She's a survivor: Kate Kickel Hernandez
Throughout October, we will be sharing She’s a Survivor stories: five #motherrunners whose lives have been changed by breast cancer; hopefully the perspective and ideas they share will benefit others who are going through similar situations.
Given our patient’s lack of resources, without KICK’s assistance, she would not have been able to undergo genetic testing. She was thrilled when I let her know we had found funding for her testing, and even more thrilled when I called her with her negative genetic testing results. Because of KICK’s assistance, this patient was able to obtain the information that she needed to help inform her surgery decision and future screening recommendations. This patient did not face an easy road, but with KICK’s assistance, we were able to make a very difficult journey a little bit easier.
Allie Hentschell, MS, CGC
Genetic Counselor You met my wife and I briefly following the OROC this past August. You both were absolutely wonderful. Hearing your stories and message left an impression upon us both. I felt compelled to reach out to you this week following my wife’s scheduled hysterectomy. My wife has made quite a few selfless decisions over the last few years and it is all because of her willingness to have done and embrace the genetic testing that you two are championing. Her late mother, whom we lost to ovarian cancer in 2011, chose to be tested and learned she carried the BRCA genetic marker. She encouraged “Pam” to have the testing done as well. “Pam” later did and came to find out that she herself carries BRCA-2. In fairness to my wife, I do not want to assume her thoughts and feelings, but to a husband, it has been a gift to know. What knowing has done, is afforded us the ability to plan our family and for her to make health decisions based on prevention rather than necessity.
P.N., Spouse of patient
Your foundation was instrumental in helping one of my uninsured patients access critical genetic testing. She has been diagnosed with early-onset Colon Cancer and that alone was a tremendously overwhelming situation. I happened to have learned about KICK in the weeks before I met her, and was able to present you guys as really the only option for her to be able to afford testing. My patient was overjoyed and so grateful for KICK’s generosity she burst in tears, and so did I. Thank you so much for the amazing mission you have embarked and know that the work you are doing is making the difference in everyone touched by your foundation.
Karlena Lara-Otero, PhD, MS, CGC.
Certified Genetic Counselor I cannot find the words to express my gratitude for the financial assistance..I am sooo looking forward to having the testing. I realize I am just one person but this is huge for myself and my family. I am the first person in my family to have this done!!!
M.M.
Patient Thank you so much for your help with my patient. I just called her to let her know the testing would be covered by your foundation and she was nearly in tears and expressed her appreciation. She has been struggling financially due to her medical bills and was worried she would not be able to have genetic testing despite it being requested by her care team to guide her treatment. We are both very thankful for the important work you are doing!”
Gillian Spitzley, MS, CGC
Cancer Genetic Counselor KICK has really helped me to become better informed about any possible increased cancer risk that I might have. Without this assistance with the cost of genetic screening, I likely would have put off getting genetic cancer screening in lieu of the monthly demands that always seem to come first (like preschool tuition) rather than my own health. I am both ashkenazi Jewish and have a family history of cancer (both my father and grandfather have had prostate cancer). I was informed that my insurance would not cover any genetic testing. I am so grateful to have had KICK's financial support in making this genetic testing a reality this year.
