Survey Results
Grant application analysis
CDF Features, Quotes & Testimonials
Financial Resources & Assistance
Paulette A. Steeves Memorial Fund – Application details & how it helps
Other Financial Assistance Programs – National and local grants, copay assistance, and nonprofits offering direct aid
Budgeting Tips for Patients – Cost-saving strategies for treatment, medications, and daily living expenses
Debt & Credit Resources – How to negotiate medical bills, find pro bono financial counseling, and protect credit
Government & Employer Benefits – Disability benefits, FMLA rights, financial protections available to cancer patients
Our Financial Support resource listing is a collection of organizations, publications, and other resources committed to improving the health outcome of patients & survivors facing cancer.
These resources can provide patients & survivors with access to resources needed to address the financial distress that comes from a cancer diagnosis and ultimately overcome the healthcare disparities faced in cancer care.
(*) These resources are founded by, affiliated with and/or focused on people of color
"Let's Talk Money" Support Group
A private Facebook group for women affected by any type of cancer to connect, share financial resources, & learn more about managing the financial impact of a cancer diagnosis.
We know talking about money isn’t always easy, which is why we've created this safe space to ask questions, be vulnerable, and learn from one another.
Whether you have a financial tip that has helped you, a resource to share, or things you wish you knew earlier, your experience can make a difference to a fellow Diva.
We will also be posting financial resources that have come highly recommended from other members of our Chemo Divas community to improve everyone's access to this vital information.
🔗Join us here: Chemo Divas Foundation: "Let's Talk Money" Support Group💚💰✨
"I founded the Chemo Divas Foundation after witnessing the complexities of my mother’s cancer care. During her battle with HTLV-1 associated ATLL (Adult T-cell Lymphoma), she faced unexpected job loss, unreasonably high insurance premiums, significant delays in treatment and more.
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Our story is, unfortunately, all too common. Countless patients & survivors are disproportionately impacted by financial barriers limiting access to available cancer care resources. That’s why we’re committed to improving access to the information, lived experiences, and vital resources needed to advocate for comprehensive cancer care within our community."
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Tatiana D. Tate
President & Founder
A cancer diagnosis brings not only emotional and physical challenges but also significant financial hardships. For women of color, these burdens are often greater due to systemic inequities in healthcare access, employment, and financial security.
Educating on the financial challenges women of color face when diagnosed with cancer
Providing actionable resources & ways to suppor
Have you experienced these healthcare disparities during your cancer journey?
- Delays in treatment due to inadequate health insurance
- Significant loss of income or a lack of paid medical leave
- Unexpected increase in non-medical costs
- A lack of information about available resources
Over half of our Chemo Divas grant recipients reported...
- Losing at least half their income since beginning treatment
- Delaying treatments, skipping meds, or missing appointments due to financial distress
- Feeling uninformed about available financial resources
- Being unable to afford housing, transportation & food costs
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Learn more about our most recent survey results here - [Insert Graphic??]
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1. Impact of Cancer on Finances
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Statistics on Financial Hardship
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Cost of cancer treatment (chemo, radiation, surgeries, medication)
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Disparities in insurance coverage for women of color
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Income loss due to missed work or job loss
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Higher likelihood of medical debt and bankruptcy after a cancer diagnosis
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Percentage of women of color who delay or forgo treatment due to costs
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Real Stories & Testimonials
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Feature short quotes or video clips from women who have navigated these financial struggles
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Highlight how Chemo Divas has supported women through the Paulette A. Steeves Memorial Fund
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4. Advocacy & Action
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Policy & Systemic Barriers – How systemic inequities make cancer even more expensive for women of color
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How to Get Involved – Ways to donate, volunteer, or advocate for financial equity in cancer treatment
Would you like help drafting specific content for each section?
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The Financial Burden of Cancer on Women of Color
A cancer diagnosis brings not only emotional and physical challenges but also significant financial hardships. For women of color, these burdens are often greater due to systemic inequities in healthcare access, employment, and financial security.
Shocking Statistics on Financial Hardship
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Cancer is expensive. The average cost of cancer treatment can range from $150,000 to $500,000, depending on the type and stage of cancer. For many, even with insurance, out-of-pocket expenses exceed $10,000 per year.
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Job loss and income reduction: Nearly 50% of cancer patients experience a loss of income or job disruptions, with Black and Latina women facing higher rates of unemployment after diagnosis.
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Medical debt crisis: Over 60% of cancer patients struggle with medical debt, and Black cancer patients are more than twice as likely to have unpaid medical bills compared to white patients.
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Delayed or forgone treatment: Nearly 1 in 4 women of color diagnosed with cancer either delay or skip treatment due to financial concerns, which can impact survival rates.
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Disparities in insurance coverage: Black and Latina women are less likely to have private insurance and more likely to rely on Medicaid, which may not cover all necessary treatments.
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Real Stories: The Hidden Costs of Cancer
💬 “When I was diagnosed, I had to stop working immediately. My savings disappeared within months, and I had to choose between paying rent and affording my medication.” – Jasmine, breast cancer survivor
💬 “I had insurance, but the copays, transportation costs, and out-of-pocket expenses added up quickly. I was drowning in bills before I even started treatment.” – Maria, leukemia survivor
Beyond Medical Bills: The True Cost of a Cancer Diagnosis
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Lost Wages: Many cancer patients are forced to reduce their hours, take unpaid leave, or leave the workforce entirely.
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Childcare Costs: Single mothers or working parents may struggle to afford childcare while undergoing treatment.
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Transportation & Housing: Frequent hospital visits can lead to high transportation costs, and some patients even have to relocate for better care.
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Mental Health & Emotional Toll: The financial stress of cancer can contribute to anxiety, depression, and delays in recovery.
At Chemo Divas Foundation, we believe no woman should have to choose between her health and financial stability. That’s why we offer direct financial assistance through the Paulette A. Steeves Memorial Fund and connect women to resources that can help ease the burden.
Would you like to refine any sections or add more data points?
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