By Donald Wood


Supporting people when their needs seem overwhelming, the cancer foundation of northeast Georgia is a shining light in what can seem like a sea of darkness. Patients begin to realize that the serious medical problems they face are just one of many issues that they and their families will soon have to tackle.

Receiving the news concerning a diagnosis of cancer is probably the last thing any of us wish to hear. The seriousness and fear that arises can easily be overwhelming. Some may well feel as if their lives have come to a halt at this instance.

Of course it does not stop right there. What begins now is for most a whirlwind of consultations with specialists, tests followed by more tests, X-rays and perhaps scans, discussions about treatment, more tests, more consultations, and the list just goes on and on.

It was stated by many that life may well have ended at this point. An aspect of life which does not end, though, are the nuts and bolts issues of present day living especially money affairs. Accounts and billing will definitely appear to have no end. Most are unable to have the backstop of insurance policies to cover illnesses or are employed by a company able to offer long term sick pay.

Mortgages and rentals still have to be maintained, utility bills plus charge cards balances become due, household emergencies occur, vehicles require petrol, local property taxes get deducted and loan interest is charged. Our monetary world marches on and on with little consideration for those who have just received this serious and life changing news.

Serious long term illness can gobble up sick leave entitlement at an alarming rate and for some it can even mean the loss of a job or at best reduced hours. Business owners and the self employed are particularly at risk. At the point where one is least able to deal with such issues, they still remain to be addressed and for many this causes additional distress and anxiety which in turn impacts on health.

Fortunately in all this darkness there is a light of hope shining. Organizations such as this foundation have been established for exactly this purpose. It is regarded by many who have been assisted as a beacon of hope for sufferers burdened down by financial problems. They have assisted over 2700 people since their establishment in 2005.

Providing relief from financial hardship for those suffering from cancer is the simple objective of the foundation. Criteria governing who may be assisted include assisting those in treatment or a period of six months since treatment commenced or those who elected rather to seek care in a hospice. It is for over eighteens only and beneficiaries need be diagnosed by a certificated health care professional. Financial assistance is limited to basic costs such as accommodation, groceries, medicine and home utilities.

There are also criteria about household income levels and residency but it is probably best to visit the website or phone to find out more about this. So for those dealing with cancer and experiencing severe financial difficulty, the people providing this shining light and beacon of hope could well help to lessen this double burden.




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