Because cancer
is hard enough.
1 in 5 cancer patients can’t afford at least one of their
basic needs during treatment. A diagnosis doesn’t
just affect health — it disrupts income, drains
savings, and forces impossible choices between
paying for care and paying for basic needs.
Family Reach exists to remove those financial barriers
— so no one has to choose between their health and
their home.
The Colangelo and Morello families saw that the
problem was bigger than cancer. In 1996, they
joined forces and started Family Reach, because
cancer was hard enough.
Christopher Colangelo
Christopher Colangelo was born on April 15, 1970. He was a gifted student, star athlete, and an outgoing, happy kid. At age 7, he was diagnosed with metastatic neuroblastoma, and after extensive treatment, Christopher passed away in 1981, at 11 years old.
Christopher’s family remembers his tremendous care for others and curiosity. He faced his illness with humor and courage beyond his years, and his spirit lives on in the work of Family Reach.
Kristine Morello-Wiatrak
Kristine Morello-Wiatrak was born on September 3, 1968. She was a bright student, talented coworker, and loving friend, daughter, and wife. In 1990, she was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma.
During her treatment, she was a cheerleader for other patients and faced her diagnosis with a smile and a fighting spirit. Before Kristine passed away in 1995, she asked her family to help others facing cancer by returning the financial and spiritual support she received. Her spirit of generosity inspires our work every day.
— Morello Family
Milestones That
Shaped Our Mission
1997
The founding families host their first golf tournament, raising $10,000 to support families facing cancer.
2008
National expansion begins with new leadership and the launch of community-driven fundraising initiatives like Reach Athletes.
2018
The Financial Treatment Program is formalized, integrating emergency relief with financial education, resource navigation, and coaching.
2021
The Cancer Equity Initiative launches, deepening access to financial support for communities most impacted by disparities.
2002
Family Reach becomes a formally incorporated nonprofit organization.
2016
Family Reach participates in the Biden Cancer Moonshot, accelerating the development of a comprehensive financial treatment model.
2018
Families are served in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., solidifying national reach.
1997
The founding families host their first golf tournament, raising $10,000 to support families facing cancer.
2002
Family Reach becomes a formally incorporated nonprofit organization.
2008
National expansion begins with new leadership and the launch of community-driven fundraising initiatives like Reach Athletes.
2016
Family Reach participates in the Biden Cancer Moonshot, accelerating the development of a comprehensive financial treatment model.
2018
The Financial Treatment Program is formalized, integrating emergency relief with financial education, resource navigation, and coaching.
2018
Families are served in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., solidifying national reach.
2021
The Cancer Equity Initiative launches, deepening access to financial support for communities most impacted by disparities.
Family Reach is the only national nonprofit focused solely on removing the
financial barriers that stand between people with cancer and their treatment.
We provide direct support for food, housing, utilities, and transportation —
and pair it with financial education, resource navigation, and one-on-one
coaching through our Financial Treatment Program.
We leverage 200+ community partnerships across rural, urban, and underserved
communities to make sure that our efforts are everywhere that they’re needed,
whenever they’re needed. This vital work provides a safety net for patients across
the country, impacting not only their daily life, but their health outcomes as well.