The Maine Fund for Cancer Patients

The Maine Fund for Cancer Patents is not only a fund for transportation needs. That is one of the most common requests we receive, however. The fund is designed to meet the "practical needs" of patients, including help with utilities, rent, groceries, etc. 

The Maine Fund for Cancer Patients has only been accepting applications since March 2014. We piloted the program with patients in the Lewiston /Auburn areas only, to ensure our process and guidelines were clear. As of Jan 1, 2015, this program has been opened up to those reaching out through the Maine Cancer Resource Connection, expanding our reach statewide. 

When transportation costs are the identified need, patients are provided gift cards for the amount of their award.

A patient is referred to our program through the Maine Cancer Resource Connection, oncology staff, Dempsey Center staff or any other professional working with the patient.

An application is completed, including basic demographics, diagnosis, treatment type, and dates which they applied for other types of assistance. 

Application is reviewed by Cancer Resource Coordinator using a review checklist to ensure the application meets the guidelines for the program.

If there are questions, Cancer Resource Coordinator will contact the applicant directly. If the request doesn't meet all the guidelines of the program, the review committee is asked to help in the decision making process. The review committee consists of the Executive Director and the Development Director at The Dempsey Center. 

If the application is approved, and transportation costs are the identified need, the Cancer Resource Coordinator contacts the applicant and arranges delivery or pick up of gas cards, up to $300. 

If the application is denied, the Cancer Resource Coordinator contacts the applicant and tells them the reasons why the application was denied and informs them that they can reapply in 12 months.