Women’s History Month: A focus on women’s health
A cancer diagnosis is overwhelming, but
there are plenty of resources available
BY ALICE BURDICK SCHWEIGER Getting a cancer diagnosis is
overwhelming, frightening
and costly, and seeking fi nancial
aid and resources can be
daunting. But there are foundations
and organizations ready to help.
While qualifi cations 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
Th e ACS is a comprehensive source for
cancer patients and their family. Th ey provide
a 24/7 cancer helpline, relevant materials,
caregiver support services, help to
arrange transportation to and from treatment,
and off er lodging for patients who
qualify while undergoing treatment. (See
Hope Lodge). Th eir Tender Loving Care
program off ers a variety of aff ordable 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 fi nancially
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. Th ey also connect
people with other resources like wigs
and prosthesis.
(203-790-6568; www.annsplace.org)
CancerCare
Off ers limited fi nancial 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 off er 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 benefi ts and
help them fi ll 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 fi nancial 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.
Th eir goal is to help breast cancer patients
in dire fi nancial 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. Th ey 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. Th ere are 30 residences
across the country. Hope Lodge NYC is
BRONX TIMES REPORTER - WOMEN’S H 6 HEALTH, MAR. 11-17, 2022 BTR
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 fl oor. 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 off ers fi nancial assistance
to underserved individuals who are actively
undergoing breast cancer treatment. Th ey
have a breast care help line staff ed by professionals
to answer questions, provide emotional
support, help fi nd 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.
Th e funds aid patients with acute fi nancial
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 fi nancial aid for anyone with
cancer and/or a diagnosed chronic condition.
Assistance includes funding for copayments
and medications. Th ey also off er
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 fi nancial assistance for union
and non-union workers with cancer and debilitating
illnesses.
(800-221-7303; actorsfund.org/
am-i-eligible-help)
/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