Coming together to reduce barriers to care

With her husband serving as a physician for more than 32 years, Laura Couch knew when a lump was found during a routine mammogram it was something she needed to take seriously. After seeking out additional testing, Laura found herself with a definitive diagnosis: breast cancer.

As part of the multidisciplinary approach at Baptist Health Hardin, one of the most advanced cancer programs in the region, patients see a team of specialists to determine a customized course of treatment planned to best meet their individual needs.  For Laura, that plan consisted of chemotherapy, followed by a lumpectomy and radiation therapy. 

“Before my scheduled lumpectomy, I was to be checked for lymphedema,” she said. “There was a slim likelihood that I would have it, but I did. It became a part of my treatment plan, and when they told me they would ‘be seeing me for the next three years’ they meant it. At this time, there is no cure for lymphedema, it is a condition that requires constant care with a goal to reduce the swelling to ensure the buildup of lymph fluid can be properly drained.”
Laura learned lymphedema can be caused by cancer treatment and can be managed in a variety of ways to relieve symptoms. “One of the ways lymphedema can be managed is through a compression sleeve or stocking that fits tightly on your swollen limb to help the lymph fluid flow out.”

During the process of acquiring a compression sleeve, Laura discovered that most insurance companies do not cover the cost of the of the garment designed to reduce pain and decrease swelling.

“The average sleeve can cost around $80, and while to some that may not be a big deal, to others it is a barrier to care they shouldn’t have to navigate while they are already walking a journey of fear and uncertainty,” she said. “I realized the cancer care team was pooling together money from their own pocket to help those that couldn’t pay for it themselves, and I knew then I wanted to help find a solution to help others walking the same path as me.”

After attending an event a couple of years ago, Laura was inspired to establish the "Perfectly Pink Pop In Party" to support patients needing compression sleeves for lymphedema treatments. Held last October, this public event invited attendees to purchase tokens for food, drinks and raffle tickets, all with the goal of raising funds to "make things a little easier for someone else." 

“I have been overwhelmed by the community support that is coming together to support those who need a helping hand,” she said. “Baptist Health Hardin is a valuable resource that allows us to get care without having to travel and is made up of people who are so dedicated to patient care they spend their own money to make sure their needs are met. The decision to join them to help others was an easy one for me, and hopefully it is for others too.”