Arlington Free Clinic’s neighbor, Pentagon Mixed Martial Arts, hosted a private Self-Defense Seminar on February 27, 2016 to benefit AFC — their third event to support AFC patients with breast cancer through their Knock Out Breast Cancer Fund.
The financial burden of cancer is huge. Since AFC patients don’t have jobs with benefits, our patients often lose their entire income while undergoing treatment. We are very grateful for the excellent pro bono care our patients receive through generous volunteer providers, but there are many other costs related to their treatment that can start to add up.
For the eight AFC patients currently in active treatment for breast cancer, transportation to and from their appointments is one such cost. During radiation therapy, patients need to go to the hospital five days a week. During chemotherapy, they typically go twice a week. Sometimes treatment lasts several months. There are so many doctors’ appointments and each one means $3.50 in bus fare to get to Virginia Hospital Center. The gift of a pre-paid SmarTrip card through the Knock Out Breast Cancer Fund helps, in a small way, to lessen the financial stress.
Pentagon MMA has relieved patients of nearly $500 in transportation costs alone since they established the fund in 2015 — as well as helping with other “extras” related to breast cancer treatment. And they are committed to supporting their neighbors in need for the long haul by organizing regular fundraising events so that the fund is always there when someone needs it.
If you’re interested in organizing a private self-defense class to support AFC for your friends, club or other group, please contact: info@pentagonmma.com.
Learn more about AFC’s Women’s Health Program here.