The Joe Andruzzi Foundation Programs team has a front-row seat each day to the financial challenges facing a cancer patient during treatment. A lot has changed over the last decade, but unfortunately, some of the most challenging facets of cancer have not yet improved. Here are some trends JAF has noticed when reviewing assistance applications and from speaking with our recipients:
An increase in diagnoses at younger ages
Specific diagnoses that have seen an increase in young adults are colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and stomach cancer Since 2020, the average age of a JAF recipient decreased from 58 to 54.
Financial situations are more strained prior to diagnosis and quickly spiral into emergency situations when diagnosed.
New England is one of the country’s most expensive areas to live in, with Vermont, Maine, and Massachusetts all being in the top ten states with most residents living paycheck to paycheck. With little means to prepare emergency savings, people immediately face financial insecurity when diagnosed. On average, rental payments in Massachusetts are 72% higher than the national average, and the average cost of groceries nationwide has increased 23.6% since 2020.
A decrease in access to hospitals and medical support staff across New England
Many hospitals across New England have either closed or consolidated with others, limiting patients’ locations to receive treatment. Across America, there is a significant deficit of primary care physicians, which prevents people from getting preventative care and, therefore, being diagnosed at already advanced cancer stages. This trend is expected to continue, with a projected PCP shortage of 86,000 by 2036.
Although news in the cancer space can often feel bleak and daunting, some things have remained constant over the last decade at JAF that continue to provide hope:
JAF’s collaboration with healthcare partners
JAF works closely with over 300 social workers to assist patients at more than 100 hospitals in all corners of New England. The JAF Healthcare Council consists of partners from all six New England states, which allows us to hear directly from those in the cancer centers day in and day out and gain invaluable insight into our community’s changing needs.
Program growth
Since its inception, JAF has provided financial support to New England cancer patients through household assistance. Recognizing the growing need, JAF grew its assistance offerings to help in four major program areas to meet the needs of all New England cancer patients: Financial Assistance, Food Security, Extraordinary Needs, and Treatment Transportation. This expansion was based on research and valuable guidance provided by members of our healthcare partners. JAF continues to look for new partnerships to expand these program offerings and maximize the impact.
A dedicated JAF staff
From humble beginnings, the team now consists of 15 talented program assistance and fundraising professionals united by our mission—to help cancer patients throughout New England.
While the cancer community across New England grows daily, so does our commitment to being a resource during the most difficult times. JAF recipients, donors, and partners are working together to remove barriers to patient care. If you have questions about the programs JAF and how we help cancer patients, please reach out to Shannon Gallanty at shannon@joeandruzzifoundation.org,
Shannon Gallanty has been with the Foundation for ten years in the Programs Department and now serves as its Director of Programs, helping to deliver much-needed assistance to New England cancer patients and their families. Shannon resides in Mansfield with her husband, Eric, and two daughters. LEARN MORE ABOUT SHANNON HERE