It is both my privilege and my pleasure to serve as President of Gateway to Hope, a unique organization dedicated to those who have a breast cancer diagnosis but no place to turn for treatment because they either have no insurance or are underinsured.  Let me assure you that “you’ve come to the right place” if you need medical or surgical help and find yourself in this unfortunate situation.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer just about the same time that Gateway to Hope began.  My surgical oncologist, Dr. Marlys Schuh, was a co-founder of GTH along with Dr. David Caplin, a reconstructive surgeon.  Once my own treatment was completed I was ready to help those who were in the same situation I had faced – with one MAJOR difference…..I had the necessary insurance to begin my life-saving journey; they do not.  Frankly, I had a difficult time imagining how stressful and anxiety-ridden that would be.  So I decided that my personal goal would be to help build the organization and get the word out to people who needed our help but didn’t know we were there for them.  This website is just one of many giant steps toward achieving that goal.

To date we have successfully treated over 260 persons (including one man!).  We have a network of over 150 partners and providers who donate their time and services beginning with the initial cancer surgery to reconstruction (if necessary) to radiation to chemotherapy to medication.  They are all highly qualified, caring and compassionate professionals with a wide range of expertise.  And thanks to Thelma’s Gift, a special fund established by a family who lost a loved one to this dreaded disease, we can also provide assistance with transportation, medication, household expenses and childcare when needed. 

So welcome to the Gateway to Hope website.  We’re glad you found us and you will be too – whether you’re a potential patient or you know someone who could be.  Give us a call at 314-569-1113.  We’ll be there for you every step of the way!