HOME: Secret Sisters Society -- What Is It?

What is the Secret Sisters Society?
The Secret Sisters Society is a specialinitiative of the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center Women’s Task Force, comprised of women cancer survivors that came together to raise awareness and give the opportunity to sponsor women and save a life. The Secret Sisters Society fund will allow underserved women, ages 40-90 to receive a screening mammogram. These women would qualify for the existing Breast & Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP) due to income, but would not receive a screening mammogram until they reach the age of 50. The Secret Sisters Society believes these younger women should have access to a screening mammogram - because early detection is the key to surviving breast cancer.

WHERE do women get their Secret Sisters mammograms?
The Secret Sisters Society Mammogram Program is all0inclusive.  Women choose where they will receive their mammogram. Between March 1, 2003 and October 1, 2007, nearly 2,000 mammograms have been provided or scheduled at the following locations: Saint Joseph Regional Medical Centers in Mishawaka, Plymouth and South Bend, Elkhart General Hospital, and Memorial Hospital. These were provided to women in St. Joseph, Elkhart, Marshall, Kosciusko, LaGrange, LaPorte, Noble & Starke Counties.

HOW is the program funded?
Each September since 2002, the Women’s Task Force of Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center has held a Secret Sisters Society Luncheon & Style Show. Through the ongoing support of the Secret Sisters Society luncheon attendees, members and sponsors the Secret Sisters Society has reimbursed more than $140,000 in Secret Sisters funds to program providers.

As the number of uninsured women between ages 40 – 49 continues to grow and more providers move to digital technology, the Secret Sisters Society will need more funds to meet the needs of our community. The switch to digital technology increased the cost of Secret Sisters mammograms by 32%.

WHO is eligible?
The Secret Sisters Society Mammogram fund is administered United Health Services (UHS), local administrators for the State of Indiana’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP). Women may be referred to UHS by a healthcare provider or they can call the UHS directly to see if they financially qualify for the program. If additional testing is necessary, or if cancer is detected, treatment will be paid for through the BCCP.

To date, 148 of the women screened have needed additional views or ultrasounds and 21 needed a biopsy.  hree women have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are currently in treatment.

The Women’s Task Force of Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center is
Proud to partner with United Health Services to make this program
possible. For more information, please contact the Women’s
Task Force at 574-472-6095 or visit www.womenstaskforce.org.