Grant Supports Cancer Care for Local Residents

By Desert Star Staff

Palm Desert, Calif. – The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation presented Desert Cancer Foundation (DCF) with a $25,000 Coachella Valley Spotlight grant to support patients needing cancer care.

“Desert Cancer Foundation is the only organization that makes direct payments to providers on behalf of valley residents who otherwise could not afford access to care and vital treatment,” said Eevet Edens, Executive Director of Desert Cancer Foundation.

“We are grateful to the Berger Foundation and News Channel 3 for supporting this critical need in our area.”

DCF’s Patient Assistance Program covers the high cost of cancer care for individuals 18 years and older with low household incomes who are uninsured, underinsured, or lack funds to pay for treatment. Since the nonprofit was founded in 1994, DCF has helped thousands of people in the Coachella Valley receive lifesaving and life-extending treatments. On average, DCF serves about 160 unduplicated patients annually, with about $320,000 in direct payments for patient services valued at more than $3 million. Typically, patients receive care through DCF’s Patient Assistance Program for 1-2 years.

“We have seen Desert Cancer Foundation come to the aid of many people in our valley through the years, and it’s great to help support their mission,” said Catharine Reed, Vice President of Charitable Programs for the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation.

DCF covers all costs associated with cancer care and treatment for those in need, including insurance premiums, deductibles, copays/co-insurance, and Medi-Cal Share of Cost. The medical services rendered to individuals include scans and x-rays, surgeries, biopsies, chemo and radiation therapies, prescription medications, and more. DCF partners with the local medical community, including Eisenhower Health Lucy Curci Cancer Center and Desert Regional Comprehensive Cancer Center, to provide patient navigation. DCF staff works closely with local doctors, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and financial navigators. Thanks to these well-established community partnerships, every $1 raised by DCF translates to more than $10 in cancer care.

“Desert Cancer Foundation is known for raising tens of thousands of dollars to pay for cancer care, and we are happy to support them with this award and media exposure to help raise additional awareness about the work they do in our community,” said Jerry Upham, General Manager of Gulf California Broadcast Company, which owns and operates KESQ News Channel 3 and KPSP CBS Local 2.