After she was diagnosed with breast cancer, Mary Anne had a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Though she was insured as a makeup artist through her union, the costs associated with her plastic surgeon weren’t covered, and as a result she was responsible for the $500 deductible as well as 40% of the cost of the surgery and was unable to work for two months.

She came to The Actors Fund for financial assistance, and her social worker helped her negotiate with the hospital to have her medical bills forgiven, arranged to cover two month’s rent and a phone bill, and connected her with CancerCare’s online and phone support.

“The Actors Fund and their Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative offered comfort during a difficult time in my life. They took the weight off of my shoulders, which helped me to heal,” Mary Anne says.

Learn more about the benefits of membership, our exicting events and the many ways you can be a part of helping those in need in our performing arts and entertainment community.