Too many head and neck cancer patients face financial challenges that are just as overwhelming as the cancer itself. The additional expense of medical treatments, therapies, prescriptions, and co-pays — often with limited insurance coverage — puts a strain on household budgets and relationships. Rehabilitation and regular follow-up care is critical to long-term health and many patients do not have the financial means to afford these quality-of-life treatments and therapies.
Head and neck cancer often affects breathing, eating, drinking, speaking, and the voice. It can have a significant impact on a person’s physical appearance, social interaction and self-esteem and this affects a person’s willingness or ability to socialize or return to work.
Since 2014, we have awarded over $2 million dollars in grants to benefit head and neck cancer patients. We’ve provided funding to support programs that provide dental services, nutritional supplements, prescription assistance, transportation support, and specialized therapies.
HNC Living and Delta Dental of Kansas help head and neck cancer patients
Partners
Cancer Action, Inc.
Overland Park, KS
CancerActionKC.org · 913-642-8885
Head and neck cancer patients have unique needs due to the location of the cancer and the side effects that occur from treatment. Cancer Action’s Patient Services Program is designed to provide an array of support services head and neck cancer patients need to address the side effects and impact of cancer and its treatment. The more critical needs include nutritional supplement support, prescription assistance, medical equipment and supplies, transportation assistance and case management. $65,500
Most head and neck cancer patients have some type of dental or mouth problems during their treatment. Treatment for some head and neck cancers involve loss or removal of teeth. Without teeth, a person’s nutritional status and health continue to be compromised. The lack of properly fitted dentures or partials can also lead to further complications including pain, infection, and potential deterioration of the affected area. Partnering with a prosthodontist, the Patient Dental Services Program will provide partial prosthetic or full dentures for head and neck cancer patients who have had partial or full removal of their teeth due to the cancer, treatment and/or side effects. $30,000 (Read about one patient’s transformative experience Cancer Action denture program.)
“HNC Living Foundation has helped us offer practical and financial assistance to head & neck cancer patients in our community – easing the challenges they face, providing vital emotional and tangible support and letting them know they are not alone in their fight! We are truly grateful for their passion and partnership in care.”
— Karla Nichols, Executive Director, Cancer Action
Cancer Care Services
Fort Worth, TX
cancercareservices.org · 817-921-0653
Cancer Care Services’ Journey of Hope is a comprehensive program supporting the needs of cancer patients. Programs for head and neck cancer patients include assistance with health insurance, nutritional supplements, dietician services, and dental care coordination. Helping patients in Tarrant, Parker and Hood Counties of Texas. $10,000
“We wish to express our gratitude to HNC Living Foundation for your commitment to the mission of Cancer Care Services, through your support of the hundreds of head and neck cancer patients we serve. The lives of these cancer patients, survivors, and their families will be transformed on a daily basis because of YOU.”
Cancer Services
Winston-Salem, NC
cancerservicesonline.org · 336-760-9983
Cancer Services mission is “Enhancing Health, Life & Survivorship.” The Financial Assistance for Head and Neck Cancer Patients program provides support for prescriptions, medical supplies, transportation, and nutritional supplements. Helping patients in Forsyth, Davie, Stokes, and Yadkin Counties of North Carolina. $7,500
“The grant from HNC Living continues to increase our ability to reach out a helping hand in the community. Thank you again for your support.”
St. Joseph Mercy Hospital
Ann Arbor, MI
stjoesannarbor.org · 734-712-3456
St. Joseph Mercy Hospital leads the St. Joseph Mercy Health System comprehensive cancer care program. The Head and Neck Cancer Patient Assistance Fund will provide funding for the unique treatment needs of head and neck cancer patients, including dental care, nutritional supplements, and medical equipment and supplies. Helping patients in Washtenaw County, Michigan. $10,000
Truman Medical Centers
Kansas City, MO
TruMed.org · 816-404-1000
Head and neck cancer patients at Truman Medical Center have an increased vulnerability because of their already low socioeconomic status. The costs associated with the treatment of these cancers can be overwhelming for any patient, but especially for those who are uninsured or under-insured. Planning treatment for a patient with limited or no financial resources is difficult. The financial burden of care and services can cause some patients to forgo necessary treatments. The HNC Financial Assistance Program will provide help with costs associated with transportation to medical appointments, nutritional supplements and tube feeding supplies, prescription co-pays, and treatment services co-pays. $15,000
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry
Kansas City, MO
dentistry.umkc.edu · 816-235-2100
Although radiotherapy saves the lives of many head and neck cancer patients, the quality of life of these cancer survivors is drastically diminished due to numerous radiotherapy-induced oral and dental complications, including painful mucosal tissue, dry mouth and severe debilitating breakdown of the teeth and the associated loss of chewing function. Medically necessary oral care before, during, and after cancer treatment is critical to prevent or reduce the incidence and severity of oral complications and to enhancing both patient survival and quality of life. The Dental Care for Head and Neck Cancer Patients program will provide dental care for uninsured and underinsured patients referred from any regional medical center. Services include dental care required prior to starting cancer treatment (pre-care) and follow-up/ongoing dental care after cancer treatment (post-care.) $325,000
Turning Point
A Community Resource of The University of Kansas Health System
Leawood, KS
KansasHealthSystem.com · 913-574-0900
Turning Point has been Kansas City’s highly respected patient support organization since 2001. With an array of comprehensive programs, Turning Point educates and supports individuals, families and friends facing a wide variety of chronic physical illnesses such as cancer, chronic heart failure, Parkinson’s disease, MS, ALS and diabetes.
Through classes, activities and education, Turning Point helps participants increase resilience so they may live life to the fullest, even while experiencing chronic disease.
The University of Kansas Health System
The University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City is a world-class academic medical center and destination for complex care and diagnosis. We offer more options for patients with serious conditions because of our expertise and leadership in medical research and education. Our physicians are researchers and educators expanding the boundaries of medical knowledge. Their major breakthroughs lead to the life-changing treatments and technologies of the future.
The University of Kansas Health System
St. Francis Campus
Topeka, KS
KansasHealthSystem.com
The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus in Topeka, Kansas, provides inpatient care within a 378-bed hospital facility and 15 outpatient clinics, where patients from across the Topeka region can visit their primary and specialty care providers.
Saint Luke’s Health System
Kansas City
SaintLukesKC.org
Saint Luke’s Health System includes 16 hospitals and campuses across the Kansas City region, home care and hospice, behavioral health care, dozens of physician practices, a life care senior living community, and more.