More than $500,000 has been donated to the [ASCO Foundation](http://asco.org/ac/1,1003,_12-002144-00_18-0042423,00.asp) to help pay for cancer-related expenses for people affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Patients and their families can get assistance by calling **800 813 HOPE.**
Those funds will be managed by [CancerCare](http://www.cancercare.org/), an organization with the staff and resources to get help into the hands of those cancer patients who need it. In addition, the [Lance Armstrong Foundation](http://www.livestrong.org/site/c.jvKZLbMRIsG/b.594849/k.CC7C/Home.htm) and the [Susan G. Komen Foundation](http://www.komen.org/intradoc-cgi/idc_cgi_isapi.dll?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&ssDocName=katrina) have contributed additional money to CancerCare for the effort.
Diane Blum of CancerCare writes:
The ASCO Foundation has asked CancerCare to be the primary organization to disburse more than $500,000 that has been raised to help cancer patients who have been displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. We have also received funds from the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the Komen Foundation for this purpose. These organizations recognize CancerCare’s long experience in providing financial assistance along with psychosocial support
We will be able to distribute up to $2500 per family for cancer treatment and supportive care, durable medical equipment, homecare, childcare, transportation and lodging. We will also provide support services in the form of counseling, support groups, and education.
Professionals and advocates with questions about the program can call Jane Levy, CancerCare’s Director of Patient Assistance at 212 712-8356.
Again, patients affected by Katrina or Rita should call 800 813 HOPE for financial assistance with cancer-related expenses.
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