Cancer Costs

A childhood cancer diagnosis creates high anxiety within the entire family. There are many costs – social, emotional, spiritual, and financial.

Loss of income occurs as parents take time off from their jobs to be available for their child during hospital stays, for frequent out-patient clinic appointments, and a demanding at home medications schedule. Children also have compromised immune systems and many times cannot attend school or daycare. This can require that one parent quit their job. While income is lost, costs increase because of medical expenses.

Increased costs come from out-of-pocket medical expenses and non-medical expenses such as transportation, food, lodging, family care, and other miscellaneous items. Financial pressures can persist long after active treatment has ended. It can take many years for families to recover. Many families face long-term costly follow-up care and sometimes life-long medications for their child. Families who subsequently experience the loss of their child face even greater financial problems.

Thankfully, there are ways you can help. Kids Cancer Fund is a volunteer run 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that provides financial assistance to families in need and funds promising research. Check out the website at www.KidsCancerFund.org and visit www.facebook.com/KidsCancerFund