The Saint Francis Foundation has received a $7,000 grant from the American Cancer Society (ACS) to provide transportation for cancer patients in need. The grant will underwrite gas cards and car service rides for eligible patients who face transportation barriers to attend cancer-related appointments during the last quarter of 2021.
Lisa Newcomer, RRT, MBA, FACHE, Service Line Director of Cancer Services for Saint Francis Healthcare System, acknowledges the need for funding.
“One of the greatest barriers to accessing cancer treatment in our region is transportation. At Saint Francis, our Mission extends beyond our walls into the communities we are called to serve. We are pleased to collaborate with the American Cancer Society to remove transportation barriers so our patients can focus on their health, healing and, ultimately, remission.”
The grant comes at a time when, like others across the nation, the Foundation has faced challenges fundraising for necessary services. The 2020 Friends Gala was cancelled, and the 2021 Friends Gala was virtual, both as a result of the pandemic. The need for these and other supporting funds, though, has persisted.
“Patients have delayed life-saving screenings due to the pandemic, resulting in later stage cancer diagnoses and the increased need for additional services,” noted Newcomer.
For those battling cancer, the ACS wants to create a level playing field.
“Disparities predominantly arise from inequities in work, wealth, income, education, housing and overall standard of living, as well as social barriers to high-quality cancer prevention, early detection and treatment services,” said Angie Rolle, Vice President, ACS Regional Cancer Control. “Transportation programs are vital to help patients get the treatments they need and deserve.”
The Saint Francis Cancer Institute is the region’s only cancer center accredited by the Commission on Cancer, a quality program of the American College of Surgeons. The Cancer Institute offers comprehensive oncology services for the treatment of many types of cancer, and our skilled oncologists and surgeons are recognized experts in cancer care.
For more information, visit www.sfmc.net/cancer.
