Visionary Circle launched to support breast cancer patients financially
News provided byCourierPR · 2 min read
The 'Visionary Circle' has been launched to expand support for breast cancer patients facing financial hardship, leveraging the expertise of leading women across various industries to bolster the work of Pink Aid.
Founded by Kaile Zagger, Global Head of Healthcare & Life Sciences at Riveron and co-founder of MAT Designation, The 'Visionary Circle' aims to strengthen Pink Aid's national presence. Pink Aid is the sole national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing immediate emergency financial assistance to breast cancer patients struggling with financial burdens.
The new advisory group brings together nationally recognized executives, innovators, legal professionals, and healthcare advocates. Their collective expertise, influence, and professional networks will be instrumental in expanding Pink Aid's mission. The group plans to increase awareness, forge stronger partnerships, enhance fundraising efforts, and elevate discussions surrounding the financial challenges faced by breast cancer patients.
Breast cancer treatment is one of the most costly, with an estimated $3.14 billion in out-of-pocket expenses annually across the United States. For some families, these costs can surpass $100,000 annually. Approximately one in three patients experiences severe financial hardship during treatment, with that percentage climbing to 78% among those in low- and middle-income communities. This often forces patients to deplete their savings, incur debt, and make difficult choices during their treatment.
Since its inception in 2015, Pink Aid has provided over $6 million in emergency financial assistance to more than 9,200 patients in active treatment. Working with over 1,200 hospital social workers across 400 hospitals nationwide, Pink Aid offers emergency financial aid within 48 hours to help cover essential living expenses such as rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation.
Amy Katz, Chairman and Co-Founder of Pink Aid, stated, "The Visionary Circle reflects our belief that solving complex challenges requires uniting leaders from various disciplines around a common purpose. These extraordinary women bring remarkable professional accomplishments and a shared commitment to ensuring that no breast cancer patient has to choose between paying their bills and receiving lifesaving treatment."
The inaugural members of The 'Visionary Circle' include Kaile Zagger, Rachel Ehrlich Albanese, Francesca Castagnola, Brooke Cluse, Gail Gelber, Kimberly Greene, Carrie Hardman, Emily Katz-Turner, Amy Peterson, Elena Ratner, Kelly Simmers, and Randee Stapleton. Their roles will include cultivating strategic partnerships, identifying funding opportunities, and providing guidance as Pink Aid continues to expand its national impact.
The launch of The 'Visionary Circle' marks a broader effort to raise awareness about the financial realities of breast cancer and engage business, healthcare, and community leaders in developing sustainable solutions to support patients and their families.