Breast Cancer is Statewide Mystery
Washington has the highest rate of breast cancer cases in the United States, and it is estimated by the American Cancer Society, that 4,090 cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in Washington State in 2007. Approximately 22% (or 1,000) of those patients were diagnosed and/or treated at Swedish, regardless of their ability to pay. Northwest Hope & Healing partners with Swedish, as they embrace our mission and connect us to the community.Giving Patients Hope To Encourage Healing
Northwest Hope & Healing is a 501(c)(3) non-profit supporting organization founded in 2000 to help newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in the Puget Sound area. The Foundation assists patients and their families through their journey with personalized support. Northwest Hope & Healing provides financial assistance to patients in need for non-medical support services, and signature "Healing Baskets" are delivered to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Helping give patients hope during a very difficult time, is the main focus.
Northwest Hope & Healing Programs
Two-thirds of the Foundation's funds provide financial assistance to help with non-medical needs and basic living expenses such as child care, meals, transportation, emergency rent and utilities. In 2007, the Northwest Hope & Healing Fund earmarked $125,000 to provide basic needs for 215 patients through Swedish Medical Center Foundation.
30% of the patients at Swedish receive financial assistance through their Designated Patient Assistance Fund, and this is why Northwest Hope & Healing is proud to partner and support both Swedish Medical Center and the Swedish Cancer Institute.
Healing Basket Provides Message of Life, Love & Hope
The signature item of Northwest Hope & Healing is the Healing Basket. Healing Baskets are given free of charge to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. More than 3,000 Healing Baskets have been assembled and delivered, free of charge, to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.
Healing Baskets are filled with items such as a teddy bear that can be held during treatment, soothing hand lotion, herbal tea, and hand-made note cards or notes of encouragement. The items are intended to provide comfort, offer encouragement and carry a message of hope. Healing Baskets are available in the Cancer Education Center at the Swedish Cancer Institute.
A Unique Organization
Northwest Hope & Healing is unique. The Foundation is a local organization, helping families right here in our community. The Foundation helps women get through Breast Cancer, today. The Foundation staff is mostly volunteer, who give their time and energy to keep our expenses down, so a high percent of every dollar goes to patients and their families. This allows us to reach patients and achieve very direct results.
What is our vision?
At Northwest Hope & Healing our goal is to help as many local breast cancer patients as possible. We want mothers to feed their children and seek treatment. We want to ensure reliable transportation to daily radiation treatments. Therefore, a majority of our funds go to Swedish to provide non-medical support services for breast cancer patients in need, in addition to assembling and delivering our signature Healing Baskets.
Our ultimate goal is to increase production and deliver Healing Baskets to all of Swedish's campuses, which include First Hill, Cherry Hill, and Ballard, as well as the Swedish Cancer Institute affiliates at Northwest, Valley General, Stevens, and Highline Hospital in Burien; As well as provide financial assistance to each and every breast cancer patient in need, in the Seattle and Puget Sound area. As we expand our reach with the Healing Basket program, we anticipate an increase in the financial needs of these patients.
Your support will provide hope and encouragement to the many women battling breast cancer in our area. Please get involved by volunteering or contributing financially. Contact Shari Sewell at Northwest Hope & Healing to join us in this partnership! (206) 215-2888.