Exceptional Breast Care Center Carries On, In Spite of Covid-19: UNIQUE Partnership with A Silver Lining Foundation Continues to Save Lives!

With job security on the line, women at risk of developing breast cancer are experiencing a discontinuation of health care coverage, and therefore a discontinuation of affordable testing and treatment. Fighting for these women's lives is clinical nutritionist Dr. Sandy Goldberg, pioneer of A Silver Lining Foundation (ASLF), a not-for-profit organization based in Chicago that provides respectful and equal access to breast health testing… absolutely cost-free; ASLF's breast health testing program has funded services to over 28,000 women in the last 18 years.

The Foundation accomplishes this through a network of partnerships with 15 healthcare organizations. Among these is Pipeline Health - River Forest Breast Care Center, accredited as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology. With breast health testing, treatment, and rehabilitation services all localized on campus, the River Forest Center is a "one-stop shop" for women's health needs.

In spite of Covid-19, the Center has provided breast health care services to women in need without interruption. Implementing social distancing protocols, they have continued diagnostic programs under the inspiring motto, "In the darkest of hours, our finest people shine."

Some of these fine people are Chief Administrative Officer Mary Jo Tsokolas and Manager of Outpatient Services Justyna M. Koscielniak. Mary Jo Tsokolas pursued a career in cardiac echocardiography before turning to management; meanwhile, Justyna Koscielniak's career began when she was hired onto the campus staff for her bilingualism. Tsokolas, Koscielniak, and staff work tirelessly Monday through Saturday to provide an equitable and comprehensive breast care program.

According to Tsokolas, "All patient health is equal. We want to offer the best possible care to each patient… these women are like our family members."

Although the Center is located in the River Forest area, the staff reports a large population of patients from the surrounding underserved neighborhoods. Many are undocumented women of various ethnicities who are uninsured or underinsured. This is where A Silver Lining Foundation comes to the rescue. Its unique mission is unlike any other not-for-profit; Dr. Sandy and her staff have never turned away a woman seeking breast health testing.

When she first learned of ASLF, Tsokolas remembers, "It was love at first sight!" The Center partnered with ASLF in 2015 to offer "no-cost-to-you" screening mammograms and diagnostic testing. Furthermore, Dr. Sandy ensures that each woman is treated with the utmost care and respect.

According to Koscielniak, "Dr. Sandy and her team treat these women like queens."

When the Center calls Dr. Sandy, she always picks up, no matter the time, giving verbal approvals so that a patient does not have any interruption in service. At the Center alone, ASLF funds testing for an estimated 175 women annually who are uninsured and underinsured, including those with high deductibles and copays.

One such patient was Rhea, a naturalized US citizen originally from the Philippines. After a routine mammogram required a followup ultrasound and further appointments, she and her husband realized they could not afford the bill because of loss of insurance. In their desperation, they considered flying Rhea back to the Philippines for further treatment. One of the River Forest Center's staff suggested that they contact A Silver Lining Foundation.

"We weren't going to call the Foundation," Rhea's husband comments. "We had no idea we would qualify for such a great program. But we called and explained our situation, and they said we were entitled to benefits under their program. We were kind of overwhelmed by that."

With help from ASLF, Rhea was able to continue diagnostic screenings with her same doctor, resuming regular mammograms and follow-up appointments.

To Dr. Sandy and the River Forest Breast Care Center's staff, price should never be a deterrent for testing or treatment. All stress the importance of early detection; 98% of breast cancer cases are curable if detected early. Starting at age 40, women must begin annual breast examinations. During these examinations, the specialist will look for any lumps or irregularities. If one's mother has or had breast cancer, the Center's staff recommends starting screenings 10 years prior to the age at which the mother was diagnosed.

"Those few months can make all the difference in the world if we do find something," Tsokolas urges. "Do not be ashamed or afraid to say that you need help. We're here to help and serve our communities."

A Silver Lining Foundation's mission is to provide respectful and equal access to cost-free breast health testing through a network of partnerships with community, advocacy, and healthcare organizations. Their vision for this mission is to ensure that socioeconomic status does not affect an individual's ability to obtain timely breast health testing. This Chicago-based not-for-profit partners with 15 hospitals across Chicago, Rockford, Elgin, Evanston, and Des Plaines.

Visit https://www.asilverliningfoundation.org/ to learn more.

Pipeline Health's vision is to be your most trusted community-based healthcare network, with a mission is to provide world-class care where you are. Their five core values are passion, compassion, innovation, integrity, and resilience. For more information, contact Mary Jo Tsokolas at 708-763-4713. ###