As the Resource Coordinator for the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation, I field requests from all over the state helping folks and their loved ones address the different struggles they face during one of the toughest chapters of their lives. More often than not, the high costs of treatment can be challenging to the average family, even with insurance. For people diagnosed with complications from treatment or more advanced forms of the disease like Metastatic Breast Cancer, care on a long-term basis only adds to the financial toxicity of dealing with this disease. These hardships can become a significant burden in an already traumatic time.
Whether you are struggling with being out of work, making sure rent is paid, keeping food on the table, finding rides to and from treatment, taking care of your kids, or all of the above, please know that you are not alone! Although VBCF does not currently offer financial aid outside of our Diagnostic Funding Program, we are always actively researching resources that might be helpful for our community, both locally and nationally. In an already difficult time for most Americans’ wallets, there is no shame whatsoever in reaching out for help in your time of need. Too often, patients feel a barrier of guilt in asking for help because they might think, “Someone else needs this more than I do.” However, they shouldn’t avoid asking for relief – if they qualify, the organization has already decided that they need it, so don’t be afraid to ask! You may even find resources you didn’t realize you qualify for. Thanks to some amazing fellow cancer support organizations, there is hope.
“When college students apply for scholarships, they don’t just apply for one – they apply for many. That’s what we want breast cancer patients to do. Do not be afraid to ask for the help you need!”
Founder and CEO of The Pink Fund, Molly MacDonald, recently advised viewers in the ‘Co$t of Cancer’ webinar hosted by Dr. Susan Love’s Foundation.
Read on to find out about some of the top breast cancer support organizations out there, plus links to videos and articles to help guide you. Different programs will have different eligibility requirements, such as income, employment status, etc – make sure you connect with their staff or give VBCF a call for help if you get discouraged.
Cancer Care
800-813-4673 | www.cancercare.org
Provides professional social work support free of charge, and based on need, financial assistance for transportation, home health care, and childcare.
CancerLINC
804-562-0371 | www.cancerlinc.org
CancerLINC is a non-profit organization that provides information, education, counseling, and referral services for legal assistance to those facing cancer.
Infinite Strength
203-812-0549 | https://www.infinitestrength.org/
Offers some financial aid to single mothers living with Metastatic breast cancer.
Nancy’s List
“For all the amazing cancer patients everywhere and for those who love and care for them…” Founded by an ovarian cancer survivor, Nancy’s List is a wonderful resource website to find financial aid programs, integrative therapies, retreat opportunities, and more.
The Pink Fund
877-234-7465 | http://www.pinkfund.org/
The Pink Fund provides 90-day non-medical cost-of-living expenses to breast cancer patients in active treatment for breast cancer. The Pink Fund distributes short-term financial aid, for basic living expenses, on behalf of breast cancer patients who have lost all or a part of their income during active treatment. Payments are made directly to the patient’s creditors.
PAF’s National Financial Resource Directory
800-532-5274 | http://www.patientadvocate.org/financial
Use this convenient interactive search engine to find aid programs specifically for your situation! Select an age, location, diagnosis, and the type of assistance that best matches your need from a drop-down menu. A custom list of external programs and organizations is generated based on your selections. The results are clickable and can be printed or emailed. Searches are free, unlimited, and available 24/7.
View VBCF’s Complete Financial, Legal, and Insurance Resource Listings
Helpful Videos to Watch:
Our friend Reba Hollingsworth and the CBS6 news team feature local nonprofit CancerLinc in this edition of Buddy Check 6.
This webinar was recorded on April 19, 2023, with panelists Tori Dunlap (Her First 100K), Molly MacDonald (The Pink Fund), and Dan Sherman (The NaVectis Group). Moderated by Michelle Woodhill of Dr. Susan Love Foundation for Breast Cancer Research, the panelists discuss the costs associated with a breast cancer diagnosis and share resources that may be able to help. A great watch for patients and caregivers alike!
- Triage Cancer’s Animated Video Library (Times vary.)
Triage Cancer‘s animated videos provide a unique, brief way to learn legal and practical information about health insurance, managing medical bills, cancer and work, clinical trials, estate planning and medical decision making, and much more. Each video is about five minutes long. While these animated videos are designed for individuals diagnosed with cancer, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, they are helpful to anyone with a serious medical condition, or anyone who wants to learn about their rights. Please note, they frequently add new videos to their library that you may find helpful, so check back often.
Recommended Reading:
- “The financial toxicity of breast cancer” from Living Beyond Breast Cancer (March 2023)
- “Financial Navigation Can Reduce the Financial Toxicity of Cancer Care” from the National Cancer Institute (April 2023)
- “She was already fighting cancer. Then she had to fight the bill collectors.” from NPR (July 2022)
Still have questions or need help finding assistance?
Reach out to us – VBCF is here to help!
Email Nikki Jennings at nikki@vbcf.org or call 800-345-8223 ex. 205 today.
