Mollenkopf Aesthetic Breast Reconstruction Fund for breast cancer patients – now available nationwide

The Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation (ASERF) is pleased to announce that the Mollenkopf Aesthetic Breast Reconstruction Fund, which aids breast cancer patients in completing their aesthetic breast reconstruction journey, is now available nationwide.

The Fund, established in 2016 and made possible through generous restricted donations to ASERF by Susan and Steve Mollenkopf and matched by the Qualcomm Foundation, provides grants of up to $5,000 to assist underinsured or uninsured patients in completing a quality aesthetic breast reconstruction following breast cancer.

To date, the generosity of the Mollenkopfs and Qualcomm has resulted in the availability of more than 60 grants to eligible patients. The proliferation of this unique patient support inspired Susan Mollenkopf -- herself a two-time breast cancer survivor and patient of Aesthetic Society member Dr. Scott Barttelbort -- to give her blessing to expanding the Fund's availability for patients nationwide.

"We are so grateful to Susan and Steve Mollenkopf for their continued support of this fund and for generously extending their commitment to give hope to women across America," said Dr. Barttelbort.

The ideal candidate to receive a Mollenkopf grant are women who have had breast reconstruction but for whatever reason, still have unacceptable results and who are deferring surgery due to financial difficulties. Ideally, doctors would donate their surgical skills and the grant money would help cover the patient's operating room fees, anesthesia, deductibles and other related expenses.

For Aesthetic Society member surgeons who have patients eligible for a Mollenkopf Fund grant, please download the grant request form, which outlines the criteria and application process. When a surgeon confirms patient eligibility, complete the form and return to ASERF in a timely manner. At that time, a four-person committee will review all grant requests.

This collaboration between ASERF, the Mollenkopfs and Qualcomm has already positively impacted women on a regional level and is ready to help change lives in all 50 states.

For additional information on the Fund, please contact Ivan Rodriguez at (562) 799-2356 or ivan@theaestheticsociety.org.