FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about the Pat Kracker Breast Cancer Fund.
Rhonda at Kiwanis
The fund was established in 1996 in memory of Mansfield resident, Pat Kracker, who lost her battle with breast cancer on her 61st birthday.
The initial purpose of the fund was to make financial assistance available to any woman in Richland County who was in need of a mammogram or other diagnostic procedures that she could not otherwise afford. Early detection is key. As time progressed, public education initiatives were added, stressing the vital need to detect this breast cancer at its earliest stages. The fund is continually evolving and most recently considering a broadened approach to assistance which includes help before and if breast cancer strikes. In a nutshell, the fund was established to help Richland County breast cancer patients and survivors in whatever way we can.
Any Richland County breast cancer patient or survivor can receive assistance from the Fund. In addition to financial assistance, consultation and resource referrals are available. All assistance is subject to financial assessment and/or committee review.
The Pat Kracker Breast Cancer Fund assesses each case individually and a determination is made on several factors as to what type of assistance is given. We want to help and the best way to know if you qualify for assistance is to Talk with Rhonda.
The Pat Kracker Breast Cancer Fund assesses each case individually and a determination is made on several factors as to what type of assistance is given. Do not assume that we won’t or cannot help. We want to. And we help in many ways beyond financials. The best way to know if you qualify for assistance is to Contact us.
We have been known to cover many things including but not limited to:
- Wigs
- Prostheses
- Bras
- Rent/house payments
- Utilities
- Car payments
- Gas cards to assist with transportation to and from appointments
We continue to consider additional possibilities for assistance based on our interaction with breast cancer patients and survivors who share their needs with us.
I’m not comfortable talking to just anyone about personal care. Where can I obtain things like wigs, prostheses and bras on my own?
We understand!
We are always seeking new resources to assist with patient/survivor referrals. Currently, the following affiliates would be happy to assist you:
- Anna’s Touch
- Downtown Hair designers
- American Cancer Society
In addition to the physical toll breast cancer has taken, I’m finding the mental and emotional roller coaster to be quite challenging. Can you help?
We are not qualified to offer counseling directly. We do draw from others’ stories and personal experience to be encouraging however we can. We are fostering new relationships daily that we rely on to provide services that address the mental and emotional battle breast cancer presents. Please feel free to contact us for a referral.
We do!
We provide copies of “Breast Cancer Treatment Guide” authored by RN, OCN Judy C Kneece to all new patients. A copy can be obtained through your Nurse Navigator or you can Contact us.
Yes!
We understand that bills associated with breast cancer related issues can be numerous and overwhelming. The amounts not covered can create a financial hardship. The Pat Kracker Breast Cancer Fund assesses each case individually and a determination is made on several factors as to what type of assistance is given. We also provide a broad array of assistance that is not financial related including referrals, support, consultation, etc. Do not assume that we won’t or cannot help. We want to help you. The best way to know if you qualify for assistance is to Contact us.
The Pat Kracker Breast Cancer Fund assesses each case individually and a determination is made on several factors as to any financial support that is given. We partner with Catholic Charities to perform financial assessments, when needed, and determine the best sources of assistance that are available to individuals. Contact us today to make an appointment.
Please fill out the Contact form found at the top of our website under Contact and we will be happy to assist you with an appointment. If you prefer, you may also contact Catholic Charities directly at 419) 524-0733, extension 226 and ask for Case Manager, Laurie Hamrick.
For tax and accountability purposes, all financial disbursements are made directly to the service or care provider. Any exceptions to this rule would require the review and approval of the Pat Kracker Breast Cancer Fund Chairperson.
We’re so glad you asked! We want to offer this type of support.
We are currently exploring ways to offer family support while patients/survivors try to establish a new normal created by this disease. We are implementing some ideas currently but would love your help to better understand this need. Please contact us and share.
The Pat Kracker Breast Cancer Fund Committee is actively involved in numerous community activities and fund raisers. Stay tuned to local media sources for information on upcoming events. You may also visit the Events portion of our website at the top of the page for information on upcoming and previous events. You may also visit and Like our Facebook page which is updated frequently.
Be creative!
We are open to new ideas and will support your efforts however we can. We are happy to suggest ideas for fund raisers that have been successful in the past or have yet to be tried. Contact us for assistance.
You are not required to contact us and are free to host a fund raiser/event and simply contribute to the Fund upon completion. However, we are happy to provide promotional items and offer assistance in any way we can. We’d also like to advertise your event on social media and our website.
We would love to!
As much as possible our Chairperson and Co-Chairperson will attend. Our committee members are also willing to attend and represent with us or on our behalf when available.
Absolutely!
We have a standard presentation we would love to share at your fund raiser/event. The presentation focuses on awareness, early detection, the Fund itself and how ‘We’ can Help!
Yes!
We are happy to provide promotional items at no charge to those who conduct fund raisers on our behalf. Contact us for assistance.
Absolutely!
Local funeral services are aware of the Fund. Simply notify the entity in charge of services that memorial contributions are to be made to us in memory of your loved one. If you need help with that or would prefer we contact them for you, simply Contact us for assistance. We’re happy to help.
You can donate two ways. Checks can be made out to the Pat Kracker Breast Cancer Fund and mailed to: PO Box 3552, Mansfield, OH 44907 or you can secure your donation through PayPal.
100% of every dollar spent by the Pat Kracker Breast Cancer Fund supports our mission to Help Richland County breast cancer patients and survivors however we can.
Yes. All contributions to the Pat Kracker Breast Cancer Fund where no goods or services were received are tax deductible.