The Allyson Whitney Foundation primarily provides young adult cancer patients (ages 16-36) diagnosed with a rare cancer with ‘Life Interrupted Grants™ to ease their financial burden. The grants cover a range of needs, including: current and residual medical bills, rent, utilities, car and health insurance premiums, IVF start up treatments (egg retrieval and sperm banking), integrative therapies, travel expenses, and medical hair pieces.
To be eligible, applications need to be requested by an oncology social worker, doctor’s office, or patient navigator. All applications will be verified by an AWF representative & grant committee for time of treatment and rarity (Note: most young adult cancers are considered rare). Funding is limited and only one applicant from a facility can be granted an award in one grant round year. Awardees must be prepared to submit new bills to show financial need when requested. Grants will be paid either directly to the patient or their family or directly for rent or medical bills.
Great Lakes Loan Closets provides a directory of organizations (by Michigan county) that lend medical equipment to people recovering from an illness or injury for minimal or no cost. Loan closets typically offer durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, shower chairs, bedside commodes, walkers, crutches, canes, and high-rise toilet seats. Some may also have hospital beds or electric wheelchairs available.
Each loan closet is unique and has its own set of eligibility requirements, equipment, and loan period.
Mission of Hope Cancer Fund provides direct financial assistance to cancer patients as well as educational information, emotional, and grief support. Assistance is available to help cover the costs of prescriptions or co-pays, lodging, travel costs, insurance premiums, medical equipment and supplies, medical expenses, and help locating grief and emotional support groups.
Support is available to cancer patients in MIchigan and their families. Evaluations typically take 15-20 minutes over the phone. These evaluations include questions related to the original date of diagnosis, dates and information about treatment (e.g., surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation), and insurance information. Assistance is provided on a case by case basis, as funds are available.
The Thomara Latimer Cancer Foundation (TLCF) provides information, financial assistance and emotional support to families affected by any cancer-related disorder. Expenses addressed by TLCF generally include support for homecare assistance, including childcare; medication or treatment costs not covered by insurance; funds for transportation; special need funds for wigs or head coverings; and funds for assistance with final arrangements.
TLCF only accepts applications from residents in the state of Michigan. Proof of illness must be documented by your oncologist or physician on the physician’s, social worker’s, or treatment center’s letterhead. Documentation may also include copies of invoices from medication, transportation, wigs, homecare, childcare, etc. Assistance depends on the availability of funds.