Since its inception in 2011, the Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation has provided over $5.5 million in grants to help cancer patients in need. The FCS Foundation has awarded $1.16 million in grants year-to-date in 2019, surpassing the prior year’s total.
The FCS Foundation provides financial support to qualified adult cancer patients in the state of Florida to help them pay for essential non-medical expenses, such as rent or mortgage, car payments and utility bills.
In response to a 21 percent increase in patient applications in 2019, the FCS Foundation Board of Directors recently approved increasing the annual maximum individual grant amount from $1,500 to $2,000 beginning January 1, 2020.
“We have never turned any qualified patient away and the need continues to grow,” said FCS Physician & FCS Foundation Board Chairman Dr. Michael Diaz, noting American Cancer Society estimates that over 130,000 Florida residents will be newly diagnosed with cancer in the coming year.
All of the overhead expenses required to operate the Foundation are paid for by the physicians of Florida Cancer Specialists so that 100% of donations go directly towards paying essential non-medical living expenses.
“Cancer care often spans months and years,” said FCS Foundation Chairman Emeritus & FCS CEO Brad Prechtl, MBA. “Imagine having your electricity turned off or facing possible eviction from your home while you are battling cancer. I believe it is our responsibility to do everything we can to help patients in need.”
Dr. Lucio Gordan, FCS president & managing physician, added, “As a physician, I have seen the enormous difference this financial assistance makes in the lives of cancer patients and their families. Patients are able to focus on fighting cancer rather than worry about paying their bills.”
Foundation support comes from individual contributions, sponsorships and event participation. More information and applications for financial assistance are available at: fcsf.org/financial-aid/.
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