Financial Help for Lymphoma Patients

While this site cannot help those in financial need, there are a number of organizations in the United States and throughout the world to help those who cannot afford all aspects of treatment. Aid is often for specific needs: transportation costs, drug costs, etc. Some aid is directed to specific groups of patients such as children.

Chemotherapy Drugs

Some companies provide their chemotherapy drugs at reduced or no cost for people with a proven need.

• Companies with known programs are listed under each drug in the drug section.

Children

Some aid programs are specifically for children.

• The National Children's Cancer Society (N.C.C.S.) provides direct financial assistance and emotional support to children with cancer and their families nationwide. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for children with cancer and to reduce the risk of cancer by promoting children's health through financial and in-kind assistance, advocacy, support services, education & prevention programs.
http://www.children-cancer.com/
1015 Locust, Suite 600 St. Louis, MO 63101
1-800-5-Family
e-mail: PFS@children-cancer.com
• The McDonald's Corporation operated Ronald McDonald Houses - places specifically for families away from home for treatment of children. They are located in the US and many countries.
• In the US, The Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation helps children with cancer and their families - services that local groups commonly provide include meetings, speakers, parent-to-parent visitation, summer camps, transportation, emergency funding, and publications. (800) 366-2223
• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, located in Memphis, Tennessee, is the world's premier center for research and treatment of potentially fatal childhood diseases, including cancer. Patients are accepted for treatment at St. Jude Hospital based on their eligibility for treatment protocols. No children are turned away because of their parents' inability to pay. ALSAC (American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities) covers all costs of treatment and supportive care beyond those reimbursed by third party insurers, if any. When no insurance is available, all treatment costs are covered. (901) 495-3300

United States

Patient Aid Programs

Patient aid programs are funded by cancer groups to help people who qualify pay for small items such as transportation costs to cancer centers. Each program has their own guidelines so read carefully.

• The Cure for Lymphoma Foundation has a new Patient Aid program. A great program from a growing organization.
• The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (formerly The Leukemia Society) can provide small reimbursement for medical expenses.

Travel

• The American Cancer Society Road to Recovery program organizes volunteers to drive people to appointments. (800) ACS-2345
• Corporate Angel Network helps cancer patients travel to distant health centers for care regardless of financial status. (914) 328-1313
• Mercy Medical Airlift helps cancer patients travel to distant health centers for care. (800) 296-1191
• Air Care Alliance helps patients travel to distant health centers for care. (888) 662-6794. ACA volunteers fly only when financial need or other special circumstances mean a compelling human need would go unfulfilled.

US Social Security

Some cancer patients and survivors find they can no longer work. This may qualify them for Social Security. The application process is not easy and most people are rejected their first time (but win on appeal).

• Social Security Disability Home Page
• US Social Security Handbook