Family First Fund.

The Family First Fund aims to remove some of the financial burden and stress that nearly always accompanies a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. This diagnosis is extremely disruptive to a family system, especially in terms of finances, employment, and security.

The goal of this fund is to assist families with whatever they need most so that they can focus on treatment, family, and recovery. The foundation treats every patient and family on an individual level, as we know that no two situations are the same. All of our pancreatic cancer patients are referred by medical professionals at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and have expressed some sort of financial need. We meet directly with each family to determine their needs. After approval from The Board, we provide each family with a one-time assistance check that is generally used for everyday expenses or medical care.

Over the past year, we have given over $33,000 to patients directly. These patients have come from a variety of backgrounds, employment levels, family situations, and cities. They have requested funding for COBRA coverage, gas to get to appointments, hotels to stay closer to treatment, childcare, rent, groceries, hospice care, utility bills, and caregiver services.