Real patient stories: getting help paying for treatment
These are short summaries of stories published by the foundations themselves. Read the full story at each link. We don't make up or edit stories. We're still gathering verified stories for breast, lung, prostate and colorectal cancer.
Janel's story
Ovarian (stage 4) · Published by HealthWell Foundation
A stage 4 ovarian cancer patient got a HealthWell grant renewed for an expensive drug, which took away a major financial worry.
Beatriz: surviving with support
Blood cancer (CLL) · Published by PAN Foundation
A CLL patient on Medicare faced $3,500 a month in out-of-pocket chemo costs. A PAN copay grant let her start treatment, and PAN added help with transportation.
Robin Lancaster: an unexpected bill at the pharmacy
Blood cancer (myelofibrosis) · Published by PAN Foundation
She was suddenly billed $10,000 when her health plan stopped counting manufacturer copay cards (a 'copay accumulator'). A PAN grant covered her refill.
Cheryl: accessing health care from home
Skin cancer (basal cell) · Published by PAN Foundation
A rural Medicare patient faced a $3,250 cost share. Her hospital's financial office applied to PAN and the grant came through within days.
Tom's story
Skin cancer (melanoma) · Published by HealthWell Foundation
A retiree living on Social Security got a HealthWell grant to cover his melanoma medicine copay.
🗣 Patient voices — Breast cancer
Real people sharing their own experiences on YouTube. Everyone's treatment is different; talk with your care team about yours.
🗣 Patient voices — Lung cancer
Watch: Lung Cancer Survivor - George's Story | Temple Lung Center (Temple Health)
Watch: Jaymie Knox: Why I Keep Sharing My Lung Cancer Story (Lung Cancer Foundation of America)
Watch: Christopher's Story: Lung Cancer Survivor (Riverside Health)
Real people sharing their own experiences on YouTube. Everyone's treatment is different; talk with your care team about yours.
🗣 Patient voices — Prostate cancer
Real people sharing their own experiences on YouTube. Everyone's treatment is different; talk with your care team about yours.
🗣 Patient voices — Colorectal cancer
Watch: United in Blue // Fight CRC (Fight Colorectal Cancer)
Watch: Zed Dhalla : Patient Story (Colorectal Cancer Canada)
Watch: What is FOLFOX Chemotherapy? (Survivor Jelena)
Real people sharing their own experiences on YouTube. Everyone's treatment is different; talk with your care team about yours.
Want help like this? See paying for cancer treatment.
Written by the Cancer Side Effects Guide team from FDA labels and leading cancer centers. Not medical advice. · Last updated: October 15, 2026 · How we write