For 25 years, the Cancer Patient Support Foundation (CPSF) has been helping Vermont cancer patients and their families navigate times of extraordinary need by providing critical financial assistance and compassionate support during diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Since 2001, CPSF has served over 12,700 cancer patients, supporting an average of 500 patients each year.

Cancer is one of the most expensive diseases to treat in the United States and many patients experience financial toxicity, which can have devastating, long-lasting effects. Through the Emergency Fund program, CPSF provides responsive financial assistance to local cancer patients helping to alleviate the financial burden, allowing patients to focus on their healing while knowing they are not alone.

Patients are referred to the Emergency Fund through their social worker or medical provider and may receive support for essential needs such as housing, home heating, utilities, food, transportation to treatment, prescriptions, and out-of-pocket medical expenses. To qualify, patients must reside in Vermont and be in active cancer treatment. New York patients receiving care at the UVM Cancer Center may also be eligible through a grant provided by the Victoria Buffum Endowment Fund.

In addition to the Emergency Fund, CPSF also administers the Maggie Card program which allows cancer patients to receive discounts on goods and services at participating businesses throughout Vermont. To learn more about these programs, visit their website at https://www.cpsfvt.org/.