Canadian BC financial assistance

Hi all, I've been researching foundations that provide financial assistance for women who are financially stretched thin by breast cancer costs, and ran across this for our Canadian friends. If you apply and it works let me know.

http://www.kellyshiresfoundation.org/NeedFinancialAssistance/Criteria/tabid/95/Default.aspx

"KELLY SHIRES BREAST CANCER SNOW RUN
Criteria for Financial Assistance
Title: Criteria for funds administration
Revisions: April 1, 2007

Policy: Criteria governing how charity will administer funds to breast cancer patients in need.
Purpose: This policy is to guide the association in dealing with requests from (the) applicants who submit a formal application to the charity requesting financial assistance. The mission is to provide assistance to women/men in order to make their fight with breast cancer a little less challenging.
Policy Statements:
1. Applicants must apply in writing to the Trust outlining their need for financial assistance.
2. The applicant must be diagnosed with breast cancer and a Canadian citizen or an approved landed immigrant.
3. Each application can be submitted for a maximum of $1200.00 (funds permitting).
4. The applicant can apply 4 times to the Trust per calendar year (funds permitting).

5. Applicants must provide medical proof of their breast cancer diagnosis/treatment. In order to establish financial need applicants must provide previous years T-4 (approval committee reserves the right to request previous years complete income tax return upon request), Receipts (and/or estimates) must be provided for amounts claimed through the fund. On occasion testimonials can be requested by approval committee indicating how the charity has helped the applicant. Proof of citizenship/approved landed immigrant status must be provided. For applicants applying for financial assistance for rent or mortgages they must supply documentation that supports the amount they are requesting. All personal information is protected under the Canadian Privacy Act. (Please note that applications cannot be considered complete and put before the committee unless ALL pertinent documentation is included, documentation requested is mandatory – if documentation is not included it will only delay any financial assistance that could be provided).
6. All applications will be reviewed by at least 3 of the approval committee members. If requests for funding do not meet the criteria listed, especially in cases where alternative medicines are being sought, these requests will also be reviewed by a licensed medical practitioner.
7. Policies and criteria are reviewed annually and amended accordingly.
Some examples that fit the funding criteria (but not limited to):

* Transportation to/from the centre for appointments or treatment
* Accommodation
* Medications that are not covered by any other plans
* Parking at the cancer centre/hospital
* Food costs while on active treatment
* Child-care services while at the centre/hospital for an appointment or treatment or in hospital
* Home health aides
* Wigs
* Prosthetics/specialized lingerie
* Rent payment
* Mortgage payment
* Supportive care: counseling services for patient, partner and/or children; attendance to a cancer support program/course
* Rehabilitation supportive care: e.g., lymphedema management, weight management/nutrition consult
* Special needs due to chemo treatment: e.g. prescription glasses due to change of vision. Will need approval from a licensed medical practitioner.
* Other expenses related to treatment, living costs during treatment & recovery
* Expenses not listed above can be submitted and considered after review by Directors and approval committee

Application Process:
1. Submit a completed Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run application. This can be made on-line at www.kellyshiresfoundation.org or by calling 1-877-436-6467. The application must include a letter of support from the attending physician. The applicant must disclose if they are receiving any financial assistance from other sources (e.g., programs in centre, health insurance programs, group insurance programs.

2. Priority will be given:

* to low income applicants
* Canadian residents can apply for assistance to this fund with exception of Quebec residents who need to apply directly to the Quebec chapter."