Press Release

CancerCare^® Expands Financial Assistance for Cancer Patients Affected by Hurricanes

NEW YORK, New York (September 27, 2017) – As part of its mission to provide help and hope to anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis, CancerCare^® is offering direct financial assistance to cancer patients residing in the United States, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, who have been impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Jose or Maria.

Although recent hurricanes have passed, affected communities are still recovering from these catastrophic events. Among them, many cancer patients and their families are grappling with the trauma of uncertainty, temporary relocation, loss of medication and property damage, in addition to coping with the challenges of their cancer diagnosis and treatment.

To support those in need, CancerCare is providing:

• Financial assistance to cancer patients in active treatment who have been affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Jose or Maria. Grants will be distributed via check, and can be used to help offset the costs of medical bills, homecare, childcare, transportation, general household bills, lodging and other treatment-related expenses. The application requires that a patient’s oncology care provider verify the patient’s treatment status and location.
• Resource referrals to help people coping with cancer in the midst of a natural disaster find resources to help address the needs that have arisen as a result of a hurricane’s impact.
• Emotional support with one of CancerCare’s oncology social workers, who provide emotional support to people coping with cancer, their caregivers and their loved ones.
• Educational information to help patients and families anticipate and manage the emotional and logistical challenges of living with cancer in the midst of a hurricane and its aftermath.

To apply for assistance, patients and health care professionals can call CancerCare’s toll-free Hopeline, 800-813-HOPE (4673), staffed Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.

About CancerCare^®

Founded in 1944, CancerCare is the leading national organization providing free, professional support services and information to help people manage the emotional, practical and financial challenges of cancer. Our comprehensive services include counseling and support groups over the phone, online and in-person, educational workshops, publications and financial and co-payment assistance. All CancerCare services are provided by oncology social workers and world-leading cancer experts.

To learn more, visit www.cancercare.org or call 800-813-HOPE (4673).

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