After Diagnosis: Can I Afford Cancer Treatments?
A cancer diagnosis is a life-changing event. And cancer doesn’t discriminate. For those undergoing hardships, it’s not always easy to coordinate the appropriate
care and treatment. Simple items, such as transportation to appointments, access to nutritional support and fresh produce, and bills can quickly become a source of strain.
Everyone Deserves Access to Cancer Care
Philip Jefferson has experienced his share of adversities. He is a double amputee who also survived stage four tonsils and tongue cancer. At 62 years old, he received his second cancer diagnosis: stage three lung cancer.
Due to a limited income, Philip was also in need of a little extra financial support to ensure he could receive treatments. Chevron recently granted the Cancer Center $20,000 to directly assist patients in overcoming barriers to receive cancer care. Patient navigators at the Cancer Center were able to provide funds from this grant to assist Philip. Without this support, he said getting his treatments would have been tough. “I might have had to go door to door to find some financial help,” he said.
The $20,000 Chevron grant is used to directly assist in patient needs, including:
- Nutritional supplements
- Transportation assistance
- Lodging
- Financial assistance
- Patient Care boxes
- Food pantry supplies
Philip is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy in Covington. With help from Chevron, the Cancer Center is able to provide weekly gas cards to Philip for transportation to and from appointments. He also receives produce from the Therapeutic Food Pantry, helping maintain proper nutrition during his care. “I appreciate everything,” Philip said. “It’s a blessing and has done wonderful things to help me.”
Philip encourages others to have a conversation with their patient navigator if they are experiencing hardships. “They have been great to me, and I haven’t seen a bad day because of it,” he said. “I’m so thankful they are doing all they can do.”
Philip looks forward to rejoining his fishing partner, his brother, when finished with treatments. He is hopeful for the future and looks forward to another post-cancer journey. “I just want to enjoy life as it comes.”
Chevron Donations Support Cancer Care at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center
Chevron has been a loyal partner to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, providing several grants to assist with cancer prevention education and early detection. Chevron has donated a total of $115,000 to support the Cancer Center.
- $20,000 toward Patient Assistance in Covington
- $15,000 to assist with COVID-19 relief efforts in Houma and Covington during the One Community, One Goal fundraiser
- $65,000 for a workplace prevention partnership with Terrebonne Parish School District; and cancer prevention education for seniors in Houma
- $15,000 for colorectal education and colorectal screenings in Covington
“We’re inspired by the medical professionals at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and patients like Phillip, who are bravely fighting against cancer each day,” said Leah Brown, Public Affairs Manager for Chevron’s Gulf of Mexico Business Unit. “Cancer impacts every aspect of patients’ lives as well as the lives of their families. Chevron is proud to partner with Mary Bird Perkins to support patients with their logistical needs as well as provide them with the necessary care. Our goal is to help get these heroic community members started on their post-cancer journey.”
For more information on assistance and to find a free screening near you, visit marybird.org/covington or call (985) 614-7871