Each year, nearly 200,000 people in America receive the life-altering diagnosis of breast cancer. In Maryland, more than 4,800 families cope with that reality annually. The Red Devils, founded in 2002, has invested more than $4.5 million in services to 8,500 breast cancer families so they may better cope with the economic and emotional strain of living with the disease.
The Red Devils have partnerships with 31 hospitals or other facilities throughout Maryland. Their medical staff and social workers refer patients to The Red Devils' business partners who provide a variety of services at no charge to the patient. Service providers authorized to respond to patients’ needs include van, sedan, and taxi companies; professional house cleaning franchises; Moveable Feast, Meals on Wheels, and catering companies; respite and home care agencies; pharmacies; and complementary therapies practitioners.
Accessing and remaining in treatment are critical steps in positively affecting the outcomes of a breast cancer diagnosis. Logistical and financial barriers such as lack of insurance, cost of services, conflicting priorities, and lack of family support, to cite a few, are among the barriers preventing women from entering or continuing care. The Journal of the National Cancer Institute confirms that eliminating those barriers is important in addressing disparities in breast cancer diagnosis outcomes linked to risk factors of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic levels, and urban/rural location.
As Breast Cancer Awarness Month kicks off in October, The Red Devils are hosting a new signature event. Taking place October 8th through 10th, The Good Life is designed to enlighten, entertain, engage and empower. It will feature 50 curated content presentations of virtual and in-person experiences from experts in the culinary arts, performing arts, health and beauty, home and hearth and relaxation and recreation.
Adding to the fun will be virtual trivia, musical bingo and zentangle presentations, plus a virtual golf tournament, silent and live auction, Nelson Coleman Jewelers $1,000 shopping spree raffle, spirits wall, virtual expo hall and more.
Admission ranges from $60 to $190/person from single-session access to an all-access pass, plus various add-on options for extended engagement in-person immersion opportunities. To register for The Good Life or learn more about its presenters and the event schedule, visit TheGoodLifeMD.org.
In advance of their fundraiser, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Today's 101.9's Liz Drabick talked to The Red Devils' Executive Director Jan Martin. Ms. Martin previewed the upcoming event and talked about how they act as liaison to provide services and assistance to families struck by breast cancer. Click the player below to hear Spotlight On Maryland from Sunday.
You can learn more by visiting The Red Devils' website or The Good Life's. Follow The Red Devils on Instagram. They're also on Facebook.
Listen to Today's 101.9 any time by clicking the audio above.