Clinical Trial Access Program
Clinical trials have the power to save lives — but only if patients can access them.
Increasing Access to Life-Saving Cancer Care
Launched in 2023 in partnership with More Moments More Memories, our Clinical Trial Access Program connects patients enrolled in clinical trials to our free Financial Resource Center. This critical support helps patients and their families afford basic needs like housing, transportation food, and utilities, eliminating financial barriers to life-saving clinical trials.
Barriers to clinical trials
Thousands of cancer patients turn down or stop participating in clinical trials due to high out-of-pocket costs. Black and Hispanic/Latino patients, who face the most financial distress during cancer treatment, are the least likely to enroll in trials.
$600
more in monthly travel + lodging costs compared to patients who are not on clinical trials1
80%
of clinical trials are delayed or closed because of recruitment challenges2
<20%
representation of Black and Hispanic/Latino people³
Who we're reaching
In addition to a dedicated Clinical Trial Access Fund, we reach patients on clinical trials through our nationwide network of treatment centers and community-based nonprofit organizations.
300+
patients supported in 2024 who were on a clinical trial
65%
of survey respondents said they travel at least weekly for treatment
54%
identified as Black or Hispanic/Latino
How it works
Access
Anyone can visit Family Reach’s Financial Resource Center to access support and oncology social workers apply for grants on behalf of patients (application time: < 15 min)
Deliver
Patients can download financial tip sheets, search 24/7 for resources by zip code, and have expenses paid by check or sent directly to vendors like landlords and utility companies
Analyze
Patient focus groups and surveys identify barriers to clinical trials and improve program delivery
“I would not be able to do a clinical trial without this support,” shared Arleth, who received housing and transportation support from Family Reach during her clinical trial for lymphoma.
91%
of patients on a clinical trial felt less financial distress after accessing the Financial Resource Center
Clinical Trial Access Advisory Board
Christi Shaw
Life Sciences Leader, Co-Founder, More Moments More Memories
Shelley Shaw
Patient-Centric Oncology Leader, Co-Founder More Moments More Memories
Jason Carter, Esq.
Life Sciences Executive
Natasha Clinton, MSN, APR, AOCNP, PCMAS
Senior Director, Clinical Insight Services
Danielle Ralic
CEO and Founder of Ancora.ai
David L. Porter, MD
Director, Center for Cell Therapy and Transplant, University of Pennsylvania
Improve Clinical Trial Access and Adherence
Together, we can save lives. Your support makes our Clinical Trial Access Program accessible to all families facing cancer.
Donate to the Clinical Trial Access Fund
Help patients enrolled in a clinical trial access reliable transportation, stable housing, and food during treatment.
Become a partner
Ways to partner:
Support our Clinical Trial Access Fund
Provide our services at your trial site
Join the Clinical Trial Access Advisory Board
Complete the form to explore these partnership opportunities and more with our team.
References:
Nipp RD, Powell E, Chabner B, et al. Recognizing the financial burden of cancer patients in clinical trials. Oncologist. 2015;20:572-575.
Decentralized clinical trials: Are we ready to make the leap? (2019, January 29). BioPharma Dive.
Decentralized clinical trials: Are we ready to make the leap?Kelsey, M. D., Patrick-Lake, B., Abdulai, R., Broedl, U. C., Brown, A., Cohn, E., Curtis, L. H., Komelasky, C., Mbagwu, M., Mensah, G. A., Mentz, R. J., Nyaku, A., Omokaro, S. O., Sewards, J., Whitlock, K., Zhang, X., & Bloomfield, G. S. (2022). Inclusion and diversity in clinical trials: Actionable steps to drive lasting change. Contemporary Clinical Trials, 116, 106740. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cct.2022.106740
- Family Reach Patient and Caregiver Survey, 2024.
Clinical Trial Access Fund
Helping families access life-saving clinical trials and gain more moments and memories with loved ones.
Current funding provided by the NEPM Foundation.
Healthcare professionals, please apply for support on behalf of patients here.
Financial barriers to clinical trials
Despite the life-saving benefits of clinical trials, the high costs associated with travel, lodging, and meals deter many patients from participating. Those who are younger, lower income, and/or of color are the least likely to enroll in a clinical trial.
Top financial concerns:
Travel and relocation expenses
Many patients spend $600 or more per month on travel and lodging when enrolled in a clinical trial. 1
Loss of income
Patients report missing weeks to months of work, or even losing jobs entirely, due to clinical trial travel requirements and side effects.
Lack of financial support
Awareness of financial support during clinical trials is limited, with patients opting out due to anticipated increased costs.
Improving access to care
Christi and Shelley Shaw founded More Moments More Memories in 2017 to help patients access clinical trials and gain more time with their loved ones. Their success provided hope and kept the memory of their late mother, Karen, and sister, Sherry, alive, but Christi and Shelley wanted to extend their reach and make an even greater impact.
In 2023, Family Reach acquired More Moments More Memories and together they launched the Clinical Trial Access Fund.
The Clinical Trial Access Fund:
Helps cover travel, meal, and lodging costs upfront for families
Increases patients’ awareness of and access to financial support services for food, housing, and transportation
Evaluates barriers that interfere with Black and Hispanic/Latino patients’ access and adherence to clinical trials
Supporting more families
More Moments More Memories started with the goal of supporting one patient per month. As awareness grew, it was clear that the need was great. Their partnership with Family Reach was forged in 2022 and grew from there.
In its first year of inception, the Clinical Trial Access Fund supported 292 patients. We anticipate reaching over 1,000 in 2024.
Who we're reaching
56% identify as racially or ethnically diverse
67% are surviving on a household income of $40,000 or less
72% need support with transportation
The astronomical cost of housing and transportation was completely out of my budget. The assistance helped me cover those costs, and in February 2023, I was declared in remission. I am eternally grateful … I am living an active, healthy life, and I thank those who made this possible for me.
—Mary, who traveled 500 miles to access a life-saving clinical trial
Help families access clinical trials
Together, we can help more patients access life-saving clinical trials and gain more time with their loved ones. Your financial support keeps our Clinical Trial Access Fund open to families facing cancer.
How can I partner with Family Reach?
There are many ways to partner with our organization to ensure access to clinical trials. Complete our potential partner form to learn more.
Potential Partner Form
Thank you to our sponsors:
