Stress created by a childhood cancer diagnosis can increase with financial concerns. The financial burden of such a diagnosis cannot be anticipated. Parents of a child with cancer can experience a sudden decrease or loss of income, expenses such as personal and medical along with food and travel dramatically increase, and inadequate insurance coverage that can create a significant financial strain.

Reports show that even families that have full health insurance will spend 25 percent or more of their income on co-payments and items not covered by insurance. People without insurance or little insurance are facing severe complications that have the potential to exhaust their savings and possibly put them at risk of losing their home. However, local and national organizations are available to help with a variety of resources so that major hardships might be avoided

Financial hardships associated with a childhood cancer diagnosis can be hard to accept . Some families may feel uncomfortable accepting assistance, but during this time of extreme crisis most families need extra support. Most people want to know what they can do to help, but need guidance on how to provide the support. Letting others know what is needed benefits everyone. Financial assistance for a kid with cancer can make a difference by taking care of gas, meals or a few nights’ lodging. Addressing the financial burden can lower overall stress on the family, while providing opportunities for others to help in an otherwise helpless situation.

Cancer can impose heavy economic burdens on both patients and their families. Government-sponsored programs as well as services supported by nonprofit, national organizations are available for families who do not have health insurance and for those who have insurance but need more financial assistance to cover health care costs. Child cancer patients and their families should discuss any concerns about health care costs with their doctor, medical social worker, or the business office of their hospital or clinic.

General assistance programs providing food, housing, and other services may also be available from the county or city Department of Social Services

For more childhood cancer financial assistance information visit Children’s Cancer Fund of America, Inc.