CARE – Cancer Aid Resource & Education, Inc., operating as a volunteer group, serves the people of Las Cruces and Doña Ana County. Cancer brings devastation to individuals and families, yet the suffering goes far beyond diagnosis and treatment. For low and middle income families, cancer can result in a financial burden so profound that the National Cancer Institute has coined the term “financial toxicity” to describe the financial crisis of a cancer diagnosis. This financial burden doesn’t just create high rates of emotional distress; it also negatively affects patient outcomes and quality of life for the whole family. CARE is about helping local people today, local people recently diagnosed with any type of cancer and in treatment to cure, shrink or stop the progression of their cancer. Our CARE Support Program helps eligible patients on the onset of a major cancer diagnosis and provides financial assistance for non-medical needs, basic living needs for a defined period. Financial assistance includes: gas cards to get to treatment, other transportation needs, groceries and nutritional supplements, self pay health insurance, utilities, rent or mortgage payments, telephone, etc. If treatment requires medical travel outside of the county, CARE helps with lodging, airfare, meals, gas cards, parking, etc. Assistance is provided so that local cancer patients can concentrate on treatment, healing, recovery and survival. Financial assistance is paid directly to third parties. Funds are limited and based on eligibility and availability. CARE continues to operate as a “volunteer group” so that funds raised are maximized to help local cancer patients and their families. The majority of CARE’s income to support services and financial assistance is generated through fundraising projects and the generosity of the community. Join CARE in September in downtown Las Cruces at Plaza de Las Cruces for our fun signature cancer fundraiser, La Gran Fiesta, celebrating people, food and culture.
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