Women’s History Month: A focus on women’s health
A cancer diagnosis is overwhelming, but
there are plenty of resources available
GBY ALICE BURDICK SCHWEIGER etting a cancer diagnosis is
overwhelming, frightening
and costly, and seeking financial
aid and resources can be
daunting. But there are foundations
and organizations ready to help.
While qualifications vary, if a cancer patient
has a letter from their oncologist stating
their diagnosis and status, and can show a
need, he or she can be eligible for free help
for expenses commonly accrued by cancer
patients. Below are some of the resources
available:
American Cancer Society
The ACS is a comprehensive source for
cancer patients and their family. They provide
a 24/7 cancer helpline, relevant materials,
caregiver support services, help to
arrange transportation to and from treatment,
and offer lodging for patients who
qualify while undergoing treatment. (See
Hope Lodge). Their Tender Loving Care
program offers a variety of affordable wigs
and mastectomy products. (www.tlcdirect.
org; 800-227-2345; www.cancer.org)
Ann’s Place
Provides counseling, support groups in
English and Spanish, and wellness activities
including yoga, meditation, tai chi and
Zumba. While they’re located in Danbury,
Connecticut, they serve people in New
York as well. Patients struggling financially
who live in Northern Westchester, Putnam
County and Connecticut, can apply for help
to pay their bills, such as gas, groceries, rent,
car payment and insurance. They also connect
people with other resources like wigs
and prosthesis.
(203-790-6568; www.annsplace.org)
CancerCare
Offers limited financial assistance for
cancer-related costs such as transportation
and childcare, plus free case management,
individual counseling, support groups and
education. Call the CancerCare Hopeline
to speak with an oncology social worker
to learn more and get referrals to local and
national resources.
(800-813-HOPE; www.cancercare.org)
Cancer Support Team
Limited to residents of lower Westchester,
they offer free programs for cancer patients.
Oncology nurses provide in-home discussions
and explanations of diagnosis and
treatment. A case manager will connect
patients to government benefits and
help them fill out forms. Volunteer drivers
provide transportation to and from
treatment—some drivers will go into
Manhattan. Financial grants up to $500 are
available to those who qualify. A complete
resource guide is also available.
(914-777-2777; www.cancersupportteam.
org)
The Donna Foundation
Donna Deegan, a television news anchor
in Jacksonville, Florida and three-time cancer
survivor, saw the financial needs for
breast cancer patients while she was going
through her journey. In 2003, she launched
the foundation to raise money for Floridians
and in 2016 the foundation went nationwide.
Their goal is to help breast cancer patients
in dire financial situations. Applicants are
assigned a case manager and team to navigate
solutions, such as helping to obtain
or resolve issues with insurance, rent and
utilities, and secure transportation to and
from treatment in their area. They also connect
patients to available co-pay funds and
drug assistance programs. Some patients
may also qualify for their $500 cash grant.
(877-236-6626; www.thedonnafoundation
.org/programs/careline)
Hope Lodge New York City
Part of the mission of the American
Cancer Society is their free lodging facilities
called Hope Lodge. There are 30 residences
across the country. Hope Lodge NYC is
located near Penn Station and is for patients
who live more than one hour from their
treatment facility where they are undergoing
outpatient cancer treatment. Hope Lodge
NYC has 60 private hotel-like rooms with
private baths and communal kitchens on
each floor. Patients stay there while they are
in active treatment and need to be referred
by their doctor or social worker at the hospital
in which they are receiving care.
For more information call the American
Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.
Susan G. Koman
Working with breast cancer patients,
Susan G. Koman offers financial assistance
to underserved individuals who are actively
undergoing breast cancer treatment. They
have a breast care help line staffed by professionals
to answer questions, provide
emotional support, help find an appropriate
clinical trial and navigate them to local
resources. With their Financial Assistance
Program, patients who qualify can receive
a stipend worth hundreds of dollars, to pay
for expenses. Within a few days and the
right paperwork, Linda L. of Manhattan
received a $300 check in the mail from
them,
(877-465-6636; helpline@komen.org)
The Leukemia & Lymphoma
Society (LLS)
Photo via Getty Images
LLS provides blood cancer patients in
need through their Urgent Need Program.
The funds aid patients with acute financial
needs for non-medical expenses including
rent, mortgage, lodging, utilities, childcare,
elder care, food, transportation, car repair,
car insurance and phone service. Eligible
patients can receive a grant of $500, once
within a 12-month period. At the end of the
12 month period, they can reapply.
(800-955-4572 www.lls.org)
Patient Advocate
Foundation (PAF)
Provides an individual case manager
who helps with financial aid for anyone
with cancer and/or a diagnosed chronic
condition. Assistance includes funding for
co-payments and medications. They also
offer lists of resources and help to navigate
insurance issues.
(800-532-5274; www.patientadvocate.
org)
The Actors Fund
For professionals in the entertainment and
performing arts industry, the Actors Fund
provides emergency financial assistance for
union and non-union workers with cancer
and debilitating illnesses.
(800-221-7303; actorsfund.org/
am-i-eligible-help)
18 March 10, 2022 Schneps Media
/www.patientadvocate
/www.tlcdirect.org
/www.cancer.org
/www.annsplace.org
/www.cancercare.org
/www.cancersupport-team.org
/www.cancersupport-team.org
/www.cancersupport-team.org
/www.thedonnafoundation
link
/www.tlcdirect.org
/(www.tlcdirect
/www.cancer.org)
/www.annsplace.org)
/www.cancercare.org)
/www.thedonnafoundation
/www.lls.org)
/www.patientadvocate
/actorsfund.org
link
