The Circle of Hope fund was founded in 1987. This fund has provided financial assistance to hundreds of patientsconfronting the diagnosis of cancer. These patients need help in identifying problems and possible solutions through maximum use of available resources.

Funds are often used for non-reimbursable expenses associated with cancer care such as travel-related expenses, gas vouchers, taxi fares, non-covered medications, nutritional expenses, personal care items and educational supplies. Fear of the unknown, uncertainty and loss of direction compound the immediate distress a cancer patient faces upon diagnosis. The Circle of Hope makes a positive contribution by reaching out with a helping hand to lessen fears, reassure patients and provide access to additional assistance.

During 2007, approximately $16,000 was used to assist patients with utilities, telephone bills, travel expenses, medications, rent payments and meals. Being diagnosed with cancer is hard enough without worrying about how to pay for bills associated with your care. That's where the Circle of Hope comes into play. The Circle of Hope touches hundreds of lives each year and will continue to do so, helping with transportation, medicines and just about anything else you can think of. In 2007, 1,042 people were diagnosed with cancer, and the Circle of Hope touched 449 of those lives, spending $16,000 on their needs.