In a significant move toward increasing access to medical care, Mission Plasticos, a nonprofit organization, is now providing breast reconstruction surgeries at no cost to women who need them but can’t afford them. This initiative, particularly poignant for breast cancer survivors who have undergone mastectomies, was highlighted by the story of Gloria Infante, a Texas resident who benefited from the nonprofit’s services.
Infante, who lives near the Mexican border, faced substantial financial hardship to afford her chemotherapy and mastectomy after being diagnosed with cancer in 2016. Without insurance, she and her family struggled, as reported by KUT. She expressed that the opportunity for reconstructive surgery seemed financially out of reach until she learned about Mission Plasticos.
The cost of breast reconstruction can range anywhere from $15,000 to $100,000, putting it out of reach for many survivors. Yet, the emotional and psychological importance of such surgeries cannot be overstated. "Once they know there’s hope and a plan, the excitement and joy they feel are palpable," Dr. Johnny Franco of Austin Plastic Surgeon explained, in a statement obtained by CBS Austin. Franco volunteered his services as part of the effort to offer reconstruction to women like Infante.
The U.S. Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act mandates most insurance coverage for mastectomy to include breast reconstruction. However, Infante's predicament underscores a hardship that many women, especially in Texas, face. According to KUT's coverage, Medicaid coverage of the procedures varies by state, and not all women, particularly undocumented individuals ineligible for Medicaid, can get timely access to reconstruction.
As for Infante, her life was substantially impacted by the generosity of Mission Plasticos and the volunteer medical professionals. “It was a blessing,” she recounted to KUT. “Sincerely, it was a blessing.” She is one of the first in Texas to receive care through the Full Circle program and expects to have her permanent implants placed after the upcoming new year.
