“While fighting for their lives, women and men in treatment for breast cancer often lose their livelihoods,” said Molly MacDonald, survivor and founder of the Pink Fund.

Unable to work, many cancer patients experience a loss of income that can result in catastrophic financial losses. The mission of The Pink Fund is to alleviate the effects of financial toxicity for breast cancer patients in active treatment.

The Pink Fund provides up to 90 days of non-medical financial aid to cover basic cost- of- living expenses, such as health insurance, housing, transportation and utilities. By providing this financial bridge, The Pink Fund helps to meet basic needs, while decreasing stress levels.

The grant from The Hagerman Foundation allowed The Pink Fund to hire a full time patient navigator. The patient navigator helps qualified applicants seek and secure additional sources of non-medical support and other assistance for which the patient lacks income to cover, such as medical co-pays, wigs, childcare, gas, groceries, compression sleeves, and house cleaning.

“The Pink Fund is meeting the needs of those dealing with one of life’s most tragic circumstances,” said Jocelyn Hagerman, CEO of The Hagerman Foundation. “We are proud to be a small part of their healing process.”