Laws Creating Disparities
Roberta Lombardi Roberta Lombardi

Laws Creating Disparities

A deeper look into the rise in homelessness and housing instability and the role state laws play in health disparities for low-income families, specifically single mothers living with MBC.

Read More
Breast Cancer Genetic Testing; Why It Is Important and What You Should Know
Life Support Panel Roberta Lombardi Life Support Panel Roberta Lombardi

Breast Cancer Genetic Testing; Why It Is Important and What You Should Know

Genetic testing is a powerful tool for patients to utilize and can offer greater insights into the treatment best suited for breast cancer. Today, we discussed the benefits of genetic testing for both early stage and Metastatic Breast Cancer, what every patient should know when making the decision to get tested, and the psychosocial impact genetic testing has on patients and their families.

Read More
Raising Children While Living With MBC And The Role Of The Caregiver</a>
Life Support Panel Roberta Lombardi Life Support Panel Roberta Lombardi

Raising Children While Living With MBC And The Role Of The Caregiver

This Life Support Panel Discussion takes an introspective look at the challenges faced by those living with Metastatic Breast Cancer while raising children. Topics covered during our conversation included how to ask for help, how to talk to children in an age appropriate manner about this disease, and the impact this disease has on family life.

Read More
Talking To Children About MBC
Roberta Lombardi Roberta Lombardi

Talking To Children About MBC

Broaching the subject of MBC is a topic that is just fraught with emotion and no parent wants to enter into that conversation with their child. Choosing whether, when, and how to share news of a cancer diagnosis with children is one of a parent’s first, and most difficult, decisions. How do you counsel parents on talking to their children about their illness in an age appropriate manner?

Written for Infinite Strength by Dr. Nancy Borstelmann

Read More
A Conversation With Susan Fugett
Roberta Lombardi Roberta Lombardi

A Conversation With Susan Fugett

I sat down with Susan Fugett, a clinical social worker at Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center, to discuss the many distresses single mothers face with their life-changing cancer diagnosis.

Read More
Financial Toxicity Of MBC; Identifying Resources &amp; Helping Patients Overcome The Fear Of Disclosing Financial Debt
Life Support Panel Roberta Lombardi Life Support Panel Roberta Lombardi

Financial Toxicity Of MBC; Identifying Resources & Helping Patients Overcome The Fear Of Disclosing Financial Debt

Conversations between clinicians and patients about the financial costs of treatment are critical to high-quality, patient-centered cancer care. Today, we discussed the financial burdens of an MBC diagnosis and identified ways healthcare providers can alleviate fears some patients have about disclosing debt in an effort to improve the overall healthcare experience.

Read More
When Two Worlds Collide
Roberta Lombardi Roberta Lombardi

When Two Worlds Collide

This episode of The Burn Podcast features my essay “When Two Worlds Collide” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2023 “Five Years & Counting” issue. My piece is about transforming into an early stage ally and advocate serving the metastatic breast cancer community. April and I discuss the importance of early stage allyship, MBC advocate Lisa Laudico’s impact on Infinite Strength, and lessons learned 5+ years out from a cancer diagnosis.

Read More
Increasing Bidirectional Engagement Between the MBC Community and Healthcare Providers
Life Support Panel Roberta Lombardi Life Support Panel Roberta Lombardi

Increasing Bidirectional Engagement Between the MBC Community and Healthcare Providers

Bidirectional Care Integration focuses on delivering whole-person care. Building trust and fostering open communication between patients and healthcare providers can significantly improve patient outcomes and today we will talk about the various ways Hartford Healthcare is investing in patient education and shared decision making as a way to provide the highest standard of care for their patients.

Read More
Infinite Strength Annual Gala 2023
Annual Gala Roberta Lombardi Annual Gala Roberta Lombardi

Infinite Strength Annual Gala 2023

Our Infinite Strength Gala was a huge success, and if you could not be there then you missed our big announcement: Infinite Strength is now a national nonprofit committed to helping underserved single mothers living with metastatic breast cancer across the country!

Read More
Scalp Cooling, The Importance Of Access
Life Support Panel Roberta Lombardi Life Support Panel Roberta Lombardi

Scalp Cooling, The Importance Of Access

Insurance coverage for scalp cooling is not standard in the United States, therefore many patients, especially those in the underrepresented communities, do not have access. We have long felt that retaining one’s hair while undergoing cancer treatment is a matter of preserving dignity, and something that everyone should have access to regardless of race or socioeconomic background.

Read More
Five Years &amp; Counting
Roberta Lombardi Roberta Lombardi

Five Years & Counting

Let this issue about survivorship bring you both smiles and tears. And when you turn the last page, I hope you feel not only more hopeful than when you first opened the cover, but that you also know you are loved, supported, and never walking this path alone.

Read More