how to plan a benefit for someone with cancer

How to Plan a Benefit for a Cancer Patient

• Create a Committee. A fundraiser is only as effective as the planning committee. ...
• Decide on the Event. The activity you do depends largely on the person you're raising money to help. ...
• Consider the Financial Aspects. ...
• Handling the Money. ...
• Planning the Details. ...
• Spread the Word. ...

Full Answer

Why Plan a benefit for a cancer patient?

Planning a benefit for the cancer patient helps ease that burden. A fundraiser is only as effective as the planning committee. Lots of people want to help, but you need a small, powerful group to handle planning.

How to help someone with cancer?

Touting cures or other ideas about treatment is not helpful and could be very harmful. However, if the person with cancer indicates they want people to be positive, then do that. Bring as much joy, laughter, and love into the journey as possible. 26. Offer to help with logistical tasks Getting one’s affairs in order is a necessary and arduous task.

Is there financial help for people with cancer?

The financial costs associated with cancer are often overwhelming. Even having health insurance doesn’t guarantee you’ll be able to afford treatment. It’s best to start researching your options early in the process. This fact sheet lists various sources of financial assistance available to people with cancer.

How can my employer help someone with cancer at work?

Most people don’t know what support their employer offers until they need it. For someone at work with cancer, they most likely don’t have the energy to find out what could help. Some employers have employee assistance programs that offer counseling. Other possible supports include paid family medical leave or flexible work schedules.

How do you organize someone's benefits?

People will want to help you organize the benefit or attend it in order to help make it a success, so be sure to ask for volunteers and to spread the word about the benefit in your community. Communicate with the person or family for which you want to raise money. Tell them you would like to hold a benefit.

How can I raise money for a friend with cancer?

Other Great Fundraising Ideas for Cancer CausesLuminaria Ceremony. Learn more about luminaria cereomonies. ... Charity Concert. Learn more about benefit concerts. ... Walkathons. Learn more about walkathons. ... Restaurant Partnership. ... Checkout Charity. ... Yoga Classes. ... Coffee Bean Sales. ... Matching Gifts.More items...

How can I raise money for a sick family member?

Often, the most effective method to raise funds quickly is to ask for help from the community. First, figure out a way to accept gifts, either at a bank, credit union, or a website like PayPal. Then, spread the word about the person's or family's need.

How do I ask for cancer donations?

When asking for donations in person, keep these tips in mind:Do research beforehand.Form a strong relationship before you make your ask.Meet them where they are.Practice your pitch.Communicate in a variety of ways.Be genuine, direct, and specific.Be prepared for rejections.Say thank you more than once.

Do cancer patients get benefits?

You may qualify for government benefits if you have cancer or care for someone with cancer. If you have a disability or your cancer is advanced, you might also qualify for certain benefits. Help is available for bills and housing costs, as well as for children's costs and other health expenses.

How can I raise money fast?

If you borrow money from friends or family, it's best to draw up a contract about the terms of the loan.1) Liquidate Your Assets.2) Take on Odd Jobs.3) Track Down Your Loose Change.4) Organize a Garage Sale.5) Get Money From Your Retirement Accounts.6) Part With Your Plasma.7) Borrow Money From Friends or Family.More items...

How do I set up a fund for someone in need?

How to Raise Money for a Family in Need: 7 Crowdfunding Tips7 fundraising tips on how to help a family in need. ... Speak to the family directly. ... Write a compelling fundraiser story. ... Add photos and/or videos. ... Reach out to close friends and family first. ... Create a plan to share your fundraiser.More items...•

Can I make a GoFundMe for someone else?

Adding a beneficiary is the fastest and most secure way to get funds to the intended recipient. It also provides transparency to and instills a sense of trust among donors. By adding the beneficiary, you are allowing them to connect their own bank information through their own GoFundMe account.

Is GoFundMe a good way to raise money?

GoFundMe is one of the most popular crowdfunding platforms in both the nonprofit and personal fundraising spaces. With its low fees and high rates of success, it can be an excellent choice for all sorts of critical needs, from medical bills to church campaigns and more.

How do you ask for money in a letter?

I am looking to raise [amount of money] to help me pay for [project/expense/cause/etc.]. [Include information about why the cause or project is important to you and how it could potentially impact the reader or those you serve]. I'm writing to ask you to support me and my [cause/project/etc.].

How can I beg for money online?

We've broken the right away to ask for money online down to just 5 easy steps: Start a crowdfunding campaign. Sell merchandise. Provide your supporters with updates....3. Provide your supporters with updates when asking for money onlineNewsletters.Emails.Phone calls.Social media.

How do you ask for donations in wording?

Dear [Donor Name], Today, I'm writing to ask you to support [cause]. By donating just [amount], you can [specific impact]. To donate, [specific action]. Thank you for joining [cause's] efforts during this [adjective] time—It's supporters like you that help us change the world every day.

How to raise money for cancer patients?

If you're raising money for a child with cancer, choose an activity the child likes or something that is child-friendly like a dance-a-thon or carnival. For adults, choose something that matches their interests. For a gardener, you might sell floral arrangements. If the patient loves bowling, arrange a bowling challenge. Other factors include your available resources and the amount of time you have to plan the event. Complex activities with lots of elements require more lead time.

What to do if a patient loves bowling?

For a gardener, you might sell floral arrangements. If the patient loves bowling, arrange a bowling challenge. Other factors include your available resources and the amount of time you have to plan the event. Complex activities with lots of elements require more lead time.

How to handle money properly?

Handling the money properly helps you avoid any legal issues. Set up a separate bank account to hold the funds you raise. Put one person in charge of managing the account. Work with the bank to make sure the beneficiary is able to access the funds.

How to save money on a venue?

You can save money on the venue by hosting it at a church or at someone's home. You may be able to get a discount on a venue rental if you hold the event at an off time and let the owner know it's a fundraiser. Other common expenses include: Food. Fees for servers if needed. Table and chair rentals.

Can you make a cancer patient better?

You can't make the person better, but you can help out in other ways, including financially. Even if the patient has good health insurance, there's likely money going toward medical bills, travel expenses and medication. Add in the missed wages from time off work, and the financial toll can be high. Planning a benefit for the cancer patient helps ...

Can you deduct a donation to a child with cancer?

If you're raising money for a child with cancer, you will likely need to designate a parent or guardian as the beneficiary. Donations to a benefit for an individual are generally considered personal gifts. That means they aren't tax deductible for the donors.

Help with short-term housing near the cancer treatment center

Sometimes cancer treatment is given far from home. Many treatment centers have short-term housing centers or discount programs set up with nearby motels and hotels. The clinic social worker or oncology nurse might know about low-cost housing during hospital or clinic treatment.

Help with caregiver expenses

A few people are able to get paid for time spent caregiving. Some states have Cash and Counseling Programs that can directly pay some caregivers. You can find out if your state has a program by contacting your local Medicaid office, social services, or health department.

Help with housing needs or mortgage payments when you have cancer

The extra costs of cancer treatment or a major loss of family income may make it hard for families to pay their mortgage or rent on time. To keep a good credit rating and stay in your home, talk with your creditor or landlord about your situation and try to make special arrangements.

Help with air travel or transport for cancer care

Mercy Medical Angels provides cost-effective charitable transportation for patients. This organization partners with volunteers, along with private or commercial transportation providers. To find out if you are eligible for this service, you can find more information online at mercymedical.org .

Help with transportation costs when you have cancer

People who have Medicaid may be entitled to help with travel to medical centers and doctors’ offices for cancer treatment. This may take the form of payment or being paid back (reimbursed) for gas, payment of bus fare, or may mean using a vanpool.

Help with food costs

Some government programs help with food or food costs for low-income people. The programs listed below are from the US Department of Agriculture (although some are run by states) for different groups of people, and offer food help in different ways. Some families may qualify for more than one type of help.

Help with other expenses

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a grant program for people with low incomes. It provides monthly cash to help pay for food, clothing, housing, utilities, transportation, phone, medical supplies not covered by Medicaid, and other basic needs .

What happens when you get cancer?

When someone receives a diagnosis of cancer, the range and intensity of emotions can be overwhelming. Controlling your own emotions may be difficult, but your emotional stability is what your family member needs now . When we are upset, angry, or confused, we look to others to give us an emotional anchor to hold on to.

What are the issues that come up when someone has cancer?

When someone is dealing with cancer, several issues can come up. These include treatment decisions, estate planning documents, or finding healthcare providers. As a way of suggesting your support, ask about helping with these matters.

How to keep yourself on track?

Meanwhile, your loved one or friend may be lonely and suffering. One way to keep yourself on track is to schedule a time to call with your support. Possible ways to do this are an alert on your phone or schedule on a calendar.

Why is it important to listen to your family?

Listening is sometimes the best thing you can do for your family member. This allows them to feel heard, understood and valued. By listening, you will get a much better understanding of what your loved one is feeling and what they need.

What are some difficult conversations with cancer patients?

Have difficult conversations. Depending on the situation, difficult conversations can include end-of-life planning and estate planning. For someone diagnosed with cancer, there can be treatment decisions that require support and sometimes advice.

What does it mean to give a gift to someone who is going through chemotherapy?

Receiving thoughtful gifts can light up someone’s day. Gift-giving shows that you are thinking about the person and that you care. Sending a creative gift or a care package especially when someone is going through chemotherapy can make all the difference.

Can cancer patients neglect their daily tasks?

For a person who has cancer, everyday tasks can get neglected. The house may not get cleaned, lawn care is deferred and even primary caregiver duties can be strained. You may want to propose helping to arrange for these services from a distance.

What Benefits Are Cancer Patients Entitled To?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides financial assistance to people with many different forms of medical disability. Several types of cancer are included in the SSA’s list of covered disabilities, especially if the illness or treatment causes symptoms that prevent you from working.

How Social Security Works for People With Disabilities

One of the most widely used Social Security benefits is the SSA’s disability program. This benefit, known as SSDI, pays cash support for people whose medical or mental health conditions prevent them from working to support themselves or their dependents.

Does Cancer Count as a Disability for Social Security?

The SSA lists several types of cancer in Section 13.00 of its online Blue Book. If you have any of the types of cancer listed in this section, you should automatically qualify for benefits regardless of the stage your cancer was detected in. Typically, the SSA recognizes particularly disabling and hard to treat cancers as automatic disabilities.

How to Apply for Benefits for People with Cancer

If you and your doctor think you might be eligible for SSDI as a result of a cancer diagnosis, you can apply for benefits through your local Social Security office. Your doctor will have to fill out a form describing your condition, if it isn’t already listed in the Blue Book, and you might be called for a phone interview.

How to help someone with cancer?

12. Maintain some normalcy. Remember, people with cancer aren't just cancer patients, and they don't want to be treated differently. 13. Stay positive. 14. Give them a roll of quarters for the hospital vending machines, or give them a bag of their favorite snacks.

How to help a cancer patient?

Visit. Cancer patients and caregivers are still people, and they want to see you, talk to you and laugh with you. 2. Listen. Ask questions to show you care, but let your friend or loved one lead the conversation. 3. Pray.

What is the number for cancer care?

A 24-hour helpline is operated at 800-227-2345 (800-ACS-2345) with a live chat available on the organization's homepage. CancerCare is a national, non-profit agency that offers free support, information, and financial assistance to people with cancer and their loved ones. Services are provided by oncology social workers over the telephone, ...

What are some ways to get financial assistance?

Other Means of Financial Assistance 1 Community service organizations such as the Salvation Army, Lutheran Social Services, Jewish Social Services, Catholic Charities, and the Lions Club may offer financial help. These organizations can be found in your local phone directory. 2 Community fundraising and crowdfunding are other mechanisms well worth considering. Many people find that friends, family, and social networks are more than eager to contribute financially if they are aware of a difficult situation. Online fundraising websites like GoFundMe are frequently used for these kinds of campaigns, allowing families to cull wider support using social media channels. 3 Income tax deductions allow you to deduct many of your medical expenses from annual income before taxes. Examples of tax-deductible expenses might include mileage for trips to and from medical appointments, out-of-pocket costs for treatment, prescription drugs/equipment costs, and the cost of meals during lengthy medical stays. Your local Internal Revenue Service (IRS) office can help you determine which costs are deductible.

What is the VA medical cancer number?

Telephone 844-698-2311.

What is the phone number for the Patient Advocate Foundation?

Telephone 800-955-4572. Live chat is also available on the organization's website. Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) provides education, legal counseling, and referrals to people with cancer regarding insurance, financial issues, job discrimination, and debt crisis. The PAF Co-Pay Relief Program is a subsidiary of the PAF ...

Can cancer patients get financial assistance?

For these individuals, there are a number of financial assistance programs that can help cover the cost of health care with resources ranging from government-subsidized programs to community-based services. Individuals with cancer should never hesitate to discuss their financial concerns with their doctor.

State Health Insurance Marketplaces

Can be found at www.HealthCare.gov. Marketplaces provide one location for people to learn about private and some public health insurance plans available to them, where they live. Individuals who choose plans in the Marketplace may be eligible for financial assistance.

Medicare

A federal health insurance program, which provides coverage to individuals who are entitled to Social Security retirement benefits and are 65 years of age or older, individuals who are under the age of 65, but have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for no less than 24 months, individuals entitled to Railroad Retirement benefits or Railroad Retirement disability benefits, individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Medicaid

A federal health insurance program with eligibility criteria and benefits that vary from state to state. Thirty-one states provide coverage for low income adults, while in other states individuals have to meet other requirements, such as having a disability, having a dependent child or being over age 65. For more information visit www.medicaid.gov.

COBRA

If you have health insurance coverage through your employer or a spouse’s employer, COBRA may allow you to maintain that coverage if you experience a qualifying event, such as leaving your job. For more information visit www.dol.gov/general/topic/health-plans/cobra.

Veterans

You may be eligible to receive health care through the Veterans Administration. For more information visit www.va.gov/health.

Appealing Insurance Denials

It is not unusual for claims to be denied or for insurers to say they will not cover a test, procedure or service that your doctor ordered. However, you can appeal your health insurance company’s decision and you may be able to get the decision overturned.

What is government assistance?

Government Assistance. There are a number of federal and state programs that provide financial benefits to individuals and families. These benefits, known as entitlements, are primarily set up for low-income households, older adults and the disabled. Each entitlement has eligibility requirements.

Does Needy Meds cover cancer?

These programs have their own eligibility rules and may cover only certain cancers. Contact each organization to learn more.

What to do when your friend has cancer?

What you can do: Visits. Cancer can be very isolating. Try to spend time with your friend – you may be a welcome distraction and help them feel like they did before cancer became a major focus of their life. Always call before you visit. Be understanding if your friend can’t see you at that time.

How to talk about cancer?

Be afraid to talk about the illness. Always feel you have to talk about cancer. The person with cancer may enjoy conversations that don't involve the illness. Be afraid to hug or touch your friend if that was a part of your friendship before the illness. Be patronizing or stigmatizing.

What to do on a Tuesday morning?

A Tuesday morning can be just as lonely as a Saturday night. Take your own needlework, crossword puzzle, or book, and keep your friend company while they doze or watch TV. Share music they enjoy, watch their favorite TV show, or watch a movie with your friend.

How to help a friend with a disease?

Support your friend’s feelings. Allow them to be negative, withdrawn, or silent. Resist the urge to change the subject. Don’t urge your friend to fight the disease if they feel it’s too hard to do it. Don’t tell them how strong they are; they may feel the need to act strong even when they’re sad or exhausted .

Can friends help with cancer?

Friends of people with cancer often want to help, but don’t know what to do. As you spend time with your friend and learn more about how cancer is affecting their everyday life, keep your eyes open for other things you can offer.

Do people with cancer stay in the hospital?

Today, most people with cancer are treated as outpatients, meaning they don’t have to stay in the hospital. During this time they often need help, support, and encouragement. Many studies have found that cancer survivors with strong emotional support tend to better adjust to the changes cancer brings, have a more positive outlook, ...