That's why we do what we do!
Tackling Financial Toxicity in Cancer Care
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.
Cancer impacts so much of a patient
and their family's daily lives.
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.
Even with exceptional coverage, the average out-of-pocket cost for visits and prescriptions is $9,000/yr.
Gas & auto expenses, hotels, food, and incidentals cost patients $4,200/yr.
Good nutrition is critical to cancer patient wellbeing. It's also one of the most challenging and most expensive; adding over $2000/yr to family budgets.
Families going through cancer experience mental health struggles together. But not everyone experiencing grief has coverage for mental health care.
In terms of financial toxicity, cancer hurts those who can least afford it!
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.
We leverage strong partnerships, secure technology, and seamless processes to get patients and families financial assistance quickly.
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.
A short intake form completed by the patient or an authorized family member starts the process. You'll be asked to gather some information and documents, and provide contact information for a member of your treatment team and a patient advocate.
By qualifying recipients, we make sure we disperse funds to as many people in need as possible. We collect the same data as do hospitals for financial assistance. In-fact, if you have qualified for hospital, federal, or State financial assistance for your cancer treatment, that makes the process much easier. This process may take 1 to 7 days, so feel free to apply in advance of a need.
We get you the funds you need within 24 hours of qualification. We can deposit to bank accounts, complete Zelle transfers, pay certain vendors and pay directly to some health care systems and hospitals.
Engage With Us!
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.
PO Box 21131
Roanoke, VA 24018
(540) 581-7803
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