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Lee Ann Foundation Joins With Health Right

By Staff | Jul 28, 2009

The Lee Ann Foundation for victims of cancer has joined with Wheeling Health Right in the fight against cancer. These designated funds will be used to assist breast cancer patients with such items as co-pays, wigs, travel expenses, and other related items for treatments. Regulations will be determined by the committee as to the total amount per patient provided by the foundation.

“We are very excited to receive these funds,” said Kathie Brown, executive director for Wheeling Health Right. “Our clinic offers one of the highest breast and cervical cancer screening programs in the state and with the addition of the Lee Ann Foundation, we will be able to better serve our patients with breast cancer,” added Brown. Wheeling Health Right offers access to free comprehensive medical care, preventive care, and pharmaceuticals to the underserved.

The mission of the Lee Ann Foundation is to provide support through fund raising efforts to give those affected by cancer in Marshall, Ohio, Wetzel, Tyler, and Belmont counties a chance.

The emotional and physical impact of a breast cancer diagnosis is overwhelming; financial decisions can be unbearable. For many patients insurance coverage is a major issue along with the challenges of paying for medications, transportation to and from treatment, and supportive care services. The focus of the Lee Ann Foundation is to reduce some of the financial burden for patients and families during their battle to overcome this disease. All funds stay in the local area to support those in need.

The Lee Ann Foundation began as a tribute to Lee Ann Schambach who passed away at the age of 54 from breast cancer. Lee Ann’s family created the foundation and has been working with the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley in securing donations for this fund. The CFOV has received numerous donations in Lee Ann’s memory and other fund raisers are in the planning stages by the committee. Some of those contributions received included very kind words for Lee Ann speaking of her perpetual smile, strong work ethic, and strength through her valiant fight with inflammatory breast cancer.

“Lee Ann will be greatly missed by her family and those who had the pleasure of knowing her,” stated Brian Schambach. “My plans were to honor my wife who fought so hard to beat this disease. As a long-time friend of the CFOV and acting as an advisor on the Bridgeport Educational Assistance Foundation Fund, I knew that our family had to create a foundation to assist others who are fighting breast cancer. Through this foundation, Lee Ann’s legacy of love, kindness, and generosity will carry on to those in her beloved community. Lee Ann would be very pleased to know that we are working with Wheeling Health Right by offering support to cancer patients that cannot afford some of the added expenses that go along with treatment.”

Lee Ann was a 1973 Magnolia High School graduate, a West Virginia University graduate, and a devoted WVU Football fan. She was a teacher for 30 years in the Wetzel County School System. Nurturing her two sons, Trent and Carson’s golfing skills, Lee Ann led the way for both of them to receive Division I Golf Scholarships.

Events planned to raise awareness for the Lee Ann Foundation include the 12th Annual Debbie Green Memorial 5K Run/Walk on Aug. 1 at Heritage Port in memory of Lee Ann Schambach.

On Aug. 30 her sons, Trent and Carson Schambach, will host an Inaugural Golf Scramble at Belmont Hills Country Club to raise awareness and funds to support the Lee Ann Foundation.

Donations can be made to the fund by sending a check to the Community Foundation for the Lee Ann Foundation, P O. Box 670, Wheeling, WV 26003, or by visiting www.LeeAnnFoundation.com.