Donors provide relief for breast cancer survivors through laser therapy treatment

Breast cancer treatment often leaves lasting effects – disrupting the lymphatic system causing swelling, pain and limited mobility. But thanks to donor generosity, IU Health patients are finding relief through laser therapy, a gentle, non-invasive treatment that reduces swelling and eases discomfort.

Generous donations to IU Health Foundation ensure that this therapy is provided free of charge to the patients who need it most. The procedure isn’t covered by most insurance, because it falls outside what’s deemed the standard of care. And just $20 covers one session – bringing comfort and healing to survivors like Sara Peterman, Donna Marlatt and others.

“This machine goes over the scar tissue and the muscles that surround it,” Sara said. “It doesn’t hurt. There’s no pain at all.”

The impact changes lives.

“I could see a big difference,” she said. “I went from hardly being able to lift my arm to being able to get it over my head. I mean, it really helped.” For Donna, laser therapy – combined with occupational therapy – has been central to her recovery.

“After I’ve had laser therapy and OT, I know I’m going to have a good week,” she said. “I’m very thankful to be in a place where I could experience that treatment and access it. Not everyone has that opportunity.”