More than 35,000 U.S. women under the age of 40 are breast cancer survivors. In 2008, Christina Applegate became one of them, but her breast cancer diagnosis—an anguish most women endure privately—became international news. Applegate carries the BRCA 1 gene, which puts her at high risk for breast cancer and led to her decision to have a prophylactic double mastectomy.
Her experience with the disease inspired her to create the non-profit foundation Right Action for Women. The organization provides assistance to women who are at increased risk for breast cancer and do not have the insurance or the financial flexibility to cover costs associated with MRI screenings.
Applegate put together an advisory council of cancer experts from the fields of genetics, oncology, psychology, nutrition, legal aid, advocacy and patient financial assistance to lend their expertise and advice.
The foundation’s website provides information on what it might mean to be at “increased risk” for breast cancer. In addition, Applegate explains, “we provide information that women may consider, including the importance of knowing your family history with cancer, and we educate them with the resources they need for support—like health forums, learning about diet and meditation, and many other sources for the services women may need to make healthy decisions for themselves.”
RAW already has assisted hundreds of women with the high cost of screenings, and it continues to provide support and education to women everywhere.
RAW receives some financial contributions from socially concerned companies such as ASICS, which is offering a special-edition pink product line for Breast Cancer Awareness month in October. But Applegate’s foundation mainly relies on individual contributions to continue its efforts. To learn more, or to make a donation, visit rightactionforwomen.org.
—Deborah Caulfield Rybak