Christina Applegate has started a foundation called the Right Action for Women which will assist those at a higher risk for breast cancer to cover high costs associated with breast screenings, especially if they do not have medical insurance or the financial means. The official launch of the foundation will take place this month.
In April 2008, Applegate was diagnosed with breast cancer. In July that year, she had to undergo a bilateral mastectomy. Her mother was also diagnosed with breast cancer, and is a survivor. Because of her mother, Applegate was always quite meticulous about regular mammograms. “Where I had my MRIs done, I learned that a lot of women opted not to do it because of the expense. A lot of insurance companies will not pay for it, and it is incredibly expensive without insurance. I had the idea of starting a foundation where we pay for different kinds of screenings — the MRIs, but also anything else that’s early detection,” said Applegate.
Once the launch is out of the way, Applegate also plans to work towards developing educational sections on the foundation’s website, and they will continue to seek the guidance of currently-existing foundations. Applegate said, “Millions are being raised every year for cancer research. Our ultimate goal is to not have to deal with cancer ever again; these are the things we all want.”
An Emmy winning and multiple Emmy/Golden Globe nomination film and television actress, Christina Applegate has also starred in several stage productions.