SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - In yet another sign of tough economic times, one organization is offering a little relief for those who need it most: cancer patients.
The local American Cancer Society is giving free gas cards so patients can put the money saved on gas towards medicine and treatment costs.
The gas cards offer peace of mind as well. The last thing a person battling cancer needs is stress; mainly stress about money. That's why Smith's has teamed up with the American Cancer Society to ease their burden just a bit.
The stories of financial hardship flood the American Cancer Society's website. They are tales of mounting medical bills, no food money, bankruptcy.
“First you think death. I'm not going to be around to see my kids grow up.” says cancer patient Diane Chacon.
Really, the last things people like Diane should be thinking about when faced with their own mortality. She's lost her hair, but is thankful for a great wig, and she's lost her livelihood.
“I used to work three jobs. I was the type of person that never sit still. I was always out there,” says Chacon.
Diane is undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. She had a mastectomy last April, and since then only her husband is working. She admits times are tough,
and the long trek from her West Valley City home to the Intermountain Medical Center is taking its toll on the family gas tank.
“I was like, 'oh my gosh what am I going to do?'. You know, its hard to come back and forth and I have to go at least once a week,” says Chacon.
“They might travel 60-70 miles one way for their treatment,” says Deborah Baldwin-Bates with the American Cancer Society.
Baldwin-Bates is the executive director for quality of life at the American Cancer Society. She's thrilled she can offer this resource, and she knows it makes a big difference.
“It takes some of the burden of worry off of getting through their cancer and having to worry about the financial aspects. It really helps them a great deal,” says Baldwin-Bates.
The gas cards helps the patients to focus on what's most important: their health and their family.
“I'm not going to let this bring me down. I'm going to fight it and we're going to make it through this,” says Chacon.
Smith's is already again in talks with the American Cancer Society to continue this grant next year. For some people who live in Wyoming for example, and have to drive to a facility in Utah these cards are invaluable.
