FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
THE CANCER FOUNDATION INCREASES ANNUAL ASSISTANCE AMOUNT TO $750 PER PATIENT The Cancer Foundation Board of Directors thanks our generous donors for the ability to increase ATHENS, January 1, 2020—The Cancer Foundation (TCF) announces an important change in our Financial Assistance Program. Effective immediately, we will offer $750 annually to each eligible cancer patient to help with basic living expenses while in treatment or hospice care. Previously this amount had been $500 per patient but is being increased in response to the outpouring of donations from the community. TCF’s Board of Directors unanimously voted for this change at their November 2019 meeting to further our mission to help alleviate the financial burden of cancer for eligible patients. Since 2009, The Cancer Foundation has provided over $2 million in direct financial assistance to over 3,400 eligible cancer patients with basic life needs such as rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, transportation costs and medications while they are undergoing treatment. Patients request assistance via referral from their cancer care provider or by contacting TCF for more information. “I was not planning to do treatment because I could not afford it. My husband has cancer too. I want TCF to know it means the world to people like me who never thought they would have to beg. Thank you to all who donate,” says Habersham County cancer patient. Jag Gholson, TCF Board President, says, “We are excited that beginning in 2020 we will increase our annual amount of assistance offered per patient to $750. The Cancer Foundation Board of Directors made this strategic decision due to the incredible support from our community over the last year.” “In 2019, we received over $1 million in donations which is a new record for giving in a single year,” says TCF Executive Director Laura Lowery. “Our generous donors want to make an immediate impact in the lives of cancer patients here in north Georgia. Raising the annual amount of assistance we provide will do just that.” According to data collected by the Athens Wellbeing Project, one in ten families in Athens, Clarke County is affected by cancer. Lowery says that the financial needs of cancer patients are well understood in our community. “Nearly everyone that gives to our program is motivated by a personal experience with cancer or a loved one. They understand the toll this disease and its financial burden takes on a family,” she states. The Cancer Foundation is set to host its annual Cocktails event at Stegeman Coliseum on Saturday, February 22, 2020. Tickets can be purchased online at www.cancerfoundationofnega.org/events/cocktails. All proceeds benefit TCF’s Financial Assistance Program. Gholson is optimistic that donors will again make giving to TCF a priority in 2020 saying “our supporters are very committed to the families we serve.” To apply to The Cancer Foundation’s Financial Assistance Program, please contact Katrina Moody at kmoody@cfnega.org. CONTACT:
Gabby Dukes – The Cancer Foundation – 706-353-4354 – gdukes@cfnega.org