Alba Pena wasn’t experiencing any noticeable symptoms when she underwent a routine three-year colonoscopy. A few weeks after her appointment, however, doctors called her in and delivered the stunning news. She was diagnosed with cancer.
Treatments started soon thereafter. And as is the case with so many cancer patients, it forced a significant change to her work schedule. Alba works as an administrative assistant in a customer service department. She tried to work through some of her treatments, but the initial rounds of chemotherapy were so intense that they forced her away from her full-time role. Her company, thankfully, was understanding, sometimes allowing her to work from home when needed. She used up all her vacation time and sick time when she had to. But eventually Alba had to go on disability, cutting her salary at a time when funds tend to get tight for a cancer patient and when you don’t want unforeseen events to happen.
That was precisely the case for Alba. A few months into her treatments, Alba was driving on the highway on a rainy day when her car broke down. She found out later that part of the engine blew out. It was going to be a considerable expense; an expense Alba didn’t have the funds for.
“The little bit of savings that I had, it went out the door because of the copays,” Alba said. “…and then for medicines, and I’m diabetic as well, so copays for the diabetes. So, the little bit of money that I had saved, it just quickly went out the door…it just accumulated really quickly.”
Not only was there the stress of figuring out how to get the car fixed, but Alba also now had to figure out how to get to her treatments. It’s all part of the hidden costs that can hit a patient going through a cancer diagnosis.
Alba spoke with her social worker, and they were able to secure a grant through the Joe Andruzzi Foundation’s Extraordinary Needs Program, specifically designed for situations like this. JAF established the Extraordinary Needs Program to provide patients with a one-time grant up to $4,000 for project-based needs that present a barrier to treatment. It allowed Alba to get her car fixed and, once again, be able to get to her treatments.
“The Foundation absolutely helped, and I tremendously appreciate it because I still have the car because of them…The funds they helped me with were immensely grateful and appreciated because I wasn’t working my full 40 hours. I wasn’t getting off a full check…If it wasn’t for the Foundation, I don’t know where I would be right now without a car.”
Alba was also impressed by the speed at which the help came. She and her social worker had expected it to be months before the funds were secured, but JAF was able to act quickly and get Alba her car back.
“I was very surprised, and it was amazingly awesome, because that way I didn’t have to ask for rides or anything like that anymore. We were able to get the car fixed.”
Alba had surgery in December, and after another six rounds of chemo, doctors declared her cancer-free. She’s back to work full-time. And she’s still getting there in her car.
A significant and unexpected expense can add so much stress and pressure to all that a cancer patient has to go through during treatment. But thanks to Joe Andruzzi Foundation’s Extraordinary Needs Program, Alba got back on the road (literally) to good health.
Note: JAF’s Extraordinary Needs Program is a unique assistance option to offer patients help with expenses for items related to their cancer treatment, including home modifications like a ramp, fertility preservation, car repairs, lodging in extenuating circumstances, and one of our most common needs, dental work before being able to begin treatment. The Extraordinary Needs Program is an incredibly valuable grant for patients. To learn more or to sponsor this critical support, contact Barbara Foley at barbara@Joeandruzzifoundation.org.