A Journey of Support: How Grants from the American Cancer Society Impact Patients at Renown

Thank-you notes from grateful oncology patients at Renown

For many cancer patients, a significant hurdle is simply getting to treatment. Patients from Nevada and California often face considerable financial and logistical challenges when traveling for care. Limited resources for transportation and lodging can result in missed appointments, treatment interruptions and delays in follow-up care. To address this crucial need, Renown Health Foundation partners with the American Cancer Society (ACS) to ensure our patients can access the care they need by reducing financial barriers many patients face

ACS awarded $70,000 to Renown Health Foundation last year. These funds, distributed as gas cards and lodging support to qualifying patients, have proven to be a lifeline in assisting those in need.

Fueling Hope with Gas Cards

Through our partnership with ACS, Renown supported 128 cancer patients over the past year. This assistance provided 2,260 round trips, ensuring that patients from Nevada and California could attend their critical treatments at the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown. These patients, aged 15 to 94, traveled up to 320 miles, sometimes from remote areas such as Tonopah, Elko and Susanville, for their cancer care

“We're deeply committed to supporting our patients through every step of their journey, and our partnership with the American Cancer Society is instrumental in making that happen,” said Jocelyn Mata, Oncology Social Worker at the Pennington Cancer Institute. “Without them, we wouldn't be able to provide the crucial financial assistance that many of our patients need.”

Jocelyn works with qualifying patients to provide gas cards and accommodations at The Inn at Renown, a hotel at Renown Regional Medical Center. She ensures they can focus on their treatment without worrying about the financial burden.

Lodging Support for Peace of Mind

Along with transportation aid, we can provide safe and comfortable lodging for qualifying patients.

"We encourage patients to rest and, if they have a long journey home, to stay overnight," said Dr. Max Coppes, Director of the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute. "Providing lodging support ensures they have a safe and comfortable place to recover before making the trip back."

This assistance is crucial for those who travel far from home, allowing them to focus on healing without the added stress of finding and affording accommodation.

William N. Pennington Cancer Institute

The Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown offers various cancer support services and resources to help patients every step of the way through their journey.

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Dr. Graham is Renown Health's Lung Cancer Expert.

Creating Lasting Impact

The grants have not only provided logistical support but also emotional relief to patients and their families, knowing that their journey to recovery is a shared one. This sense of community and support is vital in helping patients focus on their treatment and well-being.

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous financial support, which has significantly alleviated the financial strain associated with my medical treatments,” said a current cancer patient receiving treatment at the Pennington Cancer Institute. “Compassion such as this is truly overwhelming.”

Join Us on the Journey

Every day, Renown Health Foundation stands with cancer patients on their journey, thanks to the ongoing support of generous donors, foundations and community partners. As the largest locally governed not-for-profit health system in northern Nevada, Renown is dedicated to serving our community with the highest standards of care. Our dedicated grants team actively secures funding opportunities, such as grants from the American Cancer Society, ensuring that our patients receive the support they need.

How You Can Help

In Nevada, the American Cancer Society estimates there will be over 18,000 new cancer cases, including more than 2,800 new breast cancer cases, in 2024. To meet the expected rise in breast cancer cases, Renown Health Foundation has launched an $11 million campaign to establish the Conrad Breast Center at Renown South Meadows Medical Center. This new center will include imaging, infusion and surgery services along with a state-of-the-art wellness center.

Thanks to our partners, we can continue to make a significant difference in the lives of our patients. Every donation, no matter the size, plays a crucial role in supporting cancer care at Renown Health. To support cancer care at Renown, visit renown.org/donate.

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