Cancer patients become survivors from the day they are diagnosed with this dread disease until the day they die, whether death comes from cancer or another cause. No matter what the outcome, a cancer diagnosis is always traumatic, and the survivor's life is forever changed. Such changes can be beneficial, as the cancer survivor may gain a new outlook on the important things in life. Grants are available to help survivors battle their disease and continue moving forward in life.
Sarcoma Alliance
The Sarcoma Alliance provides small grants of $350 or less to sarcoma survivors. No means test is necessary for consideration. Grants must be used for survivors to pay for a second medical opinion from a sarcoma specialist after diagnosis. Eligible expenses include travel to and from the office/hospital for the second opinion, related meals and lodging, parking, caregiver expenses and prosthetics.
The Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund
This fund provides moneys to a young cancer survivor between the ages of 18 and 40 for services not covered by her insurance. Grant money may be used for mortgage or rent payments, transportation, food and car repairs and insurance. Started by a young woman diagnosed with breast cancer in her 20s who lost the battle in 2004, Mehling wanted her fund to assist "young adults her age to maintain self-respect during months of treatment and minimize the stress of associated financial challenges."
The Nicki Leach Foundation
Named after a young woman who lost her battle with a brain tumor, the Nicki Leach Foundation provides financial assistance to young cancer survivors between the ages of 16 and 25. Eligible expenses include college tuition, clothing, bill-paying and "the opportunity to enjoy normal or unusual activities they might otherwise not be able to afford." Special grants may enable purchase of equipment such as cameras or computers, or a special something that an individual cancer survivor might like to receive.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation funds the Komen College Scholarship program for young breast cancer survivors or for those who have lost a parent to breast cancer. Eligible applicants must be under the age of 25 and plan to attend a state school in their home state. Only U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents may apply. Renewable grants of up to $5,000 per semester may be awarded.
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