Financial assistance for patients and families
Financial coaching
The financial coaching program of the Office of Patient and Family Assistance helps eligible patients, families, and survivors – free of charge – manage the economic repercussions of cancer, such as unemployment or excessive debt.
Through a collaboration with the Financial Planning Association of Massachusetts, volunteer coaches can address very basic needs such as budgeting, and broader concerns such as debt management, wills, and estate planning.
The coaches undergo a day of training in which they get to know one another, learn about the impact of cancer on someone's life, hear from guest speakers on such topics as bankruptcy and consumer credit, and become familiar with the resources and support offered by Dana-Farber and its partners in care.
Potential clients, usually referred by social workers and resources specialists, are matched with a coach within a week of their request. They meet with coaches once or several times, depending on their needs.
To learn more, call (617) 632-4494.
Office of Patient and Family Assistance
The Office of Patient and Family Assistance offers funding for eligible patients and families to help ease the burden of cancer.
The funds can help with daily needs such as groceries, utility bills, or housing costs, and other expenses such as child care fees or student loan repayments. Perhaps a family member's illness has caused someone to miss work, or the expense of traveling for treatment is high.
The Office of Patient and Family Assistance provides oversight and coordination of donor support for pediatric and adult patients and survivors, thanks to gifts from foundations, companies, and individuals, including three generous families: the Merrigans, Bernons, and Prokopis.
While the pediatric, adult, and survivor groups manage the process of requesting and allocating funds differently, they share the same commitment to connecting patients and families with financial resources.
To learn more about the program or to make a donation, call (617) 632-4494.
