Some say fear is a motivator, and yes, sometimes it can be. But when it comes to taking care of our health, fear often holds us back. In fact, fear is the number one reason women neglect their breast health.
Not surprisingly, going to the doctor is not a particularly fun experience.
Not knowing what the bill will be, the big question mark of what insurance will and won’t cover. What will the doctor say? What if they find something? The task of having to load your kids into the car or find someone to watch them while you go alone is enough to push a doctor’s appointment to the bottom of your to-do list.
All of these fears are completely valid, but doing anything difficult or scary is much easier when you have a knowledgeable, trusted friend with you — and Gateway to Hope is that friend. For many women in Missouri, Gateway to Hope was both an expert and a sounding board.
From preventative care and testing to funding and guidance, the staff at Gateway to Hope truly cares. They create a roadmap to help women diagnosed with breast cancer navigate costs and care, and are nonjudgmental in answering all of their questions. They also offer plans to cover travel and utility costs.
With local partners like Gateway to Hope, women don’t have to wait until the right time or the right amount of money in their bank account to get screened – and they shouldn’t have to wait. The earlier they get screened, the sooner breast cancer is detected and the higher their chances of survival. Taking control of your breast health can help turn fear into hope once and for all. That’s what Gateway to Hope is all about.
To get involved, simply sign up on the Gateway to Hope website. Missouri women are not too strong to let fear overwhelm them, and we hope you will join hundreds of women across the state in taking on breast health this year.
Melanie Stinnett is the Missouri House Representative for the 133rd Congressional District in Greene County.
