In October 2014 Lisa Neidert went in to Akron General for her yearly mammogram and would soon learn that she had stage 2B breast cancer.
Neidert lost her insurance that same year after she was unable to return to her job as a hotel banquet server and bartender, due to her recuperation from shoulder surgery.
Fifty five at the time, Neidert knew just how important her yearly mammograms were and after her attempt to enroll in Medicaid was unsuccessful, she was unsure how to pay for the screening when out of pocket costs are usually about $300. That’s when she learned about Muffins for Mammograms.
Muffins for Mammograms is a program in Summit County through Akron General through which the uninsured can receive free mammogram screenings year round. Funds are raised during the month of October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, by various places such as Akron General Medical Center, the Main Street Gourmet, and 94.9 WQMX.
The program has raised more than $1 million and has provided 10,000 free mammograms to women, Neidert being one of them. She was able to start treatment right away, including chemotherapy and radiation treatments. She was finally able to successfully enroll in Medicaid and focus on her journey to recovery.
Dr. Laurie B. Matt-Amaral, hematologist-oncologist at Akron General, said Neidert was, “very fortunate to get her disease diagnosed when she did.” Being able to get her yearly mammogram just may have helped with the severity of her cancer. Neidert, who has been breast cancer-free for 2 years now, said she probably would not have gotten the mammogram if it wasn’t for the Muffins for Mammograms program.
To help support the cause stop by one of five locations on Oct. 11 from 7 to 10 a.m. to purchase packages of a dozen Main Street Muffins gourmet bakery for $15. For same-day sales visit Cleveland Clinic Akron General at locations in Downtown Akron, Bath, Green, Lodi and Stow.
Akron-area Panera locations are also accepting donations with their “Operation Dough-Nation” jars. Donations can also be made online via www.akrongeneral.org.