Posted February 10, 2011

LANGHORNE – When Terri Scanlon was undergoing treatment for breast cancer two years ago at St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne, she was overwhelmed by the high costs she incurred with copays and out-of-pocket expenses during the course of her treatment. Thanks to the generosity of area residents and the proceeds from a recent fundraiser, cancer patients who struggle with the out-of-pocket costs of treatment can receive assistance through the hospital’s new No-Pay Copay Fund.

The Dance to Make a Difference fund raising event, hosted by Pennsbury Racquet and Athletic Club, recently raised more than $27,000 for the new patient-assistance fund.

Gene Epstein, a Bucks County philanthropist, offered a challenge grant of $10,000 if Scanlon and her group could raise $10,000 in addition to the funds raised at the dance event. Scanlon and a committee of volunteers reached that goal in three weeks, and Epstein donated $10,000 through the Just Hire One initiative, bringing the total amount raised to nearly $48,000.

“We are extremely grateful to have the opportunity to offer this type of financial support to area cancer patients,” said Terri Rivera, vice president of mission and community health at St. Mary Medical Center. “Thanks to the efforts and generosity of all those who made this fund possible, patients can receive the treatments they need without the additional stress of financial concerns.”

To make a donation or for more information about the No-Pay Copay Fund at St. Mary Medical Center Foundation, call 215-710-2243.