Sunday, 19 August 2018

The Cancer Foundation Of Northeast Georgia A Shining Light In The Community

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.

Being informed about a cancer diagnosis is something nobody ever wishes to hear. The gravity and daunting nature of this news overshadows everything. For many, life feels like it has stopped right at that point.

Thankfully for most life does not end at this point. What happens now is the beginning of what feels like an endless stream of specialist doctors, each with a battery of tests to be performed, further consultations to determine treatment pathways, possibly further scanning needed, perhaps more test and so things continue.

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.

A nonprofit organization with a simple mission to alleviate the financial burden of cancer for eligible patients by assisting with basic needs such as housing, utilities, food and medication. Of course the charity is unable to help everyone and so has established some fair eligibility criteria. For example one has to be over eighteen and in or within six months of active treatment for a diagnosis made by a certified health care provider. There is also provision for those who have declined treatment and have been admitted to a hospice.

To be assisted it is also necessary to live within the locality of the foundation and earn below certain income levels. Details of these matters are perhaps better discussed over the phone or by visiting them on the internet. It is satisfying to know that there are those who not only see the extreme needs of others, but who are prepared to share and provide real help.




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