Hnc Living Foundation

PURPOSE: 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 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 under insured 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).

PURPOSE: Head and neck (H&N) cancer patients have a unique set of needs due to the location of the cancer and the side-effects that occur from treatment. Cancer Action provides many services H&N cancer patients need to address the side-effects and impact of cancer and its treatment. Cancer Action will address several of the more critical needs for cancer patients diagnosed with H&N cancer by providing the following services and support through this grant: nutritional supplement support, prescription assistance, medical equipment and supplies, transportation assistance and case management.

PURPOSE: Head and neck cancer patients face many unique challenges both during treatment and as they journey from recovery to that of a survivor. The Cotton O'Neil Cancer Center's Head and Neck Cancer Patient Assistance Fund will be used to help meet the distinct and often costly needs of these patients including; dental care, nutritional needs, medication coverage and transportation.

PURPOSE: 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 HNC Financial Assistance Program will provide assistance with costs associated with transportation to medical appointments, nutritional supplements and tube feeding supplies, prescription co-pays, rental or durable medical equipment, and medical supplies necessary for post-operative care of a tracheotomy.

PURPOSE: Cancer Care Services partners with head and neck cancer patients and survivors to improve their self-sufficiency and empower them to care for their overall health. We accomplish this by providing collaborative care planning, financial support for treatment-related needs, as well as coordinating wellness support services and head and neck cancer patients improve their long-term well-being. Our COPE programs include: Health Insurance Assistance, Prescription Co-Pay Assistance, Nutritional Supplements and Dietitian Services and Medical Supplies & Equipment, which require demonstration of financial hardship in order to qualify. Counseling/Therapy, Skill-Building Workshops, Support Groups, and Case Management/Navigation are free to head and neck cancer patients and survivors.

PURPOSE: Our mission is "Enhancing Health, Life & Survivorship". Our agency provides comprehensive programs addressing financial, physical and emotional support for cancer survivors and their families as well as lifestyle wellness programs for risk-reducing to the community at large. We do not charge for our services or receive insurance reimbursement and are a local nonprofit without national affiliation, which enables us to be completely responsive to our community's needs. Our overall goals are to provide access to medications to increase survival and increase access to cancer treatment and improve equity of cancer care.