Giving for health is on the rise because it just makes sense. Companies that are giving back to support healthcare initiatives know that they can make an impact on the economy and overall wellness of a community.

It works because – even after all the regulations on healthcare, the efforts to bring stability to medical spending, the awareness created around finding cures, and the increasing attention for healthy living – we are human. We know that there is a limit to what we can do about the various and unknown reasons for disease, genetics, impacts of harmful environments, accidents, and pre-existing conditions. When it comes to our health, we need assurance that we are doing the best we can to live and survive.

In 2016, Vince Del Rossi, owner of Health Mats, came up with the idea to do a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. The idea was to create a floor mat with a pink ribbon design that could be used by our customers to support local breast cancer patients during October. Our customers would be invited to participate by donating $25 or more.

As we talked with oncologists, nonprofits, and cancer patients, we learned first-hand the financial burden that breast cancer patients endure so that they can live.

The financial hardship that patients encounter is a combination of need that includes food, transportation, day-to-day expenses, monthly costs of living, healthcare, and supportive programs. Co -pays and deductibles are one of the biggest areas of need because some patients are in appointments several times a week. We learned that while insurance companies will help with some costs, the co-pays for appointments are not covered at all.

Patients with breast cancer need to show up for several different appointments, including chemotherapy, radiation, nutrition, regular check-ups, surgery, and other appointments as determined by the patient’s team of doctors. Depending on the type of insurance carried, the co-payments for appointments can cost between $50 and $150 per appointment.

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We believe that breast cancer patients should only have to worry about getting well, not how they will be able to afford their treatments. This is just another reason why we want to raise money for patients. This money can go toward their co-pays, transportation to appointments, food, other daily needs, and more. Between receiving chemotherapy, radiation, nutrition, or general check-ups, the costs add up and can become a stressor for many families. Since this disease affects those around us, it’s important to come together to fight back.

How Our Fundraiser Works

When a new or loyal customer donates $25 or more, they will receive a pink ribbon courage mat for their commercial property. Not only will you receive a beautiful mat for one month, you will also be standing with your local community in support of breast cancer awareness. Even if your company does not need a mat, you are still invited to help with a donation of any amount. Health Mats will be delivering the mats at the end of September, so it’s important to get a head start! Once the fundraiser is over, we will be picking the mats up in early November for your convenience.

How We Were Able to Give Back

Through our Pink Ribbon Courage Mat Fundraiser last year, we were able to raise $4,800. Thanks to all the generous donations, we were able to give 100 percent of the funds to two patients in need. This money helped offer support to the both as they underwent radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

This year, our goal is to raise even more money than the previous year. We hope that by raising more money, we will be able to give back to even more patients in need. Through our relationship with Crozer-Keystone Hospital in Delaware County, we will be put in contact with local breast cancer patients who need support. With the strength of our community behind them, we can help make the lives of these breast cancer patients just a little easier.

We want to hear from you!

To find out more information, please contact Kristina Smith, Business Development/Marketing Manager at Health Mats, at 484-487-2496.

If your company would like to reserve a pink ribbon courage mat for the month of October, please contact Bridget Schopfer, Service Coordinator, at 484-487-2492.

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