Perfectly Pink Pop In Party to benefit patients with cancer
ELIZABETHTOWN, KY (Sept. 24, 2024) – After her own experience with cancer, Laura Couch knew she wanted to help others on their cancer journey.
Couch, who received treatment at Baptist Health Hardin, is organizing the Perfectly Pink Pop-In Party, to benefit Baptist Health Foundation Hardin by supporting patients with cancer who need compression sleeves for lymphedema treatments.
The event, which is open to the public, will take place on Thursday, Oct. 3, 5 – 8 p.m. at the cancer center in the new Baptist Health Hardin Medical Pavilion, located at 200 Cardinal Drive in Elizabethtown.
The after-work event provides an opportunity for the community to come together, preview the new cancer center, bid on curated gift baskets, and enjoy food and drink, which is available for purchase. A therapist will provide lymphedema sleeve information and demonstrations.
Tours of the new cancer center will also be available. The party will offer a first glimpse inside the new Baptist Health Hardin Medical Pavilion, which officially opens in November. The cancer center will feature all cancer-related services – including treatment areas and a resource center – in the same location for the first time.
Laura’s Story
After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Laura Couch received a customized course of treatment from her Baptist Health Hardin care team. That treatment consisted of chemotherapy, followed by a lumpectomy, and radiation therapy.
“After my treatments were completed, I was checked for lymphedema,” Couch said. “There was a slim likelihood that I would have it, but I did. It became a part of my treatment plan, and when they told me they would ‘be seeing me for the next five years,’ they meant it. At this time, there is no cure for lymphedema. It is a condition that requires constant care with a goal to reduce the swelling to ensure the buildup of lymph fluid can be properly drained.”
Couch learned that lymphedema can be caused by cancer treatment and can be managed in a variety of ways to relieve symptoms. “One of the ways lymphedema can be managed is through a compression sleeve or stocking that fits tightly on your swollen limb to help the lymph fluid flow out.”
During the process of acquiring a compression sleeve, Couch discovered that most insurance companies do not cover the cost of the garment, which is designed to reduce pain and decrease swelling.
“The average sleeve can cost around $80, and while to some that may not be a big deal, to others it is a barrier to care they shouldn’t have to navigate while they are already walking a journey of fear and uncertainty,” Couch said. “I realized the cancer care team was pooling together money from their own pocket to help those that couldn’t pay for it themselves, and I knew then I wanted to help find a solution to help others walking the same path as me.”
After attending an event a couple of years ago, Laura was inspired to establish the Perfectly Pink Pop-In Party to support patients who need compression sleeves for lymphedema treatments.
“Baptist Health Hardin is a valuable resource that allows us to get care without having to travel and is made up of people who are so dedicated to patient care, they spend their own money to make sure their needs are met. The decision to join them to help others was an easy one for me, and hopefully it is for others too.”
The event is free, but preregistration is requested, and food and drink are available to purchase. Visit BHFHardin.MaxGiving.bid to preregister and purchase tokens for food, drink and other items in advance.
For questions or more information, text or call Laura Couch at 270.766.2560.