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Spring 2017 Newsletter
I want to receive the mailed newsletter. Enclosed is my tax deductible donation of $ ________________________ Name ______________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ City ________________________________________________________ State _________________________________ Zip __________________ Email _________________________________ Phone _______________ This donation is in honor [ ] or memory [ ] of: ____________________ ____________________________________________________________
Mail completed form to: TCF P. O. Box 49309 Athens, GA 30604
Pictured L-R: Diane Davis, Haley Avery, Becky Alhadeff, Jenny Vandenberg, Suzanne Leebern, Kelley Blanton, Rebecca Thaw, Patti Reed, Kimberly Liebowitz
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Over $225,000 Raised to Help Patients with Cancer! www.jacksonemc.com
The Cancer Foundation Cocktails event held this past March at the Cotton Press was our most successful yet, surpassing last year’s total by almost $85,000.
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e’d like to thank our Event Committee for all of their tireless work. And, of course, please note the businesses listed on the back of this newsletter — they are also responsible for our record-breaking numbers. These companies, and the people that run them, are helping patients in our community and supporting a cause that touches each and every one of us. As the demand for assistance grows within the communities we serve, the success of this event is key in order for us to have the
financial resources to help those cancer patients that need it most. Approximately 450 patients will receive financial assistance due to the success of Cocktails! If you want to be more informed about the financial impact of cancer treatment, please turn to page 2. That article puts a spotlight on the reason Dr. Wiggans and Dr. Vrana first established this Foundation.
Cancer care affordability can influence mortality, symptoms of patients, American Society of Clinical Oncology says
New Website Launch!
Higher out-of-pocket payments, drug costs fueling financial strain for patients, can trigger more pain, higher risk of death, ASCO says.
Editors Note: This is a reprint of an article that was published in Health Finance News.
I
n addition to being a major societal issue, the affordability of cancer care has prompted major changes in the way the United States pays for services and incentivizes outcomes, according to a new report from the American Society of Clinical Oncology. And those who struggle financially due to their cancer have a higher risk of dying. Even among the insured, a cancer diagnosis can prove to be financially catastrophic. In looking at a number of different studies, the ASCO determined that as much as 78 percent of cancer survivors experience financial hardship due to their treatments, while one third of U.S. cancer survivors aged 18-64 incurred debt. Of those, 55 percent owed more than $10,000, and about 3 percent declared bankruptcy.
Even among the insured, a cancer diagnosis can prove to be financially catastrophic. In looking at a number of different studies, the ASCO determined that as much as 78 percent of cancer survivors experience financial hardship due to their treatments
That financial strain often manifests as physical and emotional distress, with one study showing a group of lung and colorectal cancer patients experiencing more pain and symptoms the fewer financial reserves they had. As healthcare costs have risen, insurers have shifted more of the financial burden of care to consumers -- meaning Americans are paying more for insurance than ever before, according to the ASCO. Employers and individuals gravitated toward high cost-sharing plans in 2016 and have accepted more financial risk for low monthly premiums, but there’s a trade-off. Plans with high deductibles, limited networks of speciality providers and high drug copays can translate into higher out-of-pocket costs for cancer patients.
One area of concern for these patients, the study said, is inconsistency when it comes to cost sharing for oral and intravenous drugs. Copays can be a lot higher for oral therapies when they’re covered through prescription drug benefits as opposed to traditional chemotherapy covered through physician office visits. The reason: The latter have to be delivered by infusion. Based on a recent simulation model, as oral therapies replace infusion chemotherapy as the main form of treatment for leukemia, Medicare patients see higher out-of-pocket expenses. In fact, they experienced a five-fold increase from 2011 to 2025, from $9,200 to $57,000, the ASCO said.
Please visit cancerfoundationofnega.com for information on our community impact! We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new web site courtesy of local branding and design firm, The Adsmith. The redesign presents a re-energized brand — with our new logo, new colors, typography, photography and the organization of our
content. Plus, it’s built to work well whether you are using it on your phone, tablet... or at your desk. We hope it will help you more easily find the information you need to learn about how we all can help cancer patients dealing with financial challenges.
In the ACA marketplace, premium costs have increased with each new enrollment period, and Medicare in particular has shifted these increasing costs back to its beneficiaries, who the ASCO said are particularly susceptible to cancer. From 2002 to 2010, those covered by Medicare averaged $8,115 annually for their out-of-pocket medical expenses, almost one-quarter of their income.
Tri to Beat Cancer Sunday, August 20th
Tri to Beat Cancer sprint triathlon, duathlon and aqua bike is The Cancer Foundation’s signature fundraiser and Athens’ only outdoor triathlon, and one of the top 3 largest triathlons in the state. Started in 2010, Tri to Beat Cancer raises more than $85,000 each year to help northeast Georgia cancer patients pay for their basic living expenses. The eighth annual Tri to Beat Cancer will be held at Sandy Creek Park and will start promptly at 7:00 AM. TCF expects a minimum of 700 racers, not including spectators and volunteers.
The high price of oncology drugs is another hardship -- Medicare spent $182,973 annually per beneficiary on the oncology drug lenalidomide, amounting to $11,538 in out-of-pocket costs per patient; imatinib was $122,804 for Medicare, or $8,503 for patients; and those who were given abiraterone paid $7,277 of $97,025. The findings come as demand for cancer care is increasing, particularly as Americans live longer. However, the study found that the Affordable Care Act has made cancer care more accessible.
You can find more info on the cost of healthcare at: healthcarefinancenews.com
To register as an athlete, please visit www.cfnega.org.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Camilla Bracewell, Volunteer Coordinator, at tri2beatcancer@gmail.com.
Patient Profile: CHARLES SHEPHERD
March to a Our March to a Million campaign has reached $835,000 with a goal of reaching one million dollars raised by December 2017! March to a Million is a direct reflection of the need in our community and there is work to do. With your help we will continue to support patients through their cancer journey. If you would like to make a tax-deductible endowment gift or have more questions, please contact Kimberly Liebowitz at kliebowitz@cfnega.org or 706-353-4354.
$100,000
$1M
Pictured L-R: Gabby Dukes, Kimberly Goff, Kimberly Liebowitz
It’s the Journey $15,000 Grant! Thank you so much to It’s the Journey for presenting the Cancer Foundation with a grant for $15,000. All proceeds go to cancer patients in need within our community!
Tri To Beat Cancer Transition Clinics These clinics begin with an informal talk, where questions and concerns are addressed. We then proceed to practicing what we’ve learned. Equipment, safety and technique will all be covered to help you get comfortable with triathlon challenges. All attendees are eligible to receive a FREE training plan!
Clinic Dates: June 10: 7:30-9:00 AM, Sandy Creek Park July 22: 7:30-9:00 AM, Sandy Creek Park
Tri to Beat Cancer Percentage Night Join us on Friday, August 18th for a percentage night to benefit The Cancer Foundation! This is a great chance to try great local beers and support local cancer patients! This is a drop-in event and any time you are there counts towards the percentage for The Cancer Foundation!
Tri to Beat Cancer Packet Pick-Up Wednesday, August 16: 11:00 AM-5:00 PM at Endurance House (11800 Haynes Bridge Rd #1, Alpharetta, GA 30009)
All experience levels are welcome. Contact Tri Coach Georgia’s Harvey Gayer at slayer@tricoachgeorgia.com with any questions.
Thursday, August 17: 3:30-6:30 PM at Georgia Cycle Sport (1029 Baxter St, Athens, GA 30606)
Saturday, August 19: 1:00-5:00 PM at Sandy Creek Park (400 Bob Holman Rd, Athens, GA 30607)
Charles Shepherd was first diagnosed with brain cancer on February 3rd, 2016. It was at University Cancer & Blood Center that he and his wife, Angela, learned of The Cancer Foundation from his social worker, Koren Raymond, and were encouraged to apply. Living in Jefferson and making multiple trips to and from Athens astronomically increased their gas bill and other transportation costs. The Cancer Foundation’s donation relieved this financial burden by paying for gas.
$835,000
raised to-date
“Right away my first impression of The Cancer Foundation was how generous and helpful they were in supplying us with gasoline and groceries that we needed.” “Right away my first impression of The Cancer Foundation was how generous and helpful they were in supplying us with gasoline and groceries that we needed. I thought it was a wonderful thing they were doing for people who qualified,” says Angela. Angela would tell someone who is thinking about donating to The Cancer Foundation that “it’s a wonderful organization, and they should definitely donate. We have seen God’s blessing through The Cancer Foundation. I believe that God blesses us to turn and bless others.”
Tanger Outlets Donation! Tanger Outlets Commerce presented a check to the Cancer Foundation in the amount of $12,721.12. The funds were raised from two events in October, the Pink Fashion Gala and the 8th Annual Fit for a Cure 5k at Tanger Outlets. Pictured L-R: Mark Valentine, Bill Moorehead, Elizabeth Evans, Terri Parker, Kimberly Liebowitz, Tricia Massey, Haley Avery, Nick King