Boston Breast Cancer Equity Coalition are highlighting the healthcare inequities that continue to impact the Black community. Recently released statistics from The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and American Cancer Society show how Black women are facing worse breast cancer treatment outcomes than their peers. Read more in our Linkedin article. #Blackhistorymonth #Breastcancer #healthinequity

Black History Month is a time to honor the strength and vibrancy of the Black community while also reflecting on the ongoing challenges, particularly the disparities in healthcare outcomes. Nationally, Black women have a 38% higher death rate compared to white women, despite a lower incidence rate. Social Determinants of Health such as access to health care and economic stability make it difficult for Black women to complete their prescribed treatment or treat their cancer at all. We can address the racial disparities in breast cancer survival rates. Ellie Fund takes actionable measures to address this disparity by removing insurance barriers to diagnostic procedures, funding healthy eating and transportation, and overall decreasing the financial toxicity caused by breast cancer treatment. #blackhistorymonth #healthequity

We’re counting down the days to our 29th Annual Red Carpet Gala on March 2. This year’s event will be co-hosted by Emmy-award-winning journalists, Shayna Seymour Carr and Erika Tarantal of WCVB Channel 5. Their energy, grace, and commitment to our patients will make for an unforgettable evening. Secure your seat for the Oscar-watch party at the Omni Boston at the Seaport by purchasing a ticket or sponsorship. It is a night full of purpose, fashion, and glamour. You won’t want to miss it! www.redcarpetgala.org #breastcancer #healthequity #gala

Nekia Clark, Director of Community Engagement & Outreach at Ellie Fund, met with Community Health workers at The Dimock Center for a hands-on tutorial of Ellie Fund's application and grant process. Ellie Fund is continuing to forge strategic partnerships with Community Health Centers to help address racial disparities in breast cancer treatment outcomes. This targeted work is made possible thanks to funding from The Commonwealth. Community Health Centers in Massachusetts serve over one million patients. Their trusted providers connect patients to Ellie Fund and reduce the barriers to breast cancer treatment.

As a day to honor Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and celebrate his work, we are compelled to share The Bay State Banner newspaper’s article which shines a light on Dr. King’s health equity work. Sixty years later, Boston is still working towards health equity. ? Through our efforts to serve more Community Health Center patients, our leadership in the Boston Breast Cancer Equity Coalition, and our Equitable Pathways to Breast Cancer Care Initiative, it is Ellie Fund’s privilege to continue Dr. King’s work to address racial disparities in health outcomes.? ? https://lnkd.in/etXpBZwZ

The University of Massachusetts Amherst Men's Hockey Team is hosting an Ellie Fund's Skating Strides game on January 25! The Minutemen will be taking on University of Alaska at the Mullins Center. The Division 1 school will be turning the rink pink, hosting a ceremonial puck drop by Ellie Fund team member and UMass Alum Chloe Smith-Sokol, and players will wear pink jerseys. Skating Strides merchandise will be available before and during the game!