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CancerCare wishes to express our immense gratitude to the Avon Foundation for Women for awarding our organization a $650,000 grant to support the AvonCares program, which has provided direct financial assistance to more than 80,000 low-income breast cancer patients in 50 states since 2000. The grant was presented at AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer, which concluded this past weekend in New York.

A cancer diagnosis is often challenging and may trigger a world of unexpected emotions. During this time, it may be hard to make informed decisions. The myths (and even some of the realities) surrounding the word “cancer” can cause patients and families to act out of fear, and prevent them from researching their options or engaging with their health care team. CancerCare intern Breana McDonald provides some easy, practical tips for informed decision-making: a practice that can make all the difference when coping with cancer.

The final episode of “Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies,” discussed recent advances in cancer treatment and covered a number of concerns facing people affected by cancer today. The episode talked about two important aspects of a person’s cancer experience: finding strong emotional support networks and navigating the financial challenges surrounding a cancer diagnosis.

CancerCare now has national grants, generously funded by Bristol-Myers Squibb, available for people diagnosed with metastatic melanoma or metastatic lung cancer. The funds will cover travel expenses associated with treatment for those who are eligible.

Rasheen noticed a suspicious lump after having difficulties breastfeeding her youngest son, Abraham. In 2009, the mother of five was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. “I was only 38 and didn’t think it was anything at first. It turned into an ultrasound, a biopsy, then an MRI and then a mastectomy,” remembers Rasheen.

Xiomara, 46, had never been affected by cancer until her son Jaeden was suddenly diagnosed at age three with ependymoma, a rare type of brain tumor. “No one in my family had ever had cancer. When you hear about it, it is totally different than when it actually hits your family – especially a toddler,” she explains.

CancerCare recently announced a new national grant, generously provided by Celgene, available for people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

CancerCare has received a $1.5 million grant to assist people diagnosed with breast cancer. The generous grant will support Linking A.R.M.S., a CancerCare program in partnership with Susan G. Komen.

Cancer treatment not only includes medical expenses, but also practical costs such as transportation to and from treatment, home care and child care. Thanks to AVONCares, a partnership between CancerCare and the Avon Foundation for Women, financial assistance and other services have been made available to underserved women facing cancer in all 50 states.

CancerCare has received a $35,000 grant from The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey. The grant will fund CancerCare’s project, Early Detection and Education Program for Underserved Individuals in Newark.