By: Trisa McFadden [Estate Planning / Breast Cancer Awareness]
Peace of Mind Starts Here
The blog uses inspiring personal stories of resilience during health battles to underscore the profound importance of proactive planning for everyone. When facing a serious illness, having a comprehensive estate plan in place is one of the most empowering steps you can take. Offering immediate peace of mind and crucial legal tools like a Power of Attorney and Health Care Directives, ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones can focus on your care, not on administrative burdens. Ultimately, taking the time to plan your financial and medical legacy is a selfless act that provides security and control, allowing you to live fully even when life presents unexpected challenges.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor those fighting the battle, as well as those who have overcome it. For me, it’s a personal reminder of two incredible women in my life who faced breast cancer head-on with strength and grace. Their stories are a testament to the power of determination and love.
One of these women is my mother-in-law, Kathy. She’s a nurse who, even while going through radiation treatments, was dedicated to caring for others. During her battle with breast cancer, she didn’t just endure her own treatment. Kathy continued to show up for the people around her — always thinking of others, even when she was facing her own tough fight. When she rang the bell at the end of her treatment, marking her victory over cancer, she was still wearing her scrubs; a symbol of the commitment, strength, and grace she embodies.
The other woman is Melissa; she was like a second mother to me growing up. She’s the kind of person who’s always giving, always there to help. I’ll never forget the time she scooped me up in the middle of a snow-covered street, barefoot, to carry me home to my mom after I’d been hurt building snow forts in front of her house. Melissa’s selflessness is unparalleled.
Throughout my life she has always shown up cheering me on and willing to help in any way possible. The biggest blessing was to know she had finished treatment and was in remission. Even after enduring chemotherapy, she took the time to give back to her nurses, showing gratitude and love in every step of her journey.
These women, along with so many others, embody the essence of resilience. But as we reflect on their strength, it’s also crucial that we consider the practical aspects of life during such difficult times. Estate planning, though often overlooked, can provide critical peace of mind when you need it the most.
The Connection Between Estate Planning and Cancer
While my own care giving experience with cancer was different (my father’s battle with stage 4 renal cell carcinoma), I witnessed firsthand the importance of having an estate plan in place. Watching my father’s struggle made me realize how essential it is to have your affairs in order, especially during health crises.
Estate planning might seem like a distant thought when you’re focused on fighting cancer, but it’s actually one of the most empowering things you can do. It ensures that you don’t have to worry about your finances, your medical wishes, or the future of your loved ones while you’re navigating your treatment.
The Importance of Estate Planning During a Health Crisis
For anyone facing a health crisis, whether it’s cancer or another severe illness, estate planning is about peace of mind. It’s one less thing you have to worry about when everything else feels out of control.
Here are just a few reasons why it’s crucial:
- Power of Attorney (POA): During cancer treatment, you may find yourself too exhausted, too sick, or simply unable to deal with the administrative tasks that pile up. A general durable power of attorney ensures someone you trust can step in and handle finances, deal with your insurance, and manage bills. When my father was too ill to handle any of this, my sister and I were able to step in without hesitation, empowered by our appointment as his Powers of Attorney.
- Health Care Directives: Whether you’re battling cancer or any life-threatening illness, having a healthcare power of attorney in place ensures that your medical wishes are honored, even if you’re not in a position to communicate them. For my dad, knowing that my sister and I were his designated healthcare agents meant he could focus on his fight, knowing we had his back.
- Retirement and Benefits: When my father’s short-term disability ran out, having an estate plan meant that we could help him transition to SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) without the added stress on him.
- Protecting Assets and Planning for Long-Term Care: While we often think of estate planning in terms of wills and POAs, there’s another crucial aspect to consider: protecting your assets in the event you need long-term care. Cancer treatments alone can be expensive, but when you factor in the possibility of needing extended care in a facility, the financial burden can be overwhelming.
Long-Term Care Planning
No one wants to think about the potential need for long-term care, but the reality is that, for some, it becomes a necessity. Whether it’s post-surgery recovery, chemotherapy side effects, or general aging, having a plan in place to protect assets is critical. Through pre-planning, we can explore options for asset protection to safeguard your estate in the event you need to move into a care facility, whether temporarily or permanently.
Breast Cancer Awareness: Early Detection and Prevention
While having an estate plan is incredibly important, it’s equally crucial to remember the importance of early detection. The sooner breast cancer is detected, the better the chances are for effective treatment.
Self-exams are a simple but important way to stay on top of your health. You don’t have to wait for a mammogram to notice changes in your body. Early detection can make a significant difference in outcomes. You can learn more about breast self-exams here.
The American Cancer Society recommends that women start getting annual mammograms at age 45, but earlier screenings may be necessary if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors.
Many women face barriers when trying to schedule a mammogram. Many don’t know where to call or face other concerns such as cost. The Indiana Department of Health has a program known as the Indiana Breast and Cervical Cancer Program and it is part of a national program known as the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. This program provides access to breast and cervical cancer screenings, diagnostic testing, and treatment for underserved and underinsured people who qualify for services. You can find free and low-cost services here.
Empowering Women Through Knowledge and Estate Planning
Estate planning isn’t just about preparing for the worst — it’s about empowering yourself to live fully, even when life throws you curveballs. It’s about ensuring that the people you love can focus on what really matters, whether that’s helping you fight cancer or simply being present during tough times.
At our law firm, which was founded by and remains co-owned by women, we believe in empowering women through every aspect of life — from legal planning to fighting cancer. We’re here to help women like my mother-in-law and Melissa, who embody strength and resilience. Our goal is to make sure you feel supported and confident, knowing that you’ve taken the necessary steps to secure your future.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is more than just a reminder of the fight against cancer. It’s a reminder of the power of women, women like my mother-in-law, who not only battled cancer but also cared for others during their illnesses as a nurse while undergoing treatment. And women like Melissa, who gave so much love and made sure others felt appreciated while simultaneously undergoing chemotherapy. Their stories are a testament to the power of planning, of being prepared for the unexpected, and of living fully in every moment.
As we honor their bravery, let’s also honor the importance of estate planning. It’s not just about the future; it’s about having peace of mind today so you can focus on what matters most — your health, your family, and your legacy.