Breast Health Fund offers financial aid to people fighting cancer

MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

There are roughly 10,000 new cases of breast cancer in Michigan every year.

Costs associated with treatment can add up greatly.

Together, the Superior Health Foundation and the Marquette County Health Department aim to alleviate that burden.

The Breast Health Fund offers up to $2,500 for individuals with breast cancer.

Throughout October, the SHF is encouraging you to support its cause with its Paint the Peninsula Pink campaign.

Megan Murphy and Brianna Mileski join Tia Trudgeon and John Redfield on Upper Michigan Today to discuss the impacts of the fund and how you can support it.

But first, the hosts share more facts about breast cancer and how it affects Michiganders.

Each October, the Superior Health Foundation launches its PINK calendar and encourages you to sponsor a day in honor of a loved one who had or has breast cancer.

All proceeds go to the Breast Health Fund, which provides direct cash assistance to individuals with limited income who face breast health-related medical expenses.

Through the support of sponsors and a grant from the M.E. Davenport Foundation, the Superior Health Foundation has given over $40,000 to 17 individuals across 7 counties from October 2024 to October 2025.

You can sponsor a date and directly support someone in your community with breast cancer at superiorhealthfoundation.org.

There are a few lifestyle factors that could put you at risk for breast cancer.

Physical inactivity is one of them.

Tia Trudgeon speaks to Dr. Androni Henry of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to discuss the importance of maintaining fitness as we get older.

The conversation carries into the importance of maintaining good mental health as we get older.

You can visit bcbsm.com to view resources for healthy aging.

And finally, Tia and John wrap up the show with a discussion about other resources for people with breast cancer across the U.P., including the Dickinson County Cancer Unit Loan Closet and the Iron County Cancer Loan Closet.

You can watch Upper Michigan Today on weekdays at 9:00 a.m. ET on FOX UP or stream the show on your smart device with TV6+.

Copyright 2025 WLUC. All rights reserved.