Friend needs financial help

dogsandjogs

I have posted about my friend's cancer on other threads and everyone has been so helpful. Now I'm finding out she needs money so that she can pay her rent and utilities up front because she thinks she won't be able to work for at least three weeks. I have directed her to some web sites already, but thought I would ask on this thread too. I am sure there must be some organizations that can help her with her medical bills (she does have insurance) and also her day to day living expenses. She hasn't been at her job long so will probably not be paid when she takes off. Also she is a renter so cannot get a second mortgage or anything like that. 

Any suggestions are appreciated!

peggy_j

I posted this earlier on a thread called "getting financial help."

 

peggy_j wrote:
I just googled "financial help cancer patients" and got 20,000,000 hits!
First hit: The National Cancer Institute's database of resources. (there's even a section for "practical needs" like paying the mortgage.)
https://cissecure.nci.nih.gov/factsheet/FactSheetSearch8_3.aspx
I'm sure it would be helpful to get recommendations from people who have used specific resources but in the meantime, these might be a place to start. 

FireKracker

your local small org.seem to be the best best.in NJ we have a small great called Breast Intentions.I know of people they gave $$$$ to.Many house of worship.Knights of Columbus also give $$$.I wish i could help you more.good luck.im prayin you friend gets some kinda help.huggs K

bedo

In the beginning things were pretty dire and my hospital wanted to give me coupons for groceries at Stop and Shop.  I said no, because I felt that there were those who needed it more.  I had no job, having been laid off 2 weeks before.  I have heard of some people donating their vacation days at a job, so that someone who has none can take off with pay.  Can this be done anonymously?  I was put on Medicaid. but I had no job to go back to.  The hsopital can also help with rides to and from treatments.  Does she belong to a church?  No one likes to go public, but people really do want to help.

I also found this, you may have already found it.

https://cissecure.nci.nih.gov/factsheet/FactsheetSearchResult8_3.aspx?~UHViTG5rPTguMyZGaW5Bc2lzdD02-BH07xH%2fJQz8%3d

PS if she calls her utility company, some of them have programs that will waive payments under certain circomstances

lhasamom

I agree with all above.  If she attends church/worship, etc. she should let them know what she is facing.  Once the word gets out in the community, it's amazing how much people want to help.  They just need to know about it.  If she has children, she should talk to the principal or the teacher.  Before I was diagnosed, I was involved with a dinner chain.  We could sign up to make a dinner for the family, and depending on the number involved, it would only be once every 2 or 3 weeks. Can you get your local newpaper to do a story? 

Vicks1960

It is my understanding that the American Cancer Society and The United Way, also sometimes will provide grants to help relly needy persons.

Vickie

Moderators

As well as the great suggestions already mentioned, the Paying for Your Care section of the main Breastcancer.org site lists resources for those who are uninsured or underinsured, including paying for living expenses and tips to lower medicine costs.

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dogsandjogs

Thanks everyone: I have forwarded all your suggestions to my friend.  I hope she will take advantage of them. 

Hortense

Around here, in a small town, friends organize some kind of a fundraiser for people with medical needs not covered by insurance. At a restaurant or at some orgaization which donates the space. Tickets get sold, prizes donated, 50/50 raffles are run. Posters get put about and the local paper usually runs a notice about it or even a story. Maybe that would be possible.

dogsandjogs

My friend is asking for money again---I have a feeling she didn't contact any of the places you guys suggested.  I'm really disappointed.  I won't lend her any more money -

Fearless_One

She may have contacted them, a lot of the BC funds are closed right now.   I called all of them when I was first diagnosed and only cancer care and Healthwell helped me.    Last I heard, funds were closed for Healthwell (for BC).   American Cancer Society didn't help at all - they offered to pay for my mouthwash only.   Yup, my mouthwash.   

So be patient with your friend - it's hard.   Most of the funding out there is to help with Rx co-pays, not living expenses.

ibcmets

Dogsandjogs,

Saw your post about helping a friend who needs financial help.  The best you can do is research and point her in the right direction. 

I saw a thread called National Resources from Bestbird in the stage IV section today.  She listed quite a few places for help.  Also at PatientResource.com, they will mail a pamplet to anyone with cancer pages of financial  resources as well as information booklets on the type of cancer she has.

Sometimes, cancer patients are overwhelmed with everything and an organized family member may be able to make the calls for her.

Terri

Chickadee

Dogsandjogs, sometimes you also h ave to trust your instincts. The only other step I'd take is to make a few calls myself and if there is an org that offers help, ask if she needs a ride to their office.