The Cancer Foundation Of Northeast Georgia A Shining Light In The Community

By Donald Wood


Helping the vulnerable when needed most, the cancer foundation of northeast Georgia support the needy in their hour of extreme need. Patients soon experience the reality that their serious illness is but one issue among many serious matters that together with their families will need to be addressed.

Receiving the news concerning a diagnosis of cancer is probably the last thing any of us wish to hear. The seriousness and fear that arises can easily be overwhelming. Some may well feel as if their lives have come to a halt at this instance.

Of course it does not stop right there. What begins now is for most a whirlwind of consultations with specialists, tests followed by more tests, X-rays and perhaps scans, discussions about treatment, more tests, more consultations, and the list just goes on and on.

It was stated by many that life may well have ended at this point. An aspect of life which does not end, though, are the nuts and bolts issues of present day living especially money affairs. Accounts and billing will definitely appear to have no end. Most are unable to have the backstop of insurance policies to cover illnesses or are employed by a company able to offer long term sick pay.

A mortgage or rent still needs paying, gas, water and electricity accounts still arrive every month, credit card statements become due, pets still go to the vet, cars will need fuel, salary deductions for student loans are taken, and all manner of daily financial life goes marching on regardless. These things seem to have little regard for this devastating diagnosis.

Time off work for ill health can be limited, and can get used up rapidly resulting in termination from a position or possibly working less. Those who run their own companies or who have gone into self-employment are especially likely to suffer. How unfair it may seem that at this time when one has such reduced capacity to handle money matters, there seems to be no let up in the problems that need to be solved. Health may well be further compromised by the additional pressures and worry brought on by these money matters.

Thankfully there are those such as in the foundation who have not only seen this extreme need that is experienced by some cancer patients, but decided to make it the mission of their organization to provide hope for people who had nowhere else to turn. Since 2005 they have identified and assisted some 2700 people who were in extreme financial difficulty.

Providing relief from financial hardship for those suffering from cancer is the simple objective of the foundation. Criteria governing who may be assisted include assisting those in treatment or a period of six months since treatment commenced or those who elected rather to seek care in a hospice. It is for over eighteens only and beneficiaries need be diagnosed by a certificated health care professional. Financial assistance is limited to basic costs such as accommodation, groceries, medicine and home utilities.

There are also criteria about household income levels and residency but it is probably best to visit the website or phone to find out more about this. So for those dealing with cancer and experiencing severe financial difficulty, the people providing this shining light and beacon of hope could well help to lessen this double burden.




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