Fund assists Tucson breast cancer patients

A breast cancer diagnosis brings a range of emotions—fear of treatment and surgery and worry about one’s future chief among them. For many, the cost of treatment and ongoing medical care adds yet another level of stress. Thanks to charitable gifts from the Rockefeller Foundation and a group of Tucson cyclists, qualifying patients at the University of Arizona Cancer Center now have a source of financial assistance. A new Breast Cancer Patient Assistance Fund was created at the UA Cancer Center, supporting patients with financial need with costs such as diagnostic imaging, transportation to and from appointments, and supportive therapies and needs including counseling, oncology massage, acupuncture, wigs, and prosthetic supplies.

Tucson Riders 4 the Cure is a group of local residents who have been riding in the El Tour de Tucson annual cycling event to raise funds for breast cancer for the past 11 years. In 2021, Nurse Practitioner Robin Giles organized the group of 20 riders to support the Breast Cancer Patient Assistance Fund at the UA Cancer

Center. “Many of our riders are breast cancer survivors or have spouses or family members who are,” says Giles, whose husband is a 21-year survivor of male breast cancer. “We were thrilled to partner with the Banner Health Foundation,” Giles adds. Together, through sponsorships and individual fundraising, the group raised more than $30,000 for the Breast Cancer Patient Assistance Fund to assist patients with the cost of diagnostic imaging.

Breast cancer survivor Robin Wineinger and her husband, Kurt, are both longtime members of the Tucson Riders 4 the Cure.