The financial burden of cancer is often a tremendous source of anxiety and stress for many patients. As its name implies, the Compassionate Fund meets urgent, one-time financial needs for patients and their families when all other sources of funding have been exhausted. Requests are evaluated and approved by Hope & Cope’s Executive Director and the Fund is administered by our Office Coordinator.
The Compassionate Fund is a lifeline for patients and their families. Although we make every effort not to turn people away, the number of requests often exceeds the monies available. Not surprisingly, the COVID-19 pandemic has plunged many individuals and families into financial distress, with a significant increase in requests for basic items such as groceries. Below are just some examples of monies distributed in the past through this fund, thanks to the support of generous donors:
- treatment-related transportation assistance: bus passes, monthly parking passes (for daily treatments at the hospital over a period of several weeks), taxi tickets, gasoline expenses
- medications
- compression garments, such as lymphedema sleeves, to relieve pain and swelling
- supplies such as canes, creams, dressings and medications
- childcare expenses
- rental and hydro expenses
“I have no words to thank you and all of your colleagues for your compassion towards my situation. It’s been a very difficult time for me and this kind of gesture and support brightens my day and makes me realize that I am not alone after all.” Thank-you received from a grateful patient.
