National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is back, serving as an important reminder to stay on top of recommended health exams, including annual mammograms and breast MRIs depending on your age and level of risk. However, it’s also a time dedicated to supporting those currently fighting the disease. On top of the physical toll, a major challenge many patients face is the tremendous associated costs. Like many long-term treatments, breast cancer care can demand more resources than some can afford—to the point that it can be a detriment to their livelihoods and even their health.
Enter Pink Fund, a charity founded in 2006 that is providing crucial financial assistance to patients in need. In fact, it has given over $9 million total since its inception, all thanks to generous donations. And with continued help, it can keep working to fund the fight.
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women and is the second most fatal, falling behind only lung cancer. It can affect people of any background and financial status—whether or not they have insurance, a flexible work schedule that accommodates their health-care needs, or sufficient savings to pay for treatment. Sadly, this means that a sudden diagnosis can not only transform someone’s health but also put their finances in crisis.
For these reasons, Pink Fund cofounder Molly MacDonald made it her mission to help breast cancer patients in need. But she wasn’t just sympathetic toward them—she had once been in their shoes. Upon being diagnosed in 2005, she underwent chemotherapy and soon found herself wondering how to balance the health effects of her treatment with its perpetually demanding costs. “I was left with an insurance responsibility of $1,350 a month to cover my treatment, had no savings, and had no child support or alimony after a previous divorce,” she says. “Our home went into foreclosure, and creditors threatened to repossess my car.”
MacDonald explains that she experienced financial toxicity, a side effect of breast cancer that, while not physical, may be just as devastating. “Between the digestive issues, limb numbness, cognitive impairment, and other symptoms of cancer treatment, patients often can’t work,” she notes. “They might find themselves struggling to pay for their basic living expenses, much less treatment.” As a result, they may come to a difficult decision: reducing their treatment sessions or ceasing them altogether. She adds, “Some choose to go back to work just to avoid leaving their families financially bereft.”
While undergoing chemotherapy, MacDonald conversed with working women like herself who were on unpaid leave for treatment and realized just how widespread such financial struggles were. She recounts thinking, “Why isn’t anybody doing something about this? Maybe someone should start an organization to help pay these bills and provide patients with a financial bridge.”
And that’s exactly what she did.
After successfully beating breast cancer, MacDonald worked with her husband to brainstorm a logo, create a website, and generate publicity for their new organization, which became an officially recognized charity in 2006. It expanded at an extraordinary rate, especially once it caught the attention of the Ford Motor Company. While Pink Fund has its roots in MacDonald’s home state of Michigan, she knew that breast cancer treatment woes weren’t relegated to the region—and Ford (the first of many corporate donors) provided the exact support needed to maximize impact.
The auto company first invested in a national ad campaign, then funded a national TV launch to spotlight Pink Fund before a wider audience. It also manufactured thousands of T-shirts to sell on its famous Warriors in Pink website, resulting in additional revenue for the charity. Thanks to the support and attention it gained as a result of these efforts, it was able to roll out an online application process, and more requests for assistance quickly flooded in.
Pink Fund now makes a difference for thousands of breast cancer patients, helping to pay for their housing, transportation, insurance costs, and more. And just like the disease that makes its work essential, the charity doesn’t discriminate: it supports everyone who qualifies for assistance, provided that they’re in active treatment for breast cancer (undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, a mastectomy, or a lumpectomy) and can demonstrate a need for financial support.
Further, Pink Fund offers specific programs, such as one for women suffering from metastatic cancer. Because these patients may need treatment for the rest of their lives, it gives them an added layer of support: up to $6,000 for up to six months. And as the organization has grown, it has begun providing aid for male patients in need too. “The greatest challenge for men is that there’s not enough education about male breast cancer,” MacDonald says. “So when they’re finally diagnosed, they may be at a later stage and can have a higher mortality rate.” Such a reality emphasizes the importance of support for this demographic in particular.
MacDonald points out that breast cancer charities is a saturated space, with the majority of organizations focusing on spreading awareness and funding research—crucial efforts in the fight against the disease. “But what makes Pink Fund different,” she says, “is that we offer more direct, concrete help to families.”
The impact of immediate financial assistance can’t be understated. “When you find out you have cancer, the tears come, you’re scared, and you don’t know what’s going to happen,” MacDonald recounts. “But people reach out to us all the time saying we saved them from losing their homes. We get a lot of comments like ‘Thanks to your support, I’m crying happy tears for the first time in a long time.’”
For more info, visit pinkfund.org or donate here
Autumn is associated with many things, including pumpkin spice. But while this flavor may dominate the culinary scene over the next few months, you can go in an entirely different direction with these creative versions of classic foods. Hearty and comforting, they’re sure to make a lasting impression on family and friends alike.
Filled with a tempting mix of chicken, apples, and Gorgonzola and topped with an apple-flavored gravy, this dish offers a taste of fall in every bite.
These versatile handhelds are bursting with bananas, chocolate chips, and walnuts. Healthy never tasted so good!
Tip: You can bake the meat loaf mix in muffin tins for individual servings, freezing any leftovers for easy meals. Reheat the mini versions in the oven at 350°F for 25–30 minutes or until their internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Makes 6 large muffins or 12 small muffins
Tip: Store any extra muffins in the freezer for a quick thaw-and-eat breakfast option. They will keep for 1–2 months if well sealed.
When we were kids, my father gave me and my two brothers a somewhat unusual gift: boxing gloves. He reasoned that this equipment would help us appreciate the sport he loved and, more importantly, provide a workout while teaching us how to defend ourselves. “Put up your dukes!” became a rallying cry in our home.
Dad may have been on to something. In the twenty-first century, boxing has gone from a sport only dedicated pugilists practiced in dark, sweat-filled gyms to a popular way for anyone to improve their overall well-being, if not get buff. Discover all that this ancient activity can do to help make people of every age, from teens to older adults, a bit healthier.
Boxing is not a new phenomenon. It actually dates back thousands of years, albeit originally as more of a primitive “fight to the death” spectacle. After a long hiatus, it was resurrected in Europe in the 1500s as a way to handle disputes among the upper class. By the eighteenth century, it started to be seen as a discipline that could be codified with rules and was taught analytically in newfound boxing schools, much like physics in standard ones. Thus, the “sweet science” was born.
Unsurprisingly, most people try their hand at boxing because they want to improve their physical health—and the activity certainly doesn’t disappoint. Here are some of the areas in which it has the most impact.
Strength
Boxing is well-known for being a whole-body workout for muscles, perhaps more than any other type of exercise, and is especially beneficial for strengthening the core, arms, and shoulders.
Weight loss
It’s a high-intensity form of aerobic and resistance training, meaning that while you’re increasing your muscle mass, you’re also burning ample calories. For perspective, it’s thought to be significantly better than brisk walking for losing weight.
Heart health
Considering the first two positives listed, it’s logical that boxing can improve your cardiovascular health as well, including lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Dexterity
Improved agility can take many forms. Partaking in boxing’s bursts of punching and quick shifting, for instance, can enhance hand-eye coordination, and you can achieve better balance thanks to the postures and stances needed to perform the moves. In fact, boxing has proven to be helpful for two groups who often struggle with steadiness: those with Parkinson’s disease and older adults.
People don’t always work out just to get in shape; they also seek a healthy means to clear their heads. Boxing is no different in this respect, delivering a host of ways to help you mentally. For example, in noncontact form, it has been shown to reduce stress as well as decrease symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, among other struggles. In addition, when you box, your confidence can slowly build as a result of getting in better shape, developing new skills, and learning an effective form of self-defense.
Finally, boxing is uniquely qualified to teach life lessons, not only about the value of discipline and hard work but also about the importance of getting knocked down and bouncing back up—literally if you’re in the ring with an opponent and symbolically if you’re trying to better yourself.
Before you begin, you’ll need to determine what you want to get out of the exercise. You can certainly set your sights on going mano a mano with in-ring boxing matches, though you should do so only after spending time with a certified trainer.
But most people instead opt to do boxing workouts, also called fitness boxing. Many avenues are available to complete them, depending on your lifestyle and preference. Does being around others inspire you? Hitting the gym or taking dedicated classes would work well for you. Or you can easily get involved in the sport from the comfort of your home since minimal space is required—in theory, all you need to purchase is a boxing bag and gloves. You can then train through an app like Peloton’s; even the Nintendo Switch offers boxing in its fitness catalog.
The sweet science has come a long way from when fans would passively sit back and watch boxing legends like Sonny Liston and Muhammad Ali compete. In the twenty-first century, it has become a popular, invigorating activity that helps people be more active, get stronger, and improve their mental and physical well-being. So consider lacing up the gloves to see what health benefits await.
With a chill in the air and daylight saving time approaching, it’s only natural to feel less motivated as you long for warmer, sunnier days. However, if these feelings deepen and persist, it might be more than just the winter blues—you may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that’s triggered by seasonal changes.
SAD can manifest in various ways, including enduring feelings of sadness, frustration, and anxiety. Many people report having low energy, difficulty sleeping or waking up in the morning, and a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed. Physical symptoms such as headaches, abdominal pain, and unintended weight loss may also occur, interfering with daily life and overall well-being.
If this sounds familiar to you, you’re not alone—approximately 5 percent of American adults are affected by SAD, with women generally being more susceptible than men. Additionally, you may be more likely to experience it if you have a family history of SAD or personal history of depression or if you live in a northern region or somewhere with frequent cloud cover. This issue most often begins in fall or winter and improves with the arrival of spring, though it can arise in summer as well.
While the exact causes of SAD remain uncertain, diminished sunlight during the colder seasons
is widely believed to play a key role. Research indicates that this can disrupt the hypothalamus, a part of the brain responsible for regulating several essential biological processes. The result may be lower levels of serotonin, one of several “feel good” chemicals, and higher levels of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleepiness. Furthermore, the lack of light can disturb the body’s circadian rhythms, the twenty-four-hour cycles that govern sleep, mood, and overall mental health.
If you suspect that you’re experiencing SAD, there are several lifestyle adjustments you can adopt to help alleviate its effects. The best part? These habits aren’t just useful for managing seasonal depression—they’re also great for promoting overall well-being.
Get some light
Exposing yourself to at least some natural light daily may augment your emotional fitness and energy. For instance, try to make time in the morning to enjoy a bit of sunshine, or take a walk outside during your lunch break; as a bonus, exercise can further fortify your mental health.
You can also consider light therapy, which involves using a light-therapy box to mimic natural sunlight and help regulate the brain’s production of serotonin and melatonin. While these special lamps are available without a prescription, it’s best to utilize them under the guidance of a health-care professional since improper use can lead to side effects like headaches, eye strain, and dizziness.
Focus on sleep
Make a habit of waking up and going to bed at the same time every day to maintain your circadian rhythms—consistency is critical for improving sleep quality. In addition, you should aim for at least seven hours of sleep daily and limit caffeine and screen time later in the day; both can stimulate your mind and make it difficult to fall and stay asleep. The blue light from the latter can also inhibit your melatonin production.
Manage stress
Try melting away some of your stress with a relaxation technique like meditation, gentle yoga, or art therapy. Such activities may make it easier to cope with the ups and downs you may feel with the changing of the seasons.
Socialize
Sometimes, the best remedy is simply spending time with others, whether it’s reconnecting with an old friend, chatting with neighbors, or enjoying quality moments with your kids or grandkids. Nurturing existing social connections and building new ones can do wonders for your mood and general well-being.
Travel
Consider planning a getaway to a sunny destination—for instance, a bustling city filled with engaging outdoor entertainment or a beach where you can unwind on the warm sand and dip your toes in the shimmering blue sea. A change of scenery like this may be just what you need to revitalize your mind, body, and spirit.
By taking these proactive steps, you can significantly mitigate any SAD symptoms you may be experiencing during the colder months. Note, however, that if you are struggling to manage them or they are becoming more severe, it is critical that you consult your doctor or a mental-health professional as soon as possible. They can recommend additional treatments such as antidepressants or psychotherapy, giving you the support you need to improve your mental wellness both this season and beyond.
