Local Cancer Support Group Provides Necessities

-The medical bills following a cancer diagnosis can be daunting.

Many patients may not have the money or insurance coverage to pay for the necessities that can make a big difference in how they feel. But there's a local group that grants those wishes for free.

Zina Podokshik was emotionally devastated when she was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer in January of 2004. Her husband's insurance helped pay the big bills, but not for the things that really improved her mental outlook.

"Physically it's terrible. I can't even describe, I can't even say what this is," says Podokshik, as she tries to describe her cancer.

She needed several rounds of chemotherapy and extensive surgery following her diagnosis. Her treatments left her weak and puffy. 11 lymph nodes were also removed during surgery causing a condition called lymphedema, and constant pain.

"My arm was swollen like three times and I could not even hold my arm next to my body it was that uncomfortable," says Podokshik.

A compression sleeve and glove now keep fluid from accumulating in her arm. They're items she'll need for the rest of her life. But she says she could have never afforded them on her own. "One glove is almost 300 dollars, this glove."

That's where money raised at the Komen St. Louis Race for the Cure is making a big difference. The St. Louis affiliate of the Komen Foundation recently awarded one point four million dollars in grants, including four thousand dollars to Miriam Cancer Services. The Miriam Foundation will now use every one of those grant dollars to buy wigs, or other necessities for patients like Zina.

"We provide nutritional supplements, the Ensure, that type of thing. Some patients need incontinence supplies like diapers, bed pads we'll buy those, mastectomy bras and prothesis," explained Kathy Hartmann, a volunteer with Miriam Cancer Services.

"Now I can go to yoga, now I can appear in public. Because I was afraid to go in public," says Podokshik.

Now, she's regained so much of her confidence, she's planning to run a marathon to raise money for cancer patients in December. She credits the Miriam Foundation for giving her a positive outlook following her cancer diagnosis.

"I'm so glad to have the chance to say thank you very much, Miriam Foundation, for helping people like us, people living with cancer," says Podokshik.

Podokshik wants to raise money for her December marathon. She's asking for donations in her name through The Wellness Community, 1058 Old Des Peres Road, St. Louis, Missouri, 63131.

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