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Help$ Programs

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Category: Programs
Created on Wednesday, 19 December 2012 04:31

Northwest Sarcoma Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to providing education and support to patients and families who are living with this specific form of cancer. We strive to provide timely and accurate information regarding research and treatment options, and offer overall support by creating local networks throughout the northwest.  Two need-based financial assistance programs are available for patients currently undergoing treatment in Washington, Oregon, Montana, Alaska or Idaho: Foundation Help$, for adults; and Jenna Westerholm Pediatric Help$, for children.

Eligible patients may receive up to $500 in assistance in a calendar year, based on documented financial need and availability of funds. An individual may apply for assistance through his/her social worker, clinic support staff, and/or patient navigator to receive help with expenses such as utilities, public transportation, childcare and others as outlined in the supporting materials. Please refer to the links below for specific information regarding guidelines and eligibility, and access to the application.  Should you have any specific questions concerning these programs, please feel free to contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Eligibility

To be eligible for funds from Foundation Help$, patients must:

  • Have a diagnosis of sarcoma and be in active treatment (i.e., typically within 3 months of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation)
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Live or be treated in Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Montana, or Idaho
  • Not have any alternate sources of funding for the requested item(s)
  • Not have received more than $500 financial assistance from our foundation in the current calendar year
  • Not have received more than $1500 total financial assistance from our Foundation.

To be eligible for Jenna Westerholm Pediatric Help$ funds, patients must:

  • Have a diagnosis of sarcoma and be in active treatment (i.e., typically within 3 months of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation)
  • Be less than 18 years of age
  • Be treated at Seattle Children's Hospital
  • Not have any alternate sources of funding for the requested item(s)
  • Not have received more than $500 financial assistance from our foundation in the current calendar year
  • Not have received more than $1500 total financial assistance from our Foundation.

Patients may apply for assistance with any of the following (up to a maximum of $500 total for the calendar year):

  • Rent/mortgage (as verified by lease or rental agreement)
  • Utilities (limited to basic public resources; excludes cable and internet)
  • Public transportation (to and from medical appointments; gas for private cars is included)
  • Food and nutritional supplements (e.g., Boost/Ensure)
  • Prescriptions for medications related to treatment for sarcoma not covered by insurance or available through pharmaceutical assistance programs
  • Childcare (professional day care facility)
  • Medical supplies and treatments not covered by insurance (e.g., hair prosthetic, compression garments)
  • Funds for travel and/or lodging to seek a second opinion

How It Works

Patients work with their hospital/clinical social worker, clinic support staff, or patient navigator to complete a brief application. The social worker then submits the application, which will be processed on a first-come, first-serve basis according to availability of funds. Checks will be issued the 15th and 30th of each month for applications which are approved.  Social workers will be kept apprised of the status of each application.

Guidelines for Completion of Application

  • Social worker is responsible for assessing and documenting actual need
  • Social worker is responsible for verifying eligibility requirements as listed above
  • Social worker completes the application. Please note that incomplete applications will delay processing.
  • Social worker, when indicating the type of assistance requested, should check only those which directly apply

For all inquiries regarding Help$ programs, please contact: Tammy Wilhoite at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Ready to Complete the Application?

If the applicant meets the eligibility requirements, Click here to access the application.

Help$ Testimonials

Food, Lights, Gas, Heat... You always think there will be just enough money. But with cancer, sometimes the most human of needs cannot be met.
– A.R.

Thank God for the HELP$ Program and the Northwest Sarcoma Foundation. They have helped us out when we needed it most, no questions asked. It is hard to ask but if you need it, it is there!!!!
– A.R.

I thank you so much for helping me and my family in the middle of the most incredible thing we've ever had to go through in our entire lives. Scott, my husband, had chondrosarcoma. He did not survive. He died August 28, 2011. He was 43 years old with two children, 7 and 10 years old. He battled this cancer for three years. It was a tough one as chondrosarcomas don't respond to chemo or radiation. We just don't know enough about this one. It unfortunately became extremely aggressive and Georgetown University Hospital could not keep up with it.
– S.D.

With your assistance and support, and by the grace of God, I have been cancer free for over two years now. What started out as a death sentence turned into a new lease on life for myself, and having you folks to call upon meant the world to me during that difficult time. Organizations like yourself and the American Cancer Association were indeed contributing factors in helping me to Keep Hope Alive!"
– T.D.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the assistance with my travel expenses from Puyallup to Portland on Amtrak trains. You have made this experience much less stressful. Thank you for caring and support.
– K.M.

Thank you so much for the kindness, consideration, and assistance from the NW Sarcoma Foundation. The aid really helps with all the cancer bills. I appreciate the aid but most of all you taking the time to think of and reach out to me during this most difficult time in my life.
– J.K.

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By donating to Northwest Sarcoma Foundation, you're helping support those in need and furthering research toward a cure. Click here to donate online today. Thank you!