"First, I would like to say that I wish every breast cancer patient in the world could have Circle of Hope in their lives.  Being diagnosed with breast cancer is such a stressful, scary entry into the unknown, but Circle of Hope was behind me 110%.
In October of 2010, I discovered a lump in my left breast.  After mammograms, sonograms and a biopsy, it was confirmed that of three lumps, two were positive.  A lumpectomy revealed that it wasn't actually two lumps but one 6.5 cm mass with suspicion on the right breast.  I proceeded with a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction.  Having endured this, I thought treatment was finished and the cancer was gone, only to find out that I would have to undergo six heavy rounds of chemotherapy and a full round of Herceptin for the HER2 gene I carried.  This meant another surgery to insert a Port-A-Cath which would allow for medication infusion every 21 days for a full year. Along with the stress of thinking about chemo, dealing with its side effects and losing my hair, I was shaken to the core wondering how I could pay for it all.

I was on disability from work and still had insurance, but even with insurance I wondered how I was going to keep up with costs such as co-payments, surgeries, chemo, surgeons, hospital bills, tests, and labs.
I had great moral support from my friends, my sons, a superb medical team, a neighbor that everyone should be lucky enough to have, and even my ex-husband.  In spite of this emotional support, I still didn't know how I was going to manage the overwhelming stress and financial obligation. As I started researching some of the major organizations, someone mentioned Circle of Hope, which happened to be right in my own backyard in Santa Clarita.
I called Circle of Hope and spoke with Jennifer Bench, their Client Advocate.  She explained the application process and informed me that they could help me, and did they ever!  I still cry when I think of the day this sweetheart of a woman told me all the ways they could help me.  I cried tears of relief!  They have helped me with insurance, co-pays, chemo, and all with loving care.  I am more grateful to Circle of Hope than I can ever explain.  They have been more help than those great big organizations.  Along with financial help, they also provide more kindness and compassion than you could imagine.
I am still in treatment and have a few more rounds to go, but I'm looking forward to the wonderful day in March of 2012 when I get my port removed.  It has been a long road, and I really do not know how I could have done this without Circle of Hope.  The relief from stress that they have provided during one of the most stressful times of my life has been amazing.
I look forward to the day I can give back to Circle of Hope.  They are the greatest organization in terms of help and compassion.  I feel so blessed to have found Circle of Hope, and I truly will never be able to thank them enough for their compassion, kindness and financial assistance. Thank you, Circle of Hope, from the deepest part of my heart for the help you have given me."