How to Fund Your Cancer Treatment Without a Loan

H OW TO

W IT HOUT A LOAN

A valuable financial resource for cancer patients and caregivers provided by

ABOUTCANCERDOCTOR

Cancer Doctor is committed to creating resources that educate, empower, and advocate for cancer patients, their families, and their caregivers.

At Cancer Doctor we believe that the cancer patient always comes first.

Because of this we are passionate about providing easy to understand, unbiased information that serves the cancer patient.

How to Fund Your Cancer Treatment Without a Loan

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.

Title Page

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2.

About Cancer Guide 1.

3.

Title Page

2.

4.

About AbacusCancer Life Guide

3.

5.

Samaritan Ministries

4.

6.

Abacus Life Patient Access Network Foundation

5.

7.

Samaritan CancerCareMinistries

6.

8.

Patient AccessCenter Network Foundation The Dempsey

7.

9.

CancerCare Corporate Angel Network

8.

10.

The Dempsey Center Patient Advocate Foundation

9.

11.

Corporate Angel Network The Max Foundation

10.

12.

Patient Foundation NationalAdvocate Cancer Legal Services Network

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13.

The Foundation Joe’sMax House

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14.

National Cancer Legal Services Network Rx Outreach

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15.

Joe’s BreastHouse Cancer Charities

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16.

Rx Outreach Cancer Recovery Foundation

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17.

Breast Charities Sisters Cancer Network Inc.

16.

18.

Cancer Foundation LazarexRecovery Foundation

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19.

Sisters Network Inc. Family Reach

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20.

Lazarex Foundation Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition

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21.

Family Reach Zion Health

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22.

Cancer Coalition Raising Financial Money onAssistance Your Own Terms (Full Guide)

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Zion Health

22.

Raising Money on Your Own Terms (Full Guide)

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ABACUS LIFE A leading buyer of life insurance policies in the U.S. since 2004, Abacus Life has helped thousands of clients maximize the value of their life insurance. With more than $10 billion in policy face value purchased, Abacus Life provides financial advisors and policy owners the expert insight needed to value life insurance and explore this lucrative financial option.

What is a viatical settlement?

Simply put, this is the sale of a life insurance policy for an amount more than the cash surrender value but less than the claim amount.

On average, Abacus Life provides clients with 6-8x more money than the cash surrender value.

What does this mean for you? Options. You can receive up to 8x more for your policy by choosing to sell rather than surrender. And you can focus on cancer treatment knowing you have the money necessary to cover the costs on your healing journey.

How do I sell my life insurance policy?

Review Your policy is reviewed to determine if it is eligible to be sold. Factors taken into account are age, policy type, and policy value. These factors determine the worth of the policy.

Offer Within 24 business hours, an offer is compiled. A Life Settlement Specialist will explain the offer details.

With full transparency you are given the numbers involved in creating the offer so that you can make the most informed decision for your financial future.

Acceptance If you choose to accept an offer from Abacus Life, your Life Settlement Specialist will work with you to begin the process to sell the policy. To provide the most streamlined process, you will work with one specialist, start to finish, throughout the sales process.

Find out if you qualify today! www.abacuslifesettlements.com How to Fund Your Cancer Treatment Without a Loan

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SAMARITAN MINISTRIES Samaritan Ministries is not insurance. It is a Biblical solution to health care, delivering authentic, compassionate, and personal service to enable and inspire members to provide for one another’s medical needs through prayer, encouragement, and financial support. Samaritan’s purpose is to equip the Body of Christ to love and serve one another.

How does Samaritan work?

There are no network restrictions for Samaritan members. When medical care is needed, you choose the health care provider, hospital, and pharmacy that works best for you.

Sharing is a two-step process. First, you fund your sharing wallet each month. Second, you send a portion of your sharing wallet balance to other members the following month.

If you need medical attention, give your membership card to the medical provider and your bills are processed automatically by Samaritan Ministries. (if your provider does not bill electronically, you can manually submit bills.)

Once you receive funds from other members, payment is sent electronically to your medical provider.

Are there options within Samaritan?

Yes, there are two programs: Classic/Basic and Given. Within each option there are different levels.

The programs have varying unshareable amounts and maximum co-shares, including coverage for pre-existing conditions, prescriptions, and catastrophic needs.

www.samaritanministries.org

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PATIENT ACCESS NETWORK FOUNDATION The PAN Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people cover out-of-pocket expenses for prescriptions. Partnering with donors, healthcare providers, and pharmacies, the PAN Foundation provides the underinsured access to healthcare treatments needed manage their condition and improve their quality of life.

How does PAN provide assistance?

It’s easy: • Apply online or by phone • Find out if you qualify for assistance • Get 12 months of grant coverage Sounds simple – but how long does the grant approval process take? You’ll find out if you are approved for a grant right away. After the approval, you can use your benefits immediately by providing enrollment information to your healthcare provider or pharmacy. A PAN ID card will be sent within 5-7 business days, and your healthcare provider also will receive an approval letter.

What does PAN cover?

The grant can be used for out-of-pocket medication costs (including co-pays), health insurance premiums, and travel expenses associated with treatment.

And, if you change providers or medication during my grant, it will not affect your enrollment as long as the medication is covered by your insurance and is on PAN’s list of covered medications.

www.panfoundation.org

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CANCERCARE A leading national organization, CancerCare provides free, professional support services and information to help people manage the emotional, practical, and financial challenges of cancer. CancerCare has provided $39.7 million in assistance to 24,767 people for treatment-related costs such as transportation, home care, childcare, and co-payments.

What does CancerCare offer?

• Counseling • Case Management • Support Groups • Connection to Education Workshops • Publications •Financial and Co-Pay Assistance

What makes CancerCare unqiue?

All CancerCare services are provided by master’s-prepared oncology social workers and world-leading cancer experts. A snapshot of CancerCare’s impact in 2019: • Programs and services helped 174,600 people affected by cancer, and with more than 2.4 million visits to CancerCare websites.

• Professional oncology social workers provided emotional and practical support to 79,842 people through Hopeline, individual counseling, support groups and community programs.

• Leading experts in oncology led 71 Connect Education Workshops, featuring 218 presentations from 123 faculty members and 97 partner organizations, drawing 70,067 participants.

• Distributed 1,225,895 print and digital publications to health care professionals, patients, and caregivers.

• MyCancerCircle served 36,557 active users in 1,715 active caregiver communities.

• Users completed 59,581 searches via Online Helping Hand to find practical and financial assistance locally and nationwide.

www.cancercare.org How to Fund Your Cancer Treatment Without a Loan

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THE DEMPSEY CENTER Based in Auburn, Maine, the Dempsey Center makes life better for people managing the impact of cancer – patients, survivors, care partners, and family members of all ages. The center has locations in Lewiston and South Portland plus Dempsey Connects, its unique virtual platform. Services are provided at no cost.

What does the Dempsey Center do?

Dempsey Center services support healing and symptom management but is not a cancer treatment facility.

The center provides services that can help you manage the emotional, mental, and physical impact of cancer.

Which services are available?

• Massage therapy, Reiki, and acupuncture • One-on-one consultations • Specialized services, groups, support, and community for youth • Short-term therapeutic counseling services • Support Groups • Grief and Bereavement Services

www.dempseycenter.org

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CORPORATE ANGEL NETWORK CAN is the only charitable organization whose sole mission is to transport cancer patients to the hospital at which they need to be in order to receive a specialized form of treatment. CAN pairs empty seats on private and corporate planes with qualified patients who need the rides at no cost. This improves the patients’ chances of survival and reduces emotional stress, physical discomfort, and financial burden.

A flight has to cost something…

Thanks to the generous cooperation of 500 of America’s top corporations, including half of the top 100 in the Fortune 500, Corporate Angel Network has coordinated more than 60,000 flights since its founding in 1981. CAN offers an obvious and meaningful benefit to cancer patients and their caregivers along with the opportunity for companies with corporate aircraft to provide a community service by merging business activities with corporate social responsibility.

Who can hitch a ride with CAN? Participation in Corporate Angel Network is open to all cancer patients, bone marrow donors and recipients, and stem cell donors and recipients who are ambulatory and not in need of medical support while traveling.

Eligibility is not based on financial need, and patients may travel as often as necessary.

If you are a patient or a donor, you should meet the following criteria: • A cancer patient, bone marrow donor or recipient, or stem cell donor or recipient.

• Traveling to a treatment, consultation, or check-up.

• Traveling to recognized treatment centers as listed with the National Cancer Institute or the American College of Surgeons.

• Mobile and able to walk up the steps of a corporate aircraft without assistance.

• Do not require oxygen, IV medication, or medical assistance while onboard the plane.

www.corpangelnetwork.org

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PATIENT ADVOCATE FOUNDATION Patient Advocate Foundation is a national 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that provides case management services and financial aid to Americans with chronic, life threatening, and debilitating illnesses.

What does the PAF Co-Pay Relief do?

CPR provides direct financial assistance with co-payments, co-insurance and deductibles required by your insurer for medications prescribed to treat and manage disease.

Who is eligible for PAF Co-Pay Relief support?

The patient must meet the following criteria: • Have a physician confirmed diagnosis of a disease covered within the CPR program.

• Have a household income of 400% or less than the federal poverty guidelines, adjusted by the cost of living index for where the patient lives.

• Have active insurance coverage that includes coverage for pharmaceutical products.

How can I apply for PAF Co-Pay Relief?

• Your physician’s office: https://copays.org/providers • Your pharmacy: https://copays.org/pharmacies • The patients’ portal: https://copays.org/patients • Toll-free via phone: (866) 512-3861, Option 1

www.copays.org

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THE MAX FOUNDATION The Max Foundation is a non-profit global health organization that partners with major cancer institutions and patient associations in low- and middle-income countries to enable effective solutions for access to treatment.

What type of patient services are offered?

As pioneers in the management of global access programs, the Max Foundation’s partnerships are as multifaceted as each solution requires: https://www.themaxfoundation.org/our-work/patient-services/

Which cancer centers benefit?

The Max Foundation has a validated supply chain into 193 cancer-treating institutions around the world: https://www.themaxfoundation.org/partners/

Which treatment solutions are available?

The Max Foundation delivers more than 1 million daily doses of cancer treatment each quarter: Glivec® (Imatinib), Tasigna® (Nilotinib), Iclusig® (Ponatinib), Sutent® (Sunitinib Malate), Torisel® (Temsirolimus), Xalkori® (Crizotinib), Sorycel® (Dasatinib), Bosulif® (Bosutinib). https://www.themaxfoundation.org/ourwork/treatment/

www.cancercare.org

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NATIONAL CANCER LEGAL SERVICES NETWORK The NCLSN promotes increased availability of free legal services programs so that people affected by cancer may focus on medical care and their quality of life.

Economic and legal issues –bankruptcy, lack of insurance, substandard housing, and unemployment – can be both the consequence of and the devastating factors that undermine a fight against cancer.

The NCLSN promotes legal services programs to assist with: • Insurance disputes • Public benefits • Housing • Employment issues • Future care and custody planning • Immigration • Advance directives In addition to promoting targeted legal services for people with cancer, the National Cancer Legal Services Network serves as a forum to discuss relevant health law topics, best practices, funding strategies, and important policy developments, and to network with other practitioners across the country.

http://www.nclsn.org/

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JOE’S HOUSE Joe’s House is not an actual house, but a nonprofit organization that helps cancer patients and their families find a place to stay when traveling away from home for medical treatment.

Joe’s House is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that was created by Ann Calahan in memory of her late husband Joe, who battled cancer for six years, having treatment in Texas and New York. Finding a suitable place to stay was a challenge and after Joe’s death in 1997, Ann vowed to find a way to help others in the same situation. In 2003 Joe’s House website launched to fulfill that promise.

Cancer patients who must travel for treatment accompanied by family and friends, must research a wide variety of accommodations in unfamiliar cities. Research methods include word-of-mouth, traditional hotel websites, and relying on social workers or other healthcare professionals. Joe’s House mission is to centralize the various lodging options that cater to patients and to streamline the reservations process.

https://www.joeshouse.org/

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RX OUTREACH Rx Outreach is a fully licensed non-profit mail order pharmacy. We believe that everyone deserves access to affordable medications and should ever have to choose between filling a prescription and feeding their family.

The Rx Outreach team is located at its pharmacy in St. Louis. The team is made up of more than 80 licensed pharmacists, patient care advocates, administrators, and executives. Rx Outreach has many different skills and interests, but the one thing that unites the team is a shared passion for our mission and the patients we serve.

Rx Outreach focuses on six key points: • Serve others: Honoring God by serving those in need. Providing a high level of service because our patients deserve it and often, they have nowhere else to go.

• Respect: Treating one another with respect in all of our interactions.

• Integrity: Adhering to high ethical and professional standards in all our relationships.

• Care: Caring for our patients and one another.

• Stewardship: Controlling costs so that we can provide affordable medications.

• Confidentiality: Protecting patient information.

Rx Outreach is guided by a Clinical Advisory Board, an independent group of pharmacists and physicians from across the country. The board is made up of individuals from academic institutions, managed care organizations, and independently practicing clinicians. All share a commitment to addressing problems and disparities in healthcare.

The board reviews the Rx Outreach medication list to make sure it includes the medications commonly needed to treat most chronic diseases. The board also provides clinical guidance on a variety of other healthcare topics.

https://rxoutreach.org/

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BREAST CANCER CHARITIES iGoPink/The Breast Cancer Charities of America’s focal points are educating, empowering, and encouraging men and women to be proactive in preventing breast cancer and, if diagnosed, survive breast cancer.

Prevention Studies show that 8 of 10 breast cancers can be prevented. Prevention – not just early detection –is the new frontier. Studies show that prevention is possible.

Resources Breast Cancer Charities share information to empower women and men with the knowledge on how to prevent, fight, and survive breast cancer.

Education iGoPink Educational Outreach touches women of all ages; from our University Education Program – teaches lifestyle choices to prevent breast cancer – to Corporate & Community Educational Outreach, sharing the benefits of health and wellness with regards to prevention and survival.

Survivor BCCA’s integrated program encompasses the whole person – body, mind and spirit. We understand it takes more than medicine to get well and stay well.

Support Help Now Fund assists with the basic needs of cancer patients, funding past-due rents and utilities. No woman will go through breast cancer without a roof over her head and the basics of daily needs.

https://thebreastcancercharities.org/

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CANCER RECOVERY FOUNDATION The mission of Cancer Recovery Foundation is to equip individuals and families to survive cancer through community, education, spirituality, and financial assistance. From financial assistance for basic living expenses to education on how to eat healthfully, CRF offers programs that equip individuals and families to survive cancer.

The Women’s Cancer Fund, RF’s flagship program, provides rent and utility bill assistance to women who are struggling financially due to their battle with cancer. https://cancerrecovery.org/programs-for-cancer-recovery/womens-cancer-fund/ Cancer Recovery Foundation’s Wellness Pyramid is built on six philosophies: • Medical • Nutrition • Exercise • Attitude • Support • Spiritual Eight in 10 cancer patients credit major changes in their diet as crucial to their survival. Cancer Recovery Foundation is dedicated to educating patients on how to eat healthfully – during treatment and for life. https://cancerrecovery.org/holistic-wellness/nutrition-for-cancer-recovery/

https://cancerrecovery.org/

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SISTERS NETWORK INC. Sisters Network Inc. is committed to increasing local and national attention to the devastating impact that breast cancer has in the African American community. At the core of Sisters Network mission is support, outreach, and education.

Founded in 1994, Sisters Network Inc. is a leading voice and only national African American breast cancer survivorship organization in the U.S. Sisters Network is governed by an elected Board of Directors and assisted by an appointed medical advisory committee. Membership is 3,000, which includes more than 40 affiliate survivor run chapters nationwide.

Among the organization’s national community outreach programs are The Gift for Life Block Walk, The Pink Ribbon Awareness Project, and STOP THE SILENCE. These initiatives are implemented through Sisters’ affiliate chapters and are generously underwritten through federal funding, corporate partnerships and private contributions.

http://www.sistersnetworkinc.org/index.html

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LAZAREX FOUNDATION Lazarex Cancer Foundation seeks to improve the outcome of cancer care, giving hope, dignity, and life to advanced-stage cancer patients and the medically underserved by providing assistance with costs for FDA clinical trial participation, identification of clinical trial options, community outreach and engagement.

The foundation provides resources for cancer patients who have been told they have no other options, but who are not yet done with their journey in life and refuse to give up.

• Help patients of all ages and walks of life, with all forms of cancer.

• Help patients take advantage of medical breakthroughs today, because they may not have a tomorrow.

• Believe that the size of a patient’s bank account should not stand between them and the choices they make or the treatments they need.

• Present clinical trials as an alternative to hospice care for those who want to remain engaged in their fight against cancer.

• Aspire to improve cancer survival rates through screenings and early detection, with a focus on the medically underserved to address health disparities.

Lazarex, a 501(c)(3) public charity, promotes early-stage diagnosis to increase survival, especially for the medically underserved. The foundation works to remove the barriers for advanced-stage patients seeking life through FDA clinical trials.

https://lazarex.org/

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FAMILY REACH Family Reach is a national 501(c)(3) dedicated to eradicating the financial barriers that accompany a cancer diagnosis. The organization works with patients and healthcare professionals at more than 400 top-tier hospitals and cancer centers, striving to reach more families before they hit critical financial breaking points.

Through its solutions-oriented Financial Treatment Program, nationwide events, strategic partnerships, and generous community support, Family Reach disrupts how cancer financially affects families.

Family Reach links patients to resources that can reduce costs associated with cancer treatment. The program is delivered by in-house Navigators who communicate directly with patients, caregivers, and the oncology care team.

Pro bono Certified Financial Planner professionals help manage spending, negotiate reductions in debt, and maintain a healthy financial situation as families juggle lost income and increased expenses during cancer treatment.

Also, Family Reach understands that you may need help to stay afloat during treatment. If you’re eligible, a grant can help cover non-medical, everyday living expenses – mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, and transportation costs.

https://familyreach.org/

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CANCER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE COALITION CFAC is a coalition of financial assistance organizations joining forces to help cancer patients experience better health and well-being by limiting financial challenges, through: • Facilitating communication and collaboration among member organizations; • Educating patients and providers about existing resources and linking to other organizations that can disseminate information about the collective resources of the member organizations; • Advocating on behalf of cancer patients who continue to bear financial burdens associated with the costs of cancer treatment and care.

https://www.cancerfac.org/

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ZION HEALTH Zion Health provides an organized way to share in one another’s medical burdens. Medical cost sharing is not a new concept but a proven and effective alternative to health insurance.

You’ve heard of medical-cost-sharing communities, and Zion Health has reimagined the health-share concept to simplify the process, encourage healthy living, and make medical-cost sharing more accessible.

Membership eligibility in Zion Health is based primarily on two factors: • Commitment to adhere to principles of membership.

• Participation by submitting monthly contributions.

Zion Health offers four tiers of coverage: • Member Only • Member & Spouse • Member & Child(ren) • Member Family Medical bills for members are reduced on average by about 62% of the original billed amount. Zion Health is a non-profit organization and retains less than 10% of the monthly medical-cost-sharing contributions; more than 90% of the monthly contributions are made available exclusively for needs sharing: 47% – shared medical needs 40% – saved for future needs 8% – cover administration costs 5% – shared special needs Ultimately, this model has a proven track record of success for more than 25 years in the Medical Cost Sharing industry.

https://zionhealth.org/

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RAISING MONEY ON YOUR OWN TERMS OUR COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO FUNDRAISING Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.

ROMANS 13:8 Low-income families, uninsured people, and blue-collar workers who have medical bills four times their annual salaries are unlikely to afford the costs of cancer treatments, according to a 2019 report by the JAMA Network.

For perspective, in 2018 the annual mean wages for the top blue-collar jobs were about $50,000, which is less than the monthly cost of some cancer drugs.

The average monthly income in the United States is $3,600 before taxes. A patient with 25% coverage would have monthly out-of-pocket costs of $2,500 for a cancer drug that costs $10,000 each month – almost 70% of monthly income.

Considering those stark figures, you’re probably asking, “How is the average American expected to pay for life-saving cancer treatment?”

Put aside the annual salaries. Toss out the disparities between coverage and cost.

You can cover the cost of cancer treatment.

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RAISING MONEY ON YOUR OWN TERMS First things first: How much money do you need to cover cancer treatment?

The amount of money to cover your costs should include treatment as well as out-of-pocket costs like: • • • • •

Travel Lodging Food In-home care Rehabilitation

Also, during treatment some cancer patients have to stop working (or at least reduce their work hours), which can contribute to money problems.

Depending on the type cancer and your recovery, a caregiver may be necessary. Or you may need childcare during your treatment and recovery.

If your insurance policy covers treatment, there still are common out-of-pocket costs, including: • • •

Co-pays Co-insurance Pre-deductible expenses

Get familiar with the terms of your insurance policy, including network doctors, hospitals, or clinics according to your policy. Keep records of health care costs so you know when deductibles are met (and for tax purposes).

Think through the process. Get a realistic money figure covering all treatment and out-of-pocket costs. Also factor in possible ongoing post-treatment prescriptions/supplements bills.

Now, let’s get to work!

OK, so you now have a clearer fiscal picture. Regardless of the figure needed to address the cost, it’s doable. And now, money is not the elephant in the room.

Do you know how to eat an elephant? One bite at a time! … Really, do not be intimidated. In fact, you should feel some relief knowing what the goal is.

Luke 21 begins with Jesus watching the rich put their gifts into the offering box. A poor widow puts in two small coins. He says, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

The innate desire to give resides deep within everyone, even those who have less. And we also respond to those in need.

So, about that goal …

At the root of raising money for your cancer treatment is this: your life. Think about all the things in your everyday life – spouse, partner, children, parents, friends. Each of these people want you, need you in their lives too.

Let’s say you need to raise $50,000 in the next three months.

Take a breath and face the challenge.

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RAISING MONEY ON YOUR OWN TERMS First, you are not a victim. You can help save your life. You can be a survivor, a thriver!

Embrace the fact you will need help from family and friends – and complete strangers. You’re not in this alone.

Someone in your circle is ready to help ask for money, make a social media post, create a funding page, and ask for help.

Set your mind to making a difference. It’s time to put aside your ego, your pride, your fear. People want to help you.

Be vulnerable. Be honest. Be emotional. All of these are part of the journey. You will laugh, and cry, and scream. And people still will stand with you.

When you truly open up, the love you will receive … well, it will be life changing. That love will carry you through the peaks and valleys of cancer treatment.

Focus on you, what’s best for you (right now and long term) and make decisions that feed your self-worth.

Whatever amount of money you will ask for, know this: You’re worth far more.

THE ASK Do not get caught up in “how” you ask for money. The ask doesn’t have to be done with fancy words. Be real. Be clear.

Be specific about the “why.” You have cancer. You’re trying to raise money to cover the cost of treatment and the out-of-pocket costs.

Share with people the costs of treatments, supplements, travel, hotel stays. If people see that you have a clear understanding of what you’re facing, they will see the logic behind your decisions.

Using specifics to convey your message makes for a more compelling case. When you speak to what you believe is the best course of action, people will be engaged to act – to give.

Obviously, you may not want to share everything with John Q. Public but be personal. Be open about your situation. Find the boundary of where you’re comfortable and work from there.

Show your humanity. People react to those who are vulnerable and show the need for help. This is you; engage with those around you and those you’re reaching out to for their monetary gifts.

Why? You want to live. You want to be there for those who love you and the people you love.

Bottom line: Your life depends on it.

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RAISING MONEY ON YOUR OWN TERMS People who have been affected by cancer understand the gravity of the diagnosis.

Cancer can have a profound affect on people, their family, their friends.

When asking for money, be honest. Do not be afraid to ask.

It’s OK to let others know you’re in a vulnerable position. It’s OK to talk about your fear – but also let them know that you have hope!

For those who have not been affected by the disease, they cannot grasp how cancer will affect you much less the toll on a spouse or partner, children, others in your circle.

It’s important to convey to them the emotions that are raging through your body.

There will be a connection; people understand emotions.

As others understand your journey, they will be inspired to help, to give.

Being transparent about your situation is not showing weakness.

It takes strength to stand up and ask.

There is a sense of “nakedness” when you put yourself out there, bare for everyone to see your struggles and frustrations.

Be strong. It is within you.

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RAISING MONEY ON YOUR OWN TERMS As you share your journey people are going to wonder where the money will be spent. It’s human nature. Again, be transparent and specific.

There have been cases where patients have shared the details of an upcoming treatment and others have stepped up to pay for the procedure.

Be precise. Share the urgency. Help others understand why the treatment is critical to your survival.

Vulnerability is nothing to be ashamed of; your life is on the line and people will respond to your urgent needs.

You can share the type treatment you’re undergoing, the supplements you’re taking, travel plans. Also provide people with websites so they can see what you’re doing.

Provide phone numbers to the clinic. If someone wants to be anonymous, they can easily call in to cover the cost of a procedure, medicine, or supplements.

If there are healthcare devices you will need during treatment and recovery, provide an Amazon link – blender, juicer, air purifier, thermo products, etc. (Also, you should get a P.O. Box; share that instead of your physical address.)

Are there other costs? Maybe you have to take a plane to your treatment? People may offer their airline miles to cover the cost. Others may give their points from a hotel chain.

Regardless of what the need is, make it easy for people to follow their hearts.

You need money. There are multiple ways for people to share money with you – PayPal, Venmo, Cash (formerly Square), Zelle, Apple Cash, Google Pay, and even Facebook Messenger.

People are familiar with these apps and their ease of use. Keep it simple.

Others may want to pay the clinic directly. Again, provide addresses and phone numbers.

For monthly supplement subscriptions or things that are ordered on a regular basis, provide the P.O. Box so the items can be delivered to one place.

The hardest part is making the ask. When you get past the angst, you will receive an abundance of help. People want you in their lives. They want you to be happy. They will respond during your time of need.

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RAISING MONEY ON YOUR OWN TERMS The biggest hurdle is you.

Get past the pride. Forget the idea that you will come across as needy – or worse, unworthy. That’s nonsense.

This is your life.

Now, how can you reach the most people?

Here’s where to start …

THE HOW-TO-DO

There are three P’s to keep in mind when putting yourself out there: • • •

Platform Personal Progress

PLATFORM GoFundMe is a widely known fundraising platform. There is a small fee on each credit or debit card transaction (deducted before the contribution is added to your account).

PERSONAL This is your story. Be everything mentioned earlier – honest, vulnerable, specific. Tell people why you need their help. Let them know how they can assist.

PROGRESS Update often to let everyone know how you’re doing. Share how the money is has been/is being used. (And remember to say thank you!)

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RAISING MONEY ON YOUR OWN TERMS PLATFORM GoFundMe is the example we’re using. Facebook and FundRazr also are options. … And the thing is, you should use all three.

If you do not feel up to the challenge of handling these platforms, enlist a friend who geeks out with technology.

(Remember: People want to help. Let them use their talents to help you!)

You have friends who are handy with photos; ask them to oversee images to tell your story.

Pro tip: Raw pictures that express emotion get the most engagement.

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RAISING MONEY ON YOUR OWN TERMS PERSONAL When your story is written, lean into it. Be honest. Admit you’re scared.

Pour your heart and soul into telling the story.

The emotion of what you’re going through is only part of what people will react to.

They also need to be privy to your everyday life – home, work, children, pets, hobbies.

Let people know how your life is being affected by cancer.

Be vulnerable; use your emotions to help convey how important your life is – to you and those around you.

Again, words tell the story. But the photos you package with the story give a powerful, engaging visual.

People react to words and pictures. Choose wisely!

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RAISING MONEY ON YOUR OWN TERMS PROGRESS

Keeping everyone in the loop ensures that people stay engaged with your journey. Share updates after a doctor visit – good or bad!

Share 30-second videos of your treatment. Let folks know how your scans turn out, how your health markers are progressing.

If you have a setback, share it. Do not wallow in despair.

People cannot help if they do not know you’re struggling, hit a rough patch, or have reached a crossroads and do not know which way to go.

And by all means, shout out your successes!

The emotions that accompany overcoming a hurdle or navigating a bump in the road to recovery are meant to be shared with those who help along the way.

Say thank you over and over again. Appreciate those who lend a hand.

Others will see the sincerity and be compelled to be part of your success story!

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RAISING MONEY ON YOUR OWN TERMS STAY ON POINT After your story is “in the wild,” keep repeating it!

When you publish a post on social media, there is no guarantee everyone on your Friends or Followers lists will see it.

Have a plan to get the word out each day. Yes, it may seem like “Groundhog Day,” but you never know when someone will see your story, share it, and the fuse gets lit toward your need becoming viral.

Post before your doctor visit. Post after your doctor visit. … We’re not talking “War and Peace,” but a few sentences to keep everyone informed goes a long way.

Be prepared for people to reply to your posts – and then you should reply to them. Stay engaged with friends and family as well as others who drop in to share their words.

(And there’s nothing wrong with cute pet videos or snarky memes to express yourself!)

You have a compelling story to tell. For whatever reason, it’s human nature to connect, even digitally, to someone who is struggling.

(Admit it: Even if you don’t leave a Like or make a comment, you read friends’ posts just to make sure they’re still here. But when they are suffering, you make the effort to engage. Congratulations, you’re human.)

Whether you have good days or bad, let people know. Good days inspire people to help. So do bad days, because people want to help ease others’ pain.

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RAISING MONEY ON YOUR OWN TERMS STAY ON POINT Not everyone relies on social media. Some people are connected with email, while others prefer texting. You should incorporate all forms of communication into your action plan.

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram are great at reaching the masses. But you’re not speaking directly to anyone.

When you send an email or text, it’s going into an inbox. They have to engage with it (or risk having a persistent red dot on their mobile device or computer icon).

Social media is immediate. If you have an urgent need, post it. The Bat Signal will shine.

For email, segment your Contacts list – family, friends, work, etc. One day, email your family; the next, friends; and so forth. If you have five segments, you’ll have touched base with everyone by week’s end. Rinse and repeat the next week.

Texting is great for down time, If you’re in the bed or relaxing on the couch, drop a text to share your thoughts.

Send photos of your day; your friends will share pics of their day – guaranteed.

Maintain a calendar to keep you on schedule. It does not have to be overwhelming. Put a couple to-dos on each day and work your way through the list.

While sharing your story you will find others who will promote your cancer journey. They will Share on social media, forward your emails, reply to texts … they will do the little things that add up over time.

So, think about it: The family and friends in your circle … you’re not alone.

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RAISING MONEY ON YOUR OWN TERMS STAY ON POINT But don’t expect anything from anyone. No one owes you, so don’t be bitter if someone doesn’t respond as you think they should.

Enjoy the support you do receive.

You can raise the money to cover your cancer treatment and out-of-pocket costs.

Others have done this, and so can you. Trust that being consistent in the ask will pay off.

Stay in contact with people. Social media, email, texts are great.

What’s even more effective: a phone call. Continue to share the ask and how others can help.

When you have a good day, share it. Your family and friends are rooting for you.

Everyone wants to see that their contribution is making a difference for you.

When you have a bad day, share it. You never know when a social media post, an email, a text will spur someone to gift you.

The emotional pull of struggle can be a positive …

Share your life. We all see life differently.

Maybe a snapshot of your child, the sunrise, the sunset, your pet will be the catalyst for someone to make the decision to help.

At the end of the day, this is your life. Share it – warts and all.

If you’re honest with everyone, that light will shine through. While treatment may be for a finite amount of time, the rest of the day is yours.

Cancer is a disease, not a definition of your life.

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RAISING MONEY ON YOUR OWN TERMS GRACE After a cancer diagnosis, you will experience the beauty of life.

Granted, it is hard to comprehend that during such a life-changing time that favor and goodwill will be upon you.

But you will receive grace.

Many people will show grace in various forms – their mannerisms, their actions.

You will come to understand the core values that connect mankind.

When you make the ask for money, for help, the outpouring from people may overwhelm you.

Accept their charity, appreciate their gift.

As others see your grace in accepting from others, their generosity will astound you.

Regardless of the gift, always be thankful. You will understand this: None of them are small. Drop a thank-you note in the mail. There also are online services for digital cards to email or text.

Continue to be grateful throughout your journey. People pick up on your vibe; they will react to your grace under pressure.

Share your thanks with social media posts, emails, texts. Let people know you appreciate their help.

No matter the level of your anger, angst, or feelings of being overwhelmed, the amount of grace being shown to you, for you will keep your grace overflowing.

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RAISING MONEY ON YOUR OWN TERMS THE 7-POINT CHECKLIST •

How much money do you need to cover cancer treatment?

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Put aside your fear and be specific about the “why” when asking for money.

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When asking for money, be honest. It’s OK to be vulnerable.

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Make it easy for people to give; rely on user-friendly technology.

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Follow the three P’s: Platform, Personal, Progress.

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Tell people your story and keep repeating it.

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Show unyielding grace with others gratitude and generosity.

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