The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute was recently awarded a $50,000 lodging grant by the American Cancer Society to help eliminate the financial barriers of cancer treatment. These funds will be used to address the lodging needs of cancer patients receiving treatment in Detroit and throughout the Karmanos Cancer Network, which reaches patients in 46-counties throughout Michigan.
An estimated 62,150 Michigan residents will learn they have cancer this year. The cost of lodging near their treatment center may be one of their most significant roadblocks in getting the specialized care they need.
“Disparities predominantly arise from inequities in work, wealth, income, education, housing and overall standard of living, as well as social barriers to high-quality cancer prevention, early detection and treatment services,” said Dr. Kathleen Goss, vice president of Cancer Control, American Cancer Society. “The Society collaborates with community health partners to reach individuals for whom those inequities create a barrier to cancer treatment.”
“At Karmanos, we are committed to providing our patients with the care and resources they need during cancer treatment. Battling cancer is a burden in itself. Having to travel out of town for access to the best care team members and treatment offerings should not be a part of the burden,” said Lauren Lawrence, vice president, Karmanos Cancer Network. “The ACS Lodging Grant allows us to alleviate the burden of travel and increase access to patients who want their best chance forward.”