A cancer diagnosis is one of the most devastating life events that patients and their families face.
The financial challenges that coincide with treatment are often as crippling as the disease.
The cost of cancer impacts nearly every financial decision from the moment of diagnosis. Where to live, what to drive, what to eat and drink, utilities, education and childcare, holidays, and so much more.
Cancer often hits harder on those already struggling financially, especially among poorer communities, people of color, and women. Financial toxicity, or the burden of healthcare costs, can be overwhelming. Poorer individuals may lack adequate insurance coverage or access to quality healthcare, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment, exacerbating the disease's impact. People of color face systemic barriers to care, including racial biases in healthcare delivery and limited resources in their communities. Additionally, women may experience unique financial challenges due to earning less on average and often being primary caregivers, leading to lost wages and increased financial strain. Altogether, these factors compound the economic burden of cancer, making it even more difficult for these marginalized groups to cope with the disease's financial demands.
Financial toxicity reveals itself at the base level of living.
More than half of our programming budget covers rent for cancer patients. That program sector also covers renters insurance and utilities.
23%, on average, covers gaps and inadequate insurance. Imagine not getting a potential life-saving immunotherapy because you're poor and have poor insurance.
17% of our budget covers transporation to and from treatments, hotel stays, and associated costs.
80% of the cancer patients we serve are women, and 67% of them are single mothers.
Financial toxicity disproportionally impacts people of color and the marginalized.
Cancer hits at any age, but we are seeing the numbers increasing in teens and younge adults.
Over 80% of patients we serve cannot qualify for public assistance, but are grossly in debt.
There are other non-profits that provide financial assistance to cancer patients and their families.
But, they do not move with the speed and efficiency necessary to avoid financial hardships such as late fees, bad credit, and bankruptcy.
They also do not step in and cover the cost of better treatments that could save a life or improve the quality of life.
We are here because of you, and we will help you in your journey fighting cancer however we can. But, we won't think of everything, so we need your input -- your thoughts, your concerns, your experiences -- so we can be better for you.