Something did not feel right. Elwood Rice had injured the right side of his chest at work. After several months, it still had not healed, so he sought medical attention.
The 58-year-old York resident has family members who have had cancer. Doctors ran some tests, including a mammogram.
“I tried to stay hopeful, but he was pessimistic given his family history of cancer,” Rice’s wife, Ivy, said. “I initially wondered, do men get breast cancer?”
They do. In March, Rice was diagnosed with breast cancer, underwent chemotherapy treatment and had a bilateral mastectomy at WellSpan.
Not only did WellSpan provide medical care for Elwood, the organization also provided care for his whole person by providing financial support when he could not work during his treatment. This allowed him to heal without the worry of how he was going to pay his bills and keep his household running.
Rice received support from WellSpan’s Cancer Patient Help Fund, a beneficiary of donations made by community members and WellSpan team members.
“The gift of life is eternal, but the gift of financial and emotional freedom is invaluable. WellSpan truly supported me during this challenging period,” Rice said.
Rice has always been driven at his job crafting cooling systems, readying himself for work the night before so he could arrive early the next day. He was proud of his assembly skills and his ability to help others.
But as he underwent cancer treatment, Rice found himself struggling with basic tasks. He was unable to drive and found it challenging to button his shirt or walk without a cane, due to the side effects of treatment. But he kept his characteristic drive and even retained his sense of humor.
Ashley Sheaffer, Rice’s breast cancer nurse navigator at WellSpan, says he had the mentality that “I will and can do this,” which is a testimony that “If you set your mind to it, you will get through it,” she said.
The WellSpan Cancer Patient Help Fund provided essential support for the Rices, helping with rent, car insurance and other monthly household expenses. This fund aids patients grappling with the financial strains of cancer, covering essential living costs for those who meet certain financial criteria.
“The shift in income drastically changed our lifestyle,” Ivy Rice remarked. “Being free from the burden of managing health issues and financial concerns was a tremendous relief and significantly eased Elwood’s stress.
“With each passing day, he grows stronger,” his wife said, “and I see him fighting to reclaim the person he aspires to be.”
