My name is Linda Ann Sadowski. I am 56 years old. I was diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast Cancer in February 2021.
As much of the concern and worry I felt for what was ahead of me after surgery and radiation treatments, I had not yet given thought to the financial burdens that would be ahead. Into my Radiation treatment, the "out-of-pocket" medical bills were just rolling in every week.
I had monthly mortgage payments and the usual bills to pay. To add to my "worry" list, I had also water leaking through my bathroom ceiling every time it rained. My Social worker Gabrielle referred me to Dance for the Cure.
A short time later, I received a call from Dance for the Cure Co-founder, Kathleen Cirioli. When she called, I had been sitting in a grocery store parking lot, not wanting to go in, starting to feel depressed. Kathleen introduced herself and told me all about Dance for the Cure. She asked me about myself. Speaking with her provided hope as she has the most beautiful, positive attitude of anyone I've ever met who has had cancer. She inspired me and lifted me out of the depression that I had been feeling before she called.
I thanked Kathleen for calling me, and told her I was so happy to meet her! She said I would be receiving something in the mail. I thought it would be forms to fill out for some sort of assistance; then I received a letter from Dance for the Cure. Inside the letter was a check (very pretty in pink might I add, lol!). I started to cry. I just sat for a while looking at the letter and the check. Then I thought about the phone conversation with Kathleen—how she had asked me about myself, and how I had told her about the financial road blocks I was hitting being out of work on disability.
By the graciousness of Dance for the Cure the check I received alleviated some of my financial burden. I could breathe a bit easier and concentrate on healing. I can't thank Dance for the Cure enough for helping me during most difficult time. I am forever grateful! I will be paying it forward in any way I can help.
Are you or someone you know struggling due to a breast cancer diagnosis?
We would like to help. Please visit https://www.danceforthecure.org/get-help