When Sarah* reached out to Family Reach earlier this year, she was deeply concerned about her cancer diagnosis, her family, and their financial health.
As a single mom of three, the expenses were adding up. She was particularly worried about the costs for travel, medications, and childcare. Though she receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and lives in subsidized housing, she was struggling to pay the rent and using over-the-counter pain relievers to manage her symptoms on a budget.
As a Resource Navigator at Family Reach, I was able to connect her with resources to help with transportation costs as well as additional government support for more income.
A few months later, she reached out again, and I helped her work with her social worker to submit an application to our services. This time, we were able to help cover childcare costs for Sarah and connect her with resources to help pay her utility bills.
The biggest goal of my job is to let Sarah and others in her shoes know they’re not alone and there’s help out there.
My fellow Resource Navigators and I are here to make it a little easier for you to find the resources that are best for your needs and situation. Before we meet, here’s a quick overview of how Family Reach’s Resource Navigation can help you when you or a loved one is going through cancer.
Resource Navigation is a free service that provides personalized resource recommendations to help families facing cancer with unemployment, insurance, food, and other critical needs.
We do this by looking over applications to our services, figuring out what each family needs, and giving them a list of resources that can help them. These recommendations are in addition to the other services that we provide, including free financial coaching and financial assistance for everyday living costs.
Here’s how Devin Traxler, MSW, LSW, and one of our Lead Navigators on the team described our support: “If you Google ‘resources for cancer patients’ there are hundreds of links and it’s too much to go through when you are also balancing cancer treatment. Our trained Resource Navigators take some of that burden off of your plate and find a personalized list of resources for you.”
Resource Navigators can connect you with various types of support from trusted organizations, such as:
Sarah, for example, wondered if a family member could get paid for caregiving. I sent her a link to a program that can be a game-changer for families going through cancer. If a family or patient has Medicaid, a family member can complete minimal training and certification to then get paid to care for their loved one. This can be a huge relief since caregivers often have to stop working and lose income while a loved one goes through treatment.
Your application to the service gives us a lot of information, though chatting with you directly makes it possible for us to provide even more personalized assistance and support. For example, we can connect you with support that’s specific to your age, location, diagnosis, or biggest financial worry.
Here’s what you can expect from talking with your Family Reach Resource Navigator:
We’re here to listen without judgment and help however we can. When you’re ready, ask your social worker about Family Reach’s services or find out more here.
*Name changed to protect the patient’s privacy
As a Resource Navigator and Family Reach employee of over five years, Adam is passionate about helping families navigate the healthcare landscape. When he isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, writing, and listening to way too much music.
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Your holiday giving provides financial relief to families like these who are facing cancer this winter.
Curious what a donation to Family Reach does? Here’s a breakdown of how donations to Family Reach provide financial support to families facing cancer.
Applications will only be reviewed and processed for open funds.
Application must be submitted by a member of the healthcare team where the patient is receiving treatment
Applications will only be reviewed and processed for open funds.
Applications will only be reviewed and processed for open funds.
Applications will only be reviewed and processed for open funds.
Applications will only be reviewed and processed for open funds.
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