No One Has To Walk Their Blood Cancer Journey Alone

BY JENNIFER RAAB, MARKETING AND BRAND MANAGER, BLOOD CANCER FOUNDATION OF MICHIGAN

Every 90 minutes, someone in Michigan learns they have blood cancer. For many, the physical battle is only the start of the hurdles they’ll face.

A cancer diagnosis can empty one’s emotional reserves, make it hard to stay engaged socially, and can place a large burden on a family’s finances. Fortunately, The Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan (BCFM) has spent the last 70 years making sure no local patient ever has to walk their blood cancer journey alone. Anyone dealing with a blood cancer diagnosis in the state of Michigan is eligible for BCFM’s comprehensive, holistic support services. BCFM’s Master’s-level Patient Support Specialists customize a plan for each patient and family, ensuring they’re equipped with the very best resources to navigate their journey, take back control of their lives, and achieve long-term stability.

BCFM is keenly aware that local patients and families are facing a unique set of challenges. They’ve observed many patients and families struggling with the ongoing strain of this postpandemic world. Prior to diagnosis, 77% of reporting patients and families lived below the ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed) guidelines set by the United Way. These families are one crisis away from falling deeper into Michigan’s social safety net, currently costing the state $25 billion per year. Blood cancer is one of the costliest cancers to treat, with many patients requiring lifelong treatment. The financial struggle for patients has been made even greater due to increased fuel, inflation, and treatment costs.

Financial challenges are only one example of how the pandemic has affected BCFM’s patient base. As a result of measures taken to curb the spread of COVID-19, a greater number of patients missed regular doctor visits and screenings, often resulting in more advanced stages of disease at the time of diagnosis. Additionally, due to overwhelmed healthcare systems, BCFM referral rates dropped, leaving a greater number of the newly diagnosed without outside support. Social and emotional strain is an inevitable byproduct of battling illness, but that feeling of isolation was exacerbated when folks weren’t able to see loved ones for long periods of time. These vulnerable patients need BCFM’s financial, emotional and social assistance now more than ever.

Over the last year, BCFM has seen a dramatic increase in referrals and expects those numbers to continue to grow. They have taken the lessons learned from the pandemic to bolster resources, ensure quality services, and innovate outreach. They’ve hired a full-time community liaison to build and maintain relationships with their key healthcare and community partners. Barriers caused by rising transportation costs have been addressed by increasing patient reimbursement for travel to treatment. While continuing to provide high-quality care and programming for existing patients, BCFM has also created additional reserves to guarantee that they never have to turn patients away in the future. These steps illustrate BCFM’s full commitment to ensuring that anyone in Michigan coping with a blood cancer journey will know they have a partner on this road.

If you, or someone you love, is facing a battle with blood cancer, the Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan is here to help. BCFM is focused on giving power back to patients during a time when they feel most out of control. When families are able to count on support from BCFM, they can keep their eyes fixed on healing and a happier future.

BLOODCANCERFOUNDATIONMI.ORG