Westport, Conn. – September 08, 2026 -- Pink Aid, the sole national nonprofit providing emergency financial aid to breast cancer patients, has launched the 'Visionary Circle,' a corporate advisory group aimed at expanding its national reach and fundraising capacity.
Breast cancer treatment drains $3.14 billion annually from U.S. patients
Out-of-pocket costs for breast cancer care can exceed $100,000 per year for some families, according to Pink Aid. Roughly one in three patients faces severe financial hardship during treatment, a figure that climbs to 78% among patients in low- and middle-income communities.
Pink Aid has distributed $6 million to 9,200 patients since 2015
The organization partners with more than 1,200 hospital social workers across 400 hospitals nationwide, delivering emergency funds within 48 hours to cover rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation costs during active treatment.
Riveron healthcare executive founded the initiative after personal cancer journey
The Visionary Circle was founded by Kaile Zagger, Global Head of Healthcare & Life Sciences at Riveron and co-founder of MAT Designation. The group brings together executives, innovators, legal professionals, and healthcare advocates to strengthen partnerships, expand fundraising, and increase awareness of breast cancer's financial toll.
"These extraordinary women bring remarkable professional accomplishments and a shared commitment to ensuring that no breast cancer patient has to choose between paying their bills and receiving lifesaving treatment," said Amy Katz, Chairman and Co-Founder of Pink Aid.
Thirteen executives join inaugural advisory group
The founding cohort includes Kaile Zagger, Rachel Ehrlich Albanese, Francesca Castagnola, Brooke Cluse, Gail Gelber, Kimberly Greene, Carrie Hardman, Emily Katz-Turner, Amy Peterson, Elena Ratner, Kelly Simmers, Randee Stapleton, and Kristina Wesch. Members will identify funding opportunities, cultivate strategic partnerships, and provide guidance as Pink Aid scales its national footprint.