I am in dire need of some help fixing some things in my home.I lost my husband of 22 years to lung cancer Dec.17,2004.He was a bricklayer and 45.I have been lost without him.I am in a very rural area in a house that was bought while my late~husband was on his last few days here.He picked it out and I figured he'd live if I got it.Now,I'm way out in a rural area,and I can't afford to go anywhere.My roof is leaking and there are things I need help with.My kitchen is a disaster,the carpeting is literally shredding and can no longer be vacuumed,I turn the water off and on behind the claw foot tub I have set up like a shower.I don't even have a kitchen stove.I found out a few years ago I had rheumitoid arthritis and had to give up cleaning rental houses.I am now on SSI disability and just eke by.I am 49 and I am tired of being alone,and so broke.I leaned on my late~husband and he did me.Everyone still says they wished they were as close to their husbands or wives like he and I were.He was my sole means of support since I was 19 when we got together.I was diagnosed with breast cancer Feb.2011 and have had a lumpectomy and my daily radiation all summer 2011. First I need to find some help patching my roof.I moved here 2 months after I lost my husband.I was told the roof was replaced after hurricane Hugo in 1989. I am in South Carolina East of Columbia. So the roof is almost 23 years old. I need help finding a stove.Here are some pictures to prove I'm not running a scam.

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast.

The breast is made up of lobes and ducts. Each breast has 15 to 20 sections called lobes, which have many smaller sections called lobules. Lobules end in dozens of tiny bulbs that can produce milk. The lobes, lobules, and bulbs are linked by thin tubes called ducts.

Enlarge

Anatomy of the breast, showing lymph nodes and lymph vessels.

Each breast also has blood vessels and lymph vessels. The lymph vessels carry an almost colorless fluid called lymph. Lymph vessels lead to organs called lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are small bean-shaped structures that are found throughout the body. They filter substances in a fluid called lymph and help fight infection and disease. Clusters of lymph nodes are found near the breast in the axilla (under the arm), above the collarbone, and in the chest.

The most common type of breast cancer is ductal carcinoma, which begins in the cells of the ducts. Cancer that begins in the lobes or lobules is called lobular carcinoma and is more often found in both breasts than are other types of breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer is an uncommon type of breast cancer in which the breast is warm, red, and swollen.

See the PDQ summary on Unusual Cancers of Childhood for information about childhood breast cancer.

Age and health history can affect the risk of developing breast cancer.

Anything that increases your chance of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer; not having risk factors doesn't mean that you will not get cancer. People who think they may be at risk should discuss this with their doctor. Risk factors for breast cancer include the following:

• Older age.
• Menstruating at an early age.
• Older age at first birth or never having given birth.
• A personal history of breast cancer or benign (noncancer) breast disease.
• A mother or sister with breast cancer.
• Treatment with radiation therapy to the breast/chest.
• Breast tissue that is dense on a mammogram.
• Taking hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.
• Drinking alcoholic beverages.
• Being white.

NCI's Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool uses a woman's risk factors to estimate her risk for breast cancer during the next five years and up to age 90. This online tool is meant to be used by a health care provider. For more information on breast cancer risk, see Estimating Breast Cancer Risk: Questions and Answers or call 1-800-4-CANCER.

Breast cancer is sometimes caused by inherited gene mutations (changes).

The genes in cells carry the hereditary information that is received from a person’s parents. Hereditary breast cancer makes up approximately 5% to 10% of all breast cancer. Some altered genes related to breast cancer are more common in certain ethnic groups.

Women who have an altered gene related to breast cancer and who have had breast cancer in one breast have an increased risk of developing breast cancer in the other breast. These women also have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, and may have an increased risk of developing other cancers. Men who have an altered gene related to breast cancer also have an increased risk of developing this disease. For more information, see the PDQ summary on Male Breast Cancer Treatment.

Tests have been developed that can detect altered genes. These genetic tests are sometimes done for members of families with a high risk of cancer. See the following PDQ summaries for more information:

• Breast Cancer Screening
• Breast Cancer Prevention
• Genetics of Breast and Ovarian Cancer

Tests that examine the breasts are used to detect (find) and diagnose breast cancer.

A doctor should be seen if changes in the breast are noticed. The following tests and procedures may be used:

• Mammogram: An x-ray of the breast.

   

  Enlarge

  Mammography of the right breast.

• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): A procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. This procedure is also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI).
• Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer. If a lump in the breast is found, the doctor may need to remove a small piece of the lump. Four types of biopsies are as follows:
  • Excisional biopsy: The removal of an entire lump of tissue.
  • Incisional biopsy: The removal of part of a lump or a sample of tissue.
  • Core biopsy: The removal of tissue using a wide needle.
  • Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy: The removal of tissue or fluid, using a thin needle.

If cancer is found, tests are done to study the cancer cells.

Decisions about the best treatment are based on the results of these tests. The tests give information about:

• how quickly the cancer may grow.
• how likely it is that the cancer will spread through the body.
• how well certain treatments might work.
• how likely the cancer is to recur (come back).

Tests include the following:

• Estrogen and progesterone receptor test: A test to measure the amount of estrogen and progesterone (hormones) receptors in cancer tissue. If there are more estrogen and progesterone receptors than normal, the cancer may grow more quickly. The test results show whether treatment to block estrogen and progesterone may stop the cancer from growing.
• Human epidermal growth factor type 2 receptor (HER2/neu) test: A laboratory test to measure how many HER2/neu genes there are and how much HER2/neu protein is made in a sample of tissue. If there are more HER2/neu genes or higher levels of HER2/neu protein than normal, the cancer may grow more quickly and is more likely to spread to other parts of the body. The cancer may be treated with drugs that target the HER2/neu protein, such as trastuzumab (Herceptin) and lapatinib (Tykerb).
• Multigene tests: Tests in which samples of tissue are studied to look at the activity of many genes at the same time. These tests may help predict whether cancer will spread to other parts of the body or recur (come back).
  • Oncotype DX: This test helps predict whether stage I or stage II breast cancer that is estrogen receptor positive and node-negative will spread to other parts of the body. If the risk of the cancer spreading is high, chemotherapy may be given to lower the risk.
  • MammaPrint: This test helps predict whether stage I or stage II breast cancer that is node-negative will spread to other parts of the body. If the risk of the cancer spreading is high, chemotherapy may be given to lower the risk.

Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.

The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the following:

• The stage of the cancer (the size of the tumor and whether it is in the breast only or has spread to lymph nodes or other places in the body).
• The type of breast cancer.
• Estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor levels in the tumor tissue.
• Human epidermal growth factor type 2 receptor (HER2/neu) levels in the tumor tissue.
• Whether the tumor tissue is triple-negative (cells that do not have estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, or high levels of HER2/neu).
• How fast the tumor is growing.
• How likely the tumor is to recur (come back).
• A woman’s age, general health, and menopausal status (whether a woman is still having menstrual periods).
• Whether the cancer has just been diagnosed or has recurred (come back).

Basic Information About Breast Cancer

A breast is made up of three main parts: glands, ducts, and connective tissue. The glands produce milk. The ducts are passages that carry milk to the nipple. The connective tissue (which consists of fibrous and fatty tissue) connects and holds everything together.

What Is a Normal Breast?

No breast is typical. What is normal for you may not be normal for another woman. Most women say their breasts feel lumpy or uneven. The way your breasts look and feel can be affected by getting your period, having children, losing or gaining weight, and taking certain medications. Breasts also tend to change as you age.

Lumps in the Breast

Many conditions can cause lumps in the breast, including cancer. But most breast lumps are caused by other medical conditions. The two most common causes of breast lumps are fibrocystic breast condition and cysts. Fibrocystic condition causes noncancerous changes in the breast that can make them lumpy, tender, and sore. Cysts are small fluid-filled sacs that can develop in the breast.

Tumors and Breast Cancer

Sometimes breast cells become abnormal. These abnormal cells grow, divide, and create new cells that the body does not need and that do not function normally. The extra cells form a mass called a tumor. Some tumors are "benign" or not cancer. These tumors usually stay in one spot in the breast and do not cause big health problems. Other tumors are "malignant" and are cancer. Breast cancer often starts out too small to be felt. As it grows, it can spread throughout the breast or to other parts of the body. This causes serious health problems and can cause death.

Common Kinds of Breast Cancer

There are different kinds of breast cancer. The kind of breast cancer depends on which cells in the breast turn into cancer. Breast cancer can begin in different parts of the breast, like the ducts or the lobes.

Common kinds of breast cancer are—

• Ductal carcinoma. The most common kind of breast cancer. It begins in the cells that line the milk ducts in the breast, also called the lining of the breast ducts.
  • Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The abnormal cancer cells are only in the lining of the milk ducts, and have not spread to other tissues in the breast.
  • Invasive ductal carcinoma. The abnormal cancer cells break through the ducts and spread into other parts of the breast tissue. Invasive cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body.
• Lobular carcinoma. In this kind of breast cancer, the cancer cells begin in the lobes, or lobules, of the breast. Lobules are the glands that make milk.
  • Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). The cancer cells are found only in the breast lobules. Lobular carcinoma in situ, or LCIS, does not spread to other tissues.
  • Invasive lobular carcinoma. Cancer cells spread from the lobules to the breast tissues that are close by. These invasive cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body.

Uncommon Kinds of Breast Cancer

There are several other less common kinds of breast cancer, such as Paget's disease or inflammatory breast cancer. For more information, visit the National Cancer Institute's Inflammatory Breast Cancer and Paget Disease of the Nipple: Questions and Answers.

Being diagnosed with a brain tumor takes a toll on a patient and the family, not only physically and emotionally, but also financially.  Below, you will find information about various sources of financial assistance that may help alleviate some of the stress of this difficult time. 
 

MEDICAL CARE
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI)
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE (SSDI)
800-772-1213
www.socialsecurity.gov
Contact your local Social Security Office to determine if you qualify for SSI or SSDI. The medical requirements and disability determination process are the same under both programs.  Eligibility for SSDI is based on prior work under Social Security, while SSI is based on financial need.

HILL-BURTON FUNDS
800-638-0742
www.hrsa.gov/hillburton/hillburtonfacilities.htm 
Hill-Burton Funds are federal grants that allow hospitals and nursing homes to provide low-cost or no-cost medical care to those meeting income guidelines. Contact Hill-Burton to receive a listing of hospitals or nursing homes participating in the program. Funding and sites are limited. 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES' BUREAU OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE
888-275-4772
http://bphc.hrsa.gov
Provides information on public programs for the uninsured. 
 

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

PATIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (PAP's)
Most major pharmaceutical companies have patient assistance programs offering free or low cost medication to those who cannot afford their prescriptions. 

PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURERS' ASSOCIATION
800-762-4636
www.phrma.org
Provides guidelines and listings of PAP's.Your physician must complete the medication request. 

PARTNERSHIP FOR PRESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE
888-477-2669  
www.pparx.org
Offers a single point of access to more than 475 public, state and private patient assistance programs, including more than 180 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.

MEDICARE RIGHTS CENTER
212-869-3850
www.medicarerights.org
Provides information on how to locate prescription assistance or discount programs.

MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG PROGRAM
800-MEDICARE
www.medicare.gov
The Medicare Prescription Drug program gives patients a choice of prescription plans that offer various types of coverage.  You may be able to get extra help to pay for the premiums, annual deductibles and co-payments related to the Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage program.  However, you must be enrolled in the Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage program to get this extra help. 

DISCOUNTED PRESCRIPTION DRUG PROGRAMS
Discounted prescription drugs are available at discount stores across the country. Check with the pharmacy currently filling your prescription(s) to see if they have discounted prescription drugs. If you are not using generic drugs, ask your doctor if any generic drugs are an appropriate choice for your prescription. 

WAL-MART PHARMACY SITE
www.walmart.com/pharmacy
Wal-Mart offers a 90 day precription supply for just $10. $4 generics offered through the Wal-Mart program included multiple strengths of dexamethasone (a steroid), prednisone (a steroid), carbamazapine (an antiepileptic drug), and several antidepressants. 

WEGMAN'S FOOD MARKETS
www.wegmans.com/pdf/wegmans90DayGeneric.pdf
Some of the programs offer 30-day supplies, some are 90-day supplies, but each is offered at discounted rates. Their program includes a 90-day supply for $11.99.

TARGET
http://sites.target.com/site/en/health/generic_drugs.jsp

CO-PAY ASSISTANCE

HEALTHWELL FOUNDATION
800-675-8416
www.healthwellfoundation.org
The foundation helps to bridge the gap by providing financial assistance to eligible patients to cover certain out-of-pocket costs related to copayments, deductibles and insurance premiums.

PATIENT ADVOCATE FOUNDATION
866-512-3861
www.copays.org
Their Co-Pay Relief Program offers co-payment assistance to patients with brain cancer.  Program accepts calls beginning the first of each month until funds are depleted.  Providers can also apply on behalf of their patients online. 

UTILITIES

-Assistance programs are offered by many gas, electric, water, and phone companies. 

-If you feel you may have difficulty paying your monthly bills, contact the company before your balance becomes too large.  Companies are more amenable to working out a payment plan with those willing to work with them. 

-Many states have regulations that prohibit companies from turning off utilities; your doctor or social worker may need to write letters describing why the service(s) are medically necessary.  The regulations do not diminish your responsibility for paying the bills, but may allow you more time or lower monthly payments. 

-In an emergency situation, check with local help lines and social service agencies as some provide one-time emergency help with utility bills.

LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP)
866-674-6327
www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/liheap/index.html
Helps low-income households meet their home energy needs.
For state and local contact information, please access: http://liheap.ncat.org/profiles/energyhelp.htm

GASOLINE ASSISTANCE

FREE GAS USA, INC.
www.freegasusa.org
A nationwide non-profit assistance program for low-income people having trouble paying for gasoline. Applications can be made for gas grant cards that range in value from $50 to $1200, depending on need and circumstances. In order to be eligible for a gas card a person’s yearly income must be at or below the “very low limit” category as defined by the US Department of HUD.  An income calculator is available at the website.  Applications are only available online, must be substantiated by a human service agency and applicants must be residents of the United States. 
 

MEDICAL SUPPLIES

THE CANCER FUND OF AMERICA
800-578-5284
www.cfoa.org
Provides for non-prescription medical needs such as nutritional supplements or incontinence supplies.  Items available vary as the group receives donated products from companies.  Patients or families members can call and be placed in their database for specific needs.
 

GENERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

ASSOCIATION OF JEWISH FAMILY AND CHILDREN’S AGENCIES
800-634-7346
www.ajfca.org
Agencies provide help for medical equipment, supplies, prescriptions and transportation to medical care.

BLEED PURPLE
877-787-7558
www.bleedpurple.org
Provides grants to individuals with a cancer diagnosis who are currently in college or on a leave of absence from an undergraduate university. Priority will be given to individuals that incur substantial medical bills.

BRENDA MEHLING CANCER FUND
661-310-7940
www.bmcf.net
The BMCF supports patients 18-40 currently undergoing cancer treatment with services to meet daily needs. It provides home health care services, co-payments required by many health plans for medical care, temporary housing, and other expenses for those temporarily unable to pay bills like rent, insurance, and food.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES, USA
703-549-1390
www.catholiccharitiesusa.org
Some local offices have limited funding available to provide emergency financial assistance.

CANCER CARE
800-813-HOPE
www.cancercare.org
Offer a variety of financial assistance programs, call for eligibility requirements.

FRIENDS OF MAN
303-798-2342
www.friendsofman.org
Friends of Man is an all volunteer charity to help people with basic or special needs that cannot be provided elsewhere. They will assist with prostheses, wheelchairs, medical equipment, mobility equipment, hearing aids and orthopedic shoes. Application must be filled out by a healthcare professional.

LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA SOCIETY CO-PAY ASSISTANCE FUND
877-557-2672
www.leukemia-lymphoma.org
Provides co-pay assistance funds for patients with CNS Lymphoma, up to $5,000 per calendar year. This program offers assistance towards the cost of private health insurance premiums and co-pays as well as Medicare co-pays and premiums. As well as costs related to prescription medications.

MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT
0808-800-1234
www.macmillan.org.uk
Provides financial help for those individuals in the UK only who are having financial difficulty as a result of their illness.

MISSION4MAUREEN
www.mission4maureen.com
Mission4Maureen is dedicated to providing financial assistance to families who are burdened with the staggering cost of brain cancer treatment.  Financial aid is available for medical bills as well as child care, housing payments, utility bills, transportation, medication and other areas of assistance.  An application with supporting documentation is required. 

NETWISH
www.netwish.org
Will provide assistance, up to $500.00 for those who are able to demonstrate a financial need.

NO WOODEN NICKELS
www.nowoodennickels.org
Provides assistance to cancer patients in the following areas: medical expenses, transportation assistance, utilities, meals, home care, child care and special clothing needs. 

RISE ABOVE IT
www.raibenefit.org
RAI is focused on providing financial assistance to young adult patients battling cancer.  Patients need to have been diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 39 and must be undergoing or actively pursuing clinical trial treatment options.  Requests may be made for medical expenses, housing costs, travel expenses as well as food, clothing and utility bills.  

SALVATION ARMY
703-684-5500
www.salvationarmyusa.org
Local units can offer emergency financial assistance to families.

SURVIVING AND MOVING FORWARD:
THE SAMFUND FOR YOUNG ADULT SURVIVORS OF CANCER
www.thesamfund.org
Provide various grants and scholarships to young adult survivors, ages 18-35, to help supplement the money that they and their families have lost during treatment, and pay for specific transitional issues, such as education, fertility options, living, job search and lingering medical expenses.
 

FOOD PROGRAMS

-Meals on Wheels coordinates thousands of programs throughout the United States dedicated to delivering meals to those who are homebound.  Some programs require a small donation.  Each program determines eligibility.  For a referral to the Meals on Wheels serving your area, contact the national Eldercare office at 800-677-1116. 

-To locate additional food program options including congregate meal programs, contact MealCall at www.MealCall.org or and search their database for programs in your area.  MealCall offers databases for both the United States as well as Canada.

-Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing grocery relief and financial support to communities throughout the United States.  Participants can purchase groceries at a reduced cost through one of their host sites. There are currently sites in 32 different states.  Visit their website at www.angelfoodministries.com or call 877-366-3646 to see if there is a program near you. 
 

PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN

CANCER RECOVERY PROGRAM
800-238-6479
www.CancerRecovery.org
The Children’s Project provides gift bags, camp scholarships and limited emergency funding to pediatric oncology patients under the age of 18, in the United States.

CATASTROPHIC ILLNESS IN CHILDREN RELIEF FUND
800-882-1435
Provides financial assistance to families who have a disabled child through the age of 21 generally to reimburse medical or equipment costs.

CLAYTON DABNEY FOUNDATION FOR KIDS WITH CANCER
214-361-2600
www.claytondabney.org
Provides gifts, last wishes and financial assistance to families which will facilitate quality of family life and create everlasting memories.  Child must be considered terminal, under the age of 21 and be referred by a healthcare professional.  Cap per family is usually $2,000. 

FIRST HAND FOUNDATION
816-201-1569
www.firsthandfoundation.org
First Hand Foundation assists individual children who have health related needs and no financial resources to cover these expenses.

FOUNDATION FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER
314-843-9300
www.childrenwithcancer.org
Family must be referred by a healthcare professional and payments go directly to the vendor.  There is currently a $500 limit per family.

FRIENDS4MICHAEL FOUNDATION
845-774-4809
www.friends4michael.org
Provides nonmedical financial assistance to children, up to the age of 18 at the time of diagnosis, afflicted with brain tumor and currently undergoing medical treatment. Requests must be submitted by a social worker. 

JAKE OWEN RABORN FOUNDATION
888-356-5253
www.jakesfoundation.org
Provides financial assistance to children diagnosed with pediatric cancer. 

JESICA’S HOPE CHEST
www.4jhc.org
Jesica's Hope Chest is dedicated to helping critically ill children and their families with costs beyond what is normally covered by private insurance policies and/or government medical assistance programs. They provide funds for such things as transportation and housing costs during treatment. JHC can also help supplement family income when a parent is unable to work due to a child's illness.

JUSTIN SCOTT FOSTER FOUNDATION
973-448-1871
www.jsffoundation.com
Provides financial assistance to the families that are in financial crisis due to childhood cancer through their Family Emergency Financial Aid Program.

KELLY ANN DOLAN MEMORIAL FUND
215-643-0763
www.kadmf.org
Provides financial assistance to families of terminally, critically and chronically ill children. Referral must come from a healthcare worker. Child must reside in Pennsylvania, New Jersey or Delaware.

MELONHEAD FOUNDATION
888-Melon-21
www.melonhead.org
Supports the needs of children with cancer and their families who are seeking alternative methods of healing.  The foundation also disperses funds to patients for treatment needs and to the families for their personal needs.

NATIONAL CHILDREN’S CANCER SOCIETY
800-5-FAMILY
www.nationalchildrenscancersociety.org
Provides financial and in-kind assistance to children with cancer.

NICKI LEACH FOUNDATION
904-280-8916
www.nickileach.org
Provides financial assistance to children and young adults between the ages of 16 and 25 diagnosed with a life threatening, malignant medical condition. Helps with the costs of items they normally would not ask for but would love to receive, and provides a momentary diversion from the reality of living with cancer.  Funding may help with car expenses, clothing, hair or makeup as well as for the purchase of a camera, computer or special trip.

ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL
901-495-3300
www.stjude.org
Offers treatment protocols for pediatric brain tumors. All patients accepted are treated without regard to the family’s ability to pay.  Referral must be made through a physician.

UNITED HEALTHCARE CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION
952-992-4459
www.unitedhealthcarechildrensfoundation.org
Offers financial assistance to cover medical services beyond what insurance will cover or if service is not covered by the policy at all.   Children are eligible up to the age of 17, who are US citizens and are currently covered under a commercial health insurance policy.  Generally assistance must be requested before services are obtained and funds will generally be paid directly to the facility.  Grants up to $5,000 per year, with a lifetime cap of $7,500. 

MISCELANEOUS PROGRAMS

CLEANING FOR A REASON
877-337-3348
www.cleaningforareason.org
This non-profit offers free professional housecleaning services to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for cancer.  Provides once a month cleaning for four months.  Currently available in approximately 40 states and Canada.

NATIONAL FOUNDATION OF DENTISTRY FOR THE HANDICAPPED
303-534-5360
www.nfdh.org
This organization offers a Donated Dental Services (DDS) program.  DDS tends to the dental needs of the disabled, elderly or medically compromised individuals who cannot afford the necessary dental treatment.  Their website offers contact information for each state to help you locate a participating program in your area.
 

GENERAL INFORMATION

NEW ENGLAND SERVE
617-574-9493
www.neserve.org
Offers a publication entitled, Paying the Bills, which offers tips for families on financing healthcare for their children with special needs.  It is available by calling or is downloadable at their website.

DIGNITY RESOURCES
877-563-2100
www.DignityResources.com
Website offers information on selling life insurance policies, reverse mortgages, COBRA, and HIPAA.  They will review your individual case at no charge, to see which, if any, of these options is the best financial choice in your situation.  

PATIENT ADVOCATE FOUNDATION
800-532-5274
www.PatientAdvocate.org
Website offers a state by state directory of information for patients seeking financial relief for a broad range of needs including housing, utilities, food, transportation to medical treatment, and children's resources.  Click on Resources, then Publications and finally, The National Financial Resources Guidebook for Patients, to search this directory. 

VIATICAL SETTLEMENT COMPANIES

Viatical companies purchase a patient's life insurance policy at a discounted rate, providing funds for the patient to use in any way they wish.  The seller, in turn, signs over the policy to the viatical company.  In general, any life insurance policy - group or individual - can be sold.  The rate of return and eligibility criteria varies with each company, so carefully consider the offers of several companies.  Tax implications and/or the effect of a viatical settlement on assistance programs should also be explored.  A free brochure “Viatical Settlements: A Guide for People with Terminal Illnesses” can be obtained free by calling the Federal Trade Commission at 202-326-2222 or www.ftc.gov.

Prescription drugs can quickly become a financial burden for you and your family. To help pay for this expense, many insurers offer a prescription drug plan. While automatically included in some health insurance plans, it can also be bought separately. Under most of these plans, you either pay a set amount for each filled prescription (for example, $10) or a set percentage of a drug's retail cost. These plans often have some coverage limits.

Medicare prescription drug plans now offer prescription drug assistance. Before signing up for one of these plans, it’s important to learn about the benefits provided by the different plans. For information on these Medicare drug benefits, call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) or visit www.medicare.gov.

For those with limited income who are struggling to pay for prescription drugs, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) offers low-cost and free prescription programs.

Support for prescription medications is also provided by some non-profit agencies like CancerCare. CancerCare’s Linking A.R.M.S.(TM) program helps qualified persons with breast cancer throughout the United States who are low-income, under-insured or uninsured. Financial assistance grants cover the costs of oral chemotherapy and hormone therapy medications, pain and anti-nausea medications, lymphedema support and supplies and durable medical equipment through a partnership between Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and CancerCare. Call Komen’s breast cancer helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636) for more information.

Prescription drug and medical equipment assistance with Linking A.R.M.S.™
Linking A.R.M.S.™ is a partnership between Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and CancerCare. For those who are eligible, Linking A.R.M.S.TM provides financial assistance grants of up to $350. These grants can be used for oral chemotherapy and hormonal therapy medications, pain and anti-nausea medication, medical equipment and lymphedema support and supplies.

PAF Co-Pay Relief Program
Susan G. Komen for the Cure® has partnered with the Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) to provide support for eligible persons. The Co-Pay Relief Program (CPR) currently provides direct financial support to insured patients, including Medicare Part D beneficiaries, who must financially and medically qualify to access pharmaceutical co-payment assistance. The program offers personal service to all patients through the use of call counselors; personally guiding patients through the enrollment process. www.copays.org

What is CancerCare?

CancerCare is a national nonprofit organization that provides free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer.

 

How can CancerCare help me?

CancerCare offers counseling, support groups, educational workshops, publications and financial assistance. Browse our services or search for services by cancer type.

 

Sometimes, I feel so emotional about my cancer diagnosis. Is there anything CancerCare can do to help?

Yes. From our more than 60 years of experience working with people with cancer, we know that counseling (talking to a professional about your concerns) helps. Some people prefer individual counseling with our professional oncology social workers; others find help from our facilitated support groups.

 

I’m having trouble paying my bills. Can CancerCare help?

CancerCare can provide you with helpful resources, in addition to offering direct financial assistance for people who qualify.

 

Where can I learn about my diagnosis, possible side effects and how to make treatment decisions?

CancerCare offers a range of free educational programs that provide you with reliable information from leading cancer experts. Also, be sure to visit our Reading Room for free publications on various cancer topics.

 

Can I use your services if I do not live near a CancerCare office?

Yes. All of our services, including support groups, are offered online and on the telephone. If you are looking for a specific service in your area, we can often help you find an organization closer to home.

 

How can CancerCare help my loved ones?

We provide supportive services, including counseling, support groups and education for your loved ones. Learn more by reading our "I am a Loved One/Friend" FAQ.

 

How can CancerCare provide all these services for free?

CancerCare is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and is able to provide free services because of the generosity of many committed donors.

When do cancer patients need help?

While you may or may not have insurance, there are times when you may need help with payment for your drug. Here are some times when that might happen. (Go directly to Drug Assistance Programs list.)

• When you have no insurance or have lost your insurance through a job change. If you have no coverage for the particular drug you are on or have no drug coverage at all, you should apply for assistance. Most of the drug companies have programs for their drug, particularly if it is a “brand name” drug. Use our Drug Assistance Programs to get the application and particulars for the drug or drugs that you are on.
• When you have no coverage for your particular drug. You may have coverage when your drug is given in the doctor’s office or hospital, but you have no prescription coverage. Or, you may have coverage for all drugs, but there is no coverage for your drug with your diagnosis. In both of these cases, you should apply for assistance. Click on the Drug Assistance Programs.
• When you think you cannot afford the out-of-pocket costs of your insurance. There is help for co-pays, premiums, deductibles, and other patient costs associated with cancer drugs. These are qualified by the particular cancer that you have. While all of these costs may not be covered, there may be some help for people with your diagnosis. Click on the Drug Assistance Programs.

What kind of help is available?
 

• For qualified patients, there is assistance with all aspects of drug payment. This means you can get qualified for “free” drugs, or you can find out if you are eligible for some other type of insurance. Qualification is based on your income and, in some cases, your medical expenses. There are some programs that may also ask you about your assets.
• For qualified patients, there may be help with the patient portion of your cancer drug bill. These programs are accessed by diagnosis and are available for patients in need. Bear in mind that most of the help for patients’ costs are for drugs that are given in your doctor’s office for cancer.
• For insured patients, lots of these programs will find out what your insurance covers. Cancer drugs can be expensive. So, it is good to find out each time you get a prescription if and how your insurance will pay.
• For many cancer drugs, all patients can call these programs at a toll-free number and find out about the costs for their drugs . This is a real service, which will cost you nothing and will give you financial peace of mind about your therapy or provide you with other alternatives.
• Many pharmaceutical companies provide free product samples to individual physicians or groups of physicians. Ask your doctor about the availability of free drug samples. You can learn more about the drug sampling programs of individual pharmaceutical companies by visiting their company websites.

What do I need to do to get help?

You need to be on a drug that has a patient program. We have two options you can look at—one for people who have no coverage (insurance) for their drug or think they might have no coverage and another for folks with trouble paying for their insurance’s share of cost.

• You need to provide financial and drug information. Most programs are based on federal poverty levels. This means you need to provide these programs with tax forms and/or bank statements that prove what your income is. They will figure out whether you qualify for their programs. Drug companies must establish that you are “in need” before providing assistance. The assistance will be drugs—not money.
• You need to fill out forms about your drug. In some programs, they want to know about your dose and other prescription information. In most cases, this is provided by the doctor. Some programs will ask you about all the drugs you take because they will subtract these from your income. This will make it easier to qualify.

What does it mean to be “in need”?

• Most programs use federal poverty levels by family size to qualify you for assistance. These poverty levels are a matter of public record and are on this page for your information. Most programs’ qualifying levels are not publicly available, but our experience tells us that they are set at 250 percent to 450 percent of federal poverty levels. Some programs adjust these for geography; some programs also have an asset qualification, which is described in more detail below.
• The Federal Poverty Guideline qualification is compared to your income as stated on your tax form. There may be adjustments for geography or extenuating circumstances in your finances as defined by the program.
• Some programs have an asset qualification. Assets are things like retirement funds, bonds, certificates of deposit, or vacation homes. They usually do not include your residence or car.
• Some programs will not cover you if they find insurance for you. Patients are always disappointed when they hear this, but the really good news about this is that insurance might cover your other medical costs.

How can I find out if I am “in need”?
 

• Check out our poverty level eligibility calculator. This will show you where you fall. Most programs will not cover you—depending on your medical expenses—if your household income is higher than 300 percent to 325 percent of federal poverty levels. That does not mean that you should definitely not call. Some of these programs might find other help for you. Additionally, they may know of other programs that you qualify for.
• Call the program by looking it up in our database (Help for Cancer Patients). You can look it up by drug name, brand name, or manufacturer. You can also find out some other information about the drug. There’s even an application there for some programs.
• File an application. Most of the time, you cannot file an application online. There is usually a requirement for a signature, but you can get an application through our website most of the time. You also should pull together your tax forms and/or pay stub.

Government Assistance

There are a number of federal and state programs that provide financial benefits to individuals and families. These benefits, known as entitlements, are primarily set up for low-income households, the elderly, and the disabled. Each has eligibility requirements. There are also programs administered through state governments that can help with health care-related needs. Government assistance programs include:

Pharmaceutical Patient Assistance Programs

Programs and services offered differ from company to company but may include:

• Help with insurance reimbursement
• Referrals to co-pay relief programs
• Help with the application process
• Discounted or free medications to patients who do not qualify for other assistance

To see if the drug company that makes your medication has a patient assistance program, check its website. You can also ask your doctor or check with the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA). PPA has a list of pharmaceutical programs and other resources for financial assistance.

Nonprofit Organizations That Help With Practical Needs

In addition to needing help with managing the cost of medicines and treatment, people with cancer often need assistance with expenses like transportation, household help, and child care. To help with these and other practical needs, a number of nonprofit organizations have useful programs or referral information. These organizations include:

Cancer Organizations

General Organizations

At times, it may become necessary or beneficial for you to travel away from home for a consultation or treatment.  This could be by personal choice or medical necessity.  It may be very hard for you to be away from home and loved ones, at this time.  But sometimes, it is the best thing that you can do for yourself.  Hopefully, a family member will be able to travel with you.  There are things that you can do to make travel a little easier for you and your family.

» Ask in the Rare Cancer Forums (link above).  You may be able to contact someone in the area that you are traveling to for support when you get there.  I experienced this first hand, when I had to travel out of state. I had a stranger, who I had only talked to online in a support group, sit with me in a hospital room for two days during that critical surgery and early recovery period (thank you Shari).

» If you are in the US, contact the American Cancer Society and ask them to contact the ACS organization in the area where you are traveling to see what support is offered.

» Contact the social worker at the hospital or cancer treatment center where you will be receiving treatment.  They may be able to help with your needs.

» Contact any religious or fraternal organizations that you may be affiliated with to see if they can find some assistance for you.

» If you are dealing with a child's cancer, I suggest that you look into the possibility of taking them to St. Jude's for care. They offer some financial and practical assistance. You may want to read their Family Guide to see what may be available to you.

Hopefully, the above list and the following links will help you find assistance in your travel needs.

Flight Assistance

Please call ahead to try to arrange a flight.  The sooner you call, the better your chances are of being accommodated by these organizations:

Air Care Alliance - a nationwide league of humanitarian flying organizations.

Air Charity Network - national charitable aviation network matching people in need with "free" flights.

Angel Flight East - conducts operations from Maine to the Carolinas and west to Ohio.

Angel Flight - Heartland Region - coordinates free air transportation for people in the Heartland region of the US.

Angel Flight Hospice - to ensure that no financially-needy senior citizen or hospice patient is denied access to distant specialized medical evaluation, diagnosis or treatment.

Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic - for patients departing from: District of Columbia, Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

AngelFlight Northeast - service area includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Angel Flight Central - coverage area for mid-United States.

Angel Flight Samaritans - mission is to ensure that no financially needy cancer patient is denied access to distant specialized medical evaluation, diagnosis or treatment for lack of a means of long-distance medical air transportation.

Angel Flight South Central - serving Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas and New Mexico

Angel Flight South East -serving residents in need in the state of Florida.

Angel Flight Veterans - serving financially needy veterans and/or active duty military person or their family member(s).

Angel Flight West - serving Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, & Wyoming.

Children's Angel Flight - to ensure that no needy child patient is denied access.

Corporate Angel Network - arranges free travel on corporate jets for cancer patients, bone marrow donors and bone marrow recipients.

Hospice Angel Flight - to ensure that no financially-needy senior citizen or hospice patient is denied access to distant specialized medical evaluation, diagnosis or treatment for lack of a means of long-distance medical air transportation.

Mercy Medical Airlift - additional links to air transportation organizations, including Mercy.

Miracle Flights for Kids - provides free access to health care for families who can not afford transportation to treatment centers.

Patient Travel  - facilitates patient access to appropriate charitable medical air transportation resources in the United States..

Volunteer Pilots Association - is a charitable non-profit organization providing air transportation to needy people who must travel to obtain medical treatment.

Ground Transportation

There is a myriad of free ground transportation offered in most cities for cancer patients through medical institutions, local transit authorities, social service agencies, religious organizations, and cancer organizations.  You can search on the web for telephone numbers for these types of agencies in the area you will be going to.  Also, the social worker at your treatment facility may be able to help you find phone numbers for any of these businesses or assist you with information.  The only national organizations that I am aware of that offer help in finding transportation are listed here.  If you know of any others, or of any in countries other than the US, please let me know.

American Cancer Society Road to Recovery - call their toll free number for possible help with ground transportation.

Faith In Action -  many of their state programs offer assistance with ground transportation needs.

Meals On Wheels - in some (but not all) locations, they offer transportation assistance or information on where to find assistance.

COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH, INC. is pleased to share this resource guide with you. We have received many calls from people asking about free and discounted mammograms. We have conducted extensive research and found organizations in Central Florida that provide free and/or reduced cost mammograms, ultrasounds and other follow-up tests.


LIBBY'S LEGACY
    Provides free mammograms for uninsured and underinsured women who meet income guidelines.
   Call 407-898-1991 for more information.
 

Seminole County Health Department Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening
Free clinical breast exams and mammograms for uninsured and
underinsured women ages 50-64 in Orange, Lake and Seminole Counties
who meet low income requirement.
Call 407-665-3700 for appointment.
http://seminolecohealth.com/Maternity/bccs.asp

Florida Hospital Komen Breast Care Program
Free screening mammograms, diagnostic mammograms and ultrasounds
for uninsured women 40-49 who meet low income requirement.
Must have prescription from a physician.
Call 407-303-7341 for information/appointment.

American Breast Cancer Foundation
Key to Life Breast Cancer Screening Assistance Program
Financial assistance to uninsured and underinsured women of all ages for
clinical breast exams, screening mammograms, diagnostic mammograms,
ultrasounds and biopsies.
Call toll free 1-877-539-2543 to apply for assistance.
http://www.abcf.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=dsp&page=mammogram

Emery Medical Solutions
Discounted rates for digital screening mammograms, digital diagnostic
mammograms, MRI, ultrasounds and biopsies for patients referred by
COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH.
Call us at 407-864-6458 for information.

Florida Radiology Imaging
50% discount for the uninsured.
Call 407-834-8722 to schedule appointment.

Shepherd's Hope
Assistance with obtaining diagnostic mammograms for uninsured who
are symptomatic, meet low income requirement and are
Shepherd's Hope patients.
Call 407-876-6699 ext. 0 for information.
http://www.shepherdshope.org/index.php

YES! to Mammograms
Free digital mammograms for uninsured Brevard County residents.
E-mail YEStomammograms@cfl.rr.com or call 321-914-3153 for
application.
www.yestomammograms.org

Cancer Care Centers Foundation
Financial assistance for transportation, rent, utilities and medication for
uninsured and underinsured cancer patients in Brevard and Indian River
counties.
E-mail info@cccfoundationinc.org or call 321-952-0898 for information.

Brevard County Health Department Women at Risk Mammogram Program
Free clinical breast exams, screening mammograms and diagnostic
mammograms for uninsured women 50-64 years old in Brevard County,
who meet low income requirement.
Call 321-634-6377 for more information.

United Order True Sisters Inc.
Free screening mammograms for uninsured Brevard County residents.
Must have prescription from doctor.
Contact Sylvia Shapiro at 321-773-0591.

Bert Fish Medical Center Women's Breast Health Program
Free mammograms for uninsured and underinsured women ages 40-50
who are residents of Southeast Volusia County.
Must have prescription from a doctor.
Call Patty Tanner at 386-424-6334 for more information.

Volusia County Health Dept. Saving Our Selves Program
Free breast exams, screening and diagnostic mammograms, ultrasounds
and in some case, biopsies for women 50-64 with limited income and are
uninsured or underinsured.
Contact Margaret Smith at 1-800-226-6110 for appointment.

Pink Ribbon Thrift Shop (Holly Hill, FL)
Holds drawing the first of each month for a free screening mammogram
for the uninsured. To enter the drawing, visit Pink Ribbon Thrift Shop at
1629 Ridgewood Avenue in Holly Hill, FL.

Halifax Medical Center
Free screening mammograms for Volusia County residents 40 and older
who are uninsured and meet limited financial requirement. May also
help with diagnostic mammograms and ultrasounds.
Must have a prescription from a doctor.
Call 386-254-4210 for more information.

Osceola County Council on Aging Women's Breast Health Initiative
Free screening and diagnostic mammograms and ultrasounds for
Osceola County residents 40-49 who are uninsured and meet
low income requirement.
Call 407-846-0413 for more information.

Good Samaritan Health Clinic Breast Health Project
Free mammograms to uninsured patients 49-49 who are residents of
West Volusia County. Call 386-738-6990 for more information.

211 Orange County houses a database that includes providers for counseling, emergency food, shelter, legal and medical services, parenting assistance, transportation, child care and programs for seniors, among others. Information is updated continually through constant use, and every agency is contacted annually to ensure its listing is current and active.

American Family Housing (Midway City) provides emergency, transitional, and permanent housing, as well as education and job training for homeless and low-income adults and families who want to work to improve their lives and become self-supporting members of society.

Beautiful Day Foundation serves young women, 35 years and under, battling breast cancer to provide people with the information and resources.

Breast Cancer Angels provides financial and emotional assistance for women and their families as they are going through breast cancer treatment.

Breast Cancer Network of Strength ensures, through information, empowerment and peer support, that no one faces breast cancer alone. They offer support and education programs in Southern California.

California Women's Law Center (Los Angeles) provides assistance to women with breast cancer issues such as employment discrimination, insurance, access to health care, debt collection, housing, public benefits advocacy, family law issues, wills and powers of attorney.

Cancer Hope Foundation (Calabassas) - The mission of the Cancer Hope Foundation is to enhance the lives of people affected by cancer. They currently focus on the Camp Keepsake program, a cost-free camp retreat where children, adolescents, and adults dealing with cancer receive support in an energetic and fun atmosphere. Additionally, the invitation is extended to the family members, caregivers, and close friends of those in attendance, so they too can experience the positive retreat filled with entertainment, while setting aside some of their daily life stresses.

Disability Rights Legal Center is a community-based program providing information and educational outreach on cancer-related issues to people with cancer, cancer survivors, their families and employers.

Desi Gesstman Foundation (Glendale) assists families with a child in the care of the Pediatric Department at City of Hope National Medical Center. Our goal is to provide financial, spiritual, moral and practical support to children suffering from cancer and their families. The foundation provides programs and services at no cost to the families.

Families Forward (Irvine) This Homeless Prevention Program helps low-income families avoid losing their housing through rent and utility assistance, counseling, life-skills, food and referrals. The Transitional Housing Program provides homeless families with a safe, clean home while they receive the necessary guidance and resources to make a long-term impact on the circumstances that led to their crisis.

Food Finders is a conduit that provides food to feed the impoverished, hungry people in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Food Finders is also a referral source for individuals directing them where they can go to receive help.

Friendship Shelter is the only shelter for homeless adults in South Orange County, and the most comprehensive program of its kind in this area.

Healthcare Foundation of Orange County The Foundation’s mission is to improve the health of the neediest and most underserved residents of Orange County, with particular emphasis on central Orange County, by advancing their access to health promotion, prevention and basic health care.

The Heartfelt Foundation in Santa Monica matches families that are at-risk and in crisis with individuals, families, groups or corporations able to provide any form of supplemental support and assistance to them. The kind of support given could range from buying groceries every other month, or buying clothes or shoes for the children as needed, to assisting with child care expenses so the parent can attend job training, or assisting financially with doctor's visits for the children.

JWCH Institute (Los Angeles) improves the health status and well being of underserved segments of the population of Los Angeles County through the direct provision or coordination of healthcare, health education services and research.

Los Angeles Breast Cancer Alliance is a grassroots, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping in the eradication of breast cancer through advocacy, education, and community involvement. The community they serve covers all of Los Angeles County and the surrounding counties.

San Diego Cancer Navigator benefits the San Diego community by providing resources to people with cancer, families and caregivers, providers, the underserved, candidates for clinical trials, and the public. The website and HelpLine provide a central, easily accessible source for finding information on cancer care, support services, prevention, local clinical trials, smoking cessation, and education.

Sisters Breast Cancer Survivor Network is committed to increasing local and national attention to the devastating impact that breast cancer has in the African American Community.

Stylish Noggins is a company that provides products and hands-on consultations for women dealing with hair loss from chemotherapy or alopecia.

Team Survivor Los Angeles provides free exercise, health education and support programs for women affected by cancer. They welcome women of all ages and fitness levels in all stages of cancer treatment and recovery.


San Francisco and San Mateo Counties

Breast Cancer Emergency Fund provides emergency financial assistance to low-income women and men of San Francisco and San Mateo County who are in active treatment for breast cancer, in order to cover basic human needs, lessen financial burdens, and improve quality of life.


Orange County Support Groups
Visit the Orange County Cancer Detection Partnership for Orange County cancer support group information and event information:

Alta Bates Summit Foundation 
Alta Bates Summit Access to Breast Health Services for the Uninsured

To compensate for cuts in California’s Cancer Detection Program: Every Woman Counts, this program will provide comparable screening and diagnostic services for  low-income, uninsured women 40 to 49 in Alameda County.

Breast Cancer Connections
The Gabriella Patser Program

Provides access to screening and diagnostic services to low income, uninsured women under 40; expands to women 40 to 49 who are now ineligible for California’s Detection Program in all nine Bay Area counties. 

Breast Cancer Emergency Fund
Emergency Financial Assistance

Helps mitigate the emotional toll of unpaid bills by offering financial assistance to low income San Francisco residents.

The Ceres Community Project
Youth Nourishing Life One Meal at a Time

Sonoma County teens come together to prepare nourishing food for families facing breast health challenges.  

Charlotte Maxwell Complementary Clinic
Integrative Support for Low-Income Women with Advanced Breast Cancer

Serves low-income women living with advanced breast cancer by providing treatment and emergency services.

Circulo de Vida Cancer Support and Resource Center
Women’s Support Program

Provides in-home end of life support to Latinas in San Francisco County.

Coastal Health Alliance
Comprehensive Breast Health Care Access

Screening and diagnostic services for low income, uninsured women and men in Marin County who have no access to comprehensive breast care

Community Health Partnership, Inc.
Community Mammography Access Project

Provides breast cancer screening and mammography services to reduce late stage breast cancer diagnoses in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. 

Institute For Health & Healing
Holistic Support for Breast Cancer Patients

Offers scholarships for holistic care services for patients in treatment in Marin County.

La Clinica De La Raza, Inc.
Spanish-Speaking Women’s Cancer Initiative, a project of the Latino Cancer Collaborative of Contra Costa

Provides access to free screening and diagnostic services for uninsured, primarily Latina women, who are ineligible for other programs in Contra Costa County. 

Latinas Contra Cancer
Breast Screening Access for Latinas Under 50

Targets at-risk Latina women aged 40 to 49 for mammograms as a result of changes in  California’s Cancer Detection Program in Santa Clara County. 

Lyon-Martin Health Services

Breast Health Program

Offers access to screening and diagnostics to at-risk lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals in Alameda and San Francisco Counties.

Marin Center for Independent Living
Breast Cancer Benefits and Advocacy Counseling

Supports low-income, underinsured breast cancer patients in Marin County with emergency services and benefits counseling during treatment and recovery.

Marin General Hospital - Marin Cancer Institute
Breast Cancer Resource & Recovery Program

Hosts support groups for breast cancer patients in active treatment and offers scholarships for retreats for patients with metastatic disease.     

Marin General Hospital - Marin Cancer Institute
To Celebrate Life Breast Cancer Foundation-Harbor Point Fund

Supports diagnostic mammograms, ultrasounds, MRIs, and ultrasound guided biopsies to foster earlier breast cancer diagnosis among underserved patients in Marin County.  General Foundation funds also help MGH to fill the gap created by cutbacks in California’s Cancer Detection Program.

Martin-O’Neil Cancer Center at St. Helena Hospital
Breast Cancer Supportive Care Services

Provides seed money for extension of the Ceres meal program to Napa and Sonoma Counties.

Meals of Marin
Food Project for Patients Battling Breast Cancer

Prepares and delivers meals to breast cancer patients in treatment in Marin County.

Ravenswood Family Health Center
Mammography Access Project

Serves women 40 to 49 no longer eligible for California’s Cancer Detection Program with screening and diagnostics in San Mateo County. 

Shanti
Lifelines Breast Cancer Program

Provides transportation vouchers to and from treatment, and food vouchers for low-income and medically underserved San Franciscans with breast cancer.

Sutter North Bay Women’s Health Center

Integrative Health and Healing Services

Provides free and low-fee complementary therapies and support groups for women in breast cancer treatment in Sonoma County.

Women’s Cancer Resource Center
East Bay Breast Cancer Emergency Fund

Offers financial assistance to low income women being treated for beast cancer in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.

I am highly concerned about the dependability of my wife’s car, which is in desperate need of replacement.  It doesn't just look bad, it constantly is breaking down.  It has been overheating lately and has left her stranded several times over the past few weeks.  She is a breast cancer survivor and relies on her car for transportation to work and to the Doctor's office.  Therefore, a "loss of use" would have a devastating effect on our family's well being.
 
Even though I was born with Cerebral Palsy, I never allowed my disability to get in the way of my responsibilities as primary provider of my family of 6.  However, that all changed when I lost my job in 2008.  Disappointingly, I haven't had any potential job leads in several months and my unemployment benefits have expired.  Since money is extremely tight, we strive to live on a strict budget but still struggle to pay our bills as well as purchase a sufficient supply of groceries for the household.  Even though my wife has undergone a double mastectomy for breast cancer, she still manages to hold a full-time, minimum wage job to help support our family.  During the summer, I mowed lawns regularly to supplement our income while I continue to look for a job.  Neither of us enjoys asking for help, but when we recently fell behind on our mortgage, utility and water bill, etc. we had no choice but to go to our church for financial assistance to help us get caught up.
 
In addition to my job loss and my wife's breast cancer, our oldest daughter was stricken with an undiagnosed illness earlier this year and has been hospitalized several times over the past few months.  She is currently undergoing a series of tests after being rushed to the hospital in late June when she fainted for no apparent reason and started having convulsions.  Our youngest son has recently been released from the hospital after battling a serious infection in his foot from a motorcycle accident.  Since I also lost my health insurance when I lost my job, we have incurred additional medical expenses that we had not anticipated.  What's more, our oldest son, who had been living out on his own was forced to move back home recently after losing his job as well, since he could no longer afford to pay rent on his apartment.  Needless to say, we are experiencing financial hardship. 
 
If anyone who reads this posting has a used car that they would be willing to donate to my wife, it would be greatly appreciated as well as help keep her safe as we get through the financial crunch of my job loss.  Please understand that I have attempted to contact other resources for help, such as United Way, etc., with no luck and I feel as if I’m running out of options.  

God bless you all and thanks for any help you can offer us.

Yes,  I am a 54 year old lady from Greenville,SC and I don't like asking for help, but I have found myself unemployed since 4-12-2010. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia,Breast Cancer and Sleep Apnea and I had a total Mastectomey where they removed both breast and also had my Lymphnodes in and around my breast removed. I was in remission, but now that my health insurance dropped me because I couldnt afford to pay  the high Cobra premiums, I live in fear from day to day that my cancer will come quickly back and spread to other parts of my body and that the surgery was just done in vain. I was and still am in the middle of trying to purchase my home with a rent with option to buy plan but by next month, I fear I may end up losing all of this as well. I am getting shut off notices from all of my utility companies and by next week if I don't get any help, they will probably shut off all of my utilities.I have 2 cats outside and 1 dog. I am trying to find homes for them because I can barely feed myself, much less them,but I would like to make sure they go to a good home where they will be fed took care of and not mistreated. My friends and family and my church have helped me alot so far but they can't continue to do so due to some of them are having a hard time too and because there are so many of us out here that need help. Even though I have these problems, I can still work and if you know of anyone hiring,please post it on this site for me and if you have any solid leads or places to where I can get free medicine and free medical care till I get on my feet financially,please post it on this site as well so that I can click onto it and get help as soon as possible before my cancer decides to come back.....TY. P.S. While I have a little bit of down time, I am also interested in free scholarships and grants to help me further my edu since I am older now I feel like I need to upgr to keep swimming with the big fish, if you know what I mean. If you don't mind, post this info also on this site for me so I can take advantage of that.I am not a free loader and never have been and have never been a begger but at this point in my life, I have no choice.I hope everyone who is in my same shoes will get help from this website...TY!!

Just last week, I found out that on top of my Multiple Slerosis, now I have been diagnosed with breast cancer and found out a couple of days later that it has spread to stage 4 bone cancer, and my options are not looking good at all.  We already had so many medical bills with my Multiple Sclerosis, now more bills will be piling up.  I so worried about leaving my husband with so much debt. I am writing this while I shed tears, because I hate to put my family through this.  I know that God is with me, but I just want my family to not have the huge financial burden.

   I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 15 years ago.  Three years ago, due to problems with my MS, I had to go on disabilty teacher retirement.  After 26 years in education, I was four years short of getting my full retirement benefits.  Just last week, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. 

We are a non profit donating to gynecological and breast cancer patients in need of financial assistance. If you are a female with cancer the time of applying, as well as in need of financial assistance, go to our web site to apply! We donate 100% of proceeds to patients, so rely sole on sponsors and donations for fundraiser's to not take away from the patients. If you can help us, by donating or sponsoring any amount, you would be helping us, and the patients alot! If you cannot donate cash, we accept items, or anything that can be raffled. Thanks so much for all the support and contributions given!

 Ashley Ratcliff

President/Fundraising Director

EIN:27-2976445

www.ovariancancerpatientcharityproject.yolasite.com

ocpcp@aol.com