Mollenkopf Aesthetic Breast Reconstruction Fund

The Mollenkopf Aesthetic Breast Reconstruction Fund provides life-changing support to patients facing financial obstacles in completing their aesthetic breast reconstruction journey following breast cancer. This fund is possible thanks to the generosity of Susan and Steve Mollenkopf, with matching funds from the Qualcomm Foundation.

Purpose

We believe breast cancer patients with limited financial means deserve the opportunity to achieve the best possible aesthetic breast reconstruction result. We also understand aesthetic surgeons are vital in helping breast cancer patients feel good about themselves after their reconstruction and aiding them in their journey to "feel whole again." That's why we want to help surgeons help their patients by providing financial support to the women who need it most.

Grant Amount

Up to $10,000 towards a breast cancer patient’s breast reconstruction surgery or revisional breast reconstruction surgery.

Patient Criteria

• Patients must be under the care of an Aesthetic Society member surgeon in the US. (If the patient is currently not in the care of a Society member, she/he can explore finding a member surgeon in her area to see if a switch to make her/him eligible is possible.) 

• Patients must require aesthetic breast reconstruction as a result of breast cancer. A grant may not be used for treating acute breast surgery complications from prior surgeries. 

• Patients must agree to participate in a research survey on patient satisfaction, which consists of “The Breast Q” pre- and post-surgery surveys. 

• We may ask selected patients to provide their stories, which may be highlighted in future The Aesthetic Society or The Aesthetic Foundation printed or electronic communications.

• The patient may not be a family member or employee of the surgeon.

Who Can Apply

Aesthetic Society members in the US can apply for a grant on their eligible patient’s behalf.

Application Requirements

• Download and complete the Application Form

• Please be prepared to provide the following:

  • Brief Clinical History: Breast cancer type, date of diagnosis, prior surgeries and reconstructions, therapeutic treatments (including chemotherapy and radiation), current disease-free status. 

  • Reconstructive plan and goals 

  • Amount of funds requested and the designated use of funds

  • Acknowledgment that patient has agreed to participate in pre-and post-surgical Breast Q survey. 

  • Original signed copy of the Patient Participation Agreement and Medical Release

• Mail all required documentation to: 

Award Process

• The Mollenkopf Breast Reconstruction Fund Grant Review Committee reviews all submitted cases. 

• After review, we will inform you via email whether or not we will fund your case. 

• The Aesthetic Foundation will provide a reimbursement of up to $10,000. Ideally, the surgeon will donate their surgical services, and the awarded grant would cover additional surgical fees such as anesthesia, operating room fees, and pathology testing. Grant funds can also be applied to non-surgery expenses associated with the final stage of patient’s breast reconstruction journey from breast cancer. (Examples include co-pays, medications, medical equipment and transportation to and from appointments.) The Foundation has found that there is a need from unserved and underserved patients for help in covering non-surgery-related expenses on top of surgical expenses.

Timing

You can apply at any time. We provide approvals on a rolling basis.

Questions?

For questions on eligibility and applying, please contact Ivan Rodriguez, Development and Grants Manager, at (562) 799-2356 or ivan@theaestheticsociety.org.

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