According to Cancer Care Services’ CEO Melanie Wilson,
“In 2022, over 3,500 cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers received financial, emotional and practical support at no cost to them, thanks to supporters like our North Texas Giving Day donors.
Service highlights of 2022:
- 186,121 miles in transportation assistance to get to and from treatment
- $371,000 in emergency funds and financial assistance for cancer patients
- 47,649 actions taken to lessen clients’ financial burdens
“In the words of our Clinic Social Work Manager, ‘I had a cancer patient who canceled all his appointments after finding out what his total cost was going to be. I was able to help find a lot of resources to cover those medical expenses so that he was comfortable rescheduling his cancer treatment without accumulating as much debt as he would have had.’
“In 2023, the aftermath of the pandemic, record inflation, delayed cancer screenings, and the daunting cost of cancer treatment have resulted in clients experiencing more complex and urgent needs. These challenging dynamics require our social work team to dedicate even more time to establish effective care plans, provide emotional and financial support, and research additional resources to help reduce distress and trauma in the lives of our clients. Yet we have been unable to expand our staff.
“Mr. Fields, a Cancer Care client and cancer survivor, spoke about the services he received, ‘There was a couple of times I had to say I was pretty much homeless, and they went to bat. Things that you don’t even think about asking they seemed like well, we need to check because does he have food? Is he okay? … I really think it’s more than medicine when you’re on the road to recovering from cancer, and Cancer Care is a big part of that.’
“When even one more bill is too much to handle, your help equals hope for those in crisis. Your North Texas Giving Day contribution allows us to provide 100% of our services for free, like emergency assistance funds, which include health insurance assistance and medication copays, so that individuals and families impacted by cancer in Tarrant County don’t have to make impossible choices. We also offer other supportive services, like mental health support, to patients, survivors, and caregivers of all ages (including children).”
* Photo credit: Devyn Teague **Graphic provided by Cancer Care Services *** Photo provided by Mr. Fields
In 14 years, Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day has pumped more than $503 million into the North Texas community. In 2022, more than $62.6 million was raised through 94,385 donors benefiting over 3,210 area nonprofits.
On Thursday, September 21, support Cancer Care Services by clicking here and spreading the word. #NTxGivingDay2023