You can help when care means more than treatment
For some patients facing a life-changing cancer diagnosis, getting better isn’t their only worry. Unexpected expenses can add stress — and sometimes even become a barrier to receiving the care they need.
That’s where you come in.
The Gene Goodreau Patient Assistance Fund is a fully donor-funded program that provides qualifying patients with financial support for essentials like travel, adaptive equipment and nutritional beverages.
Susan Goodreau and her family created the Fund through their own personal and corporate donations in honour of her husband, who died of cancer. They knew first hand the unexpected costs associated with treatment and wanted to help.
No matter the amount, your donation helps a patient facing cancer access the practical support they need to focus on healing.
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You Can Help Patients Like Linda
When Linda Scammell was diagnosed with breast cancer, she was a young mother with three children at home.
Treatment brought unexpected challenges — including the cost of travelling from Stratford to London for radiation and paying for the prosthesis, specialized bras and other supports she needed after her mastectomy.
For years, Linda paid these costs herself. Then someone told her about financial assistance available through the Patient Assistance Program.
That support meant one less thing to worry about during an already overwhelming time.
How your gift helps
Your gift can help fund essential items and services that support people through treatment, including:
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Mastectomy bras & prosthesis that support daily living and independence
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Wigs to help people feel more like themselves while experiencing treatment-related hair loss
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Essential medical devices that make everyday activities easier
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Parking to help make treatment appointments more accessible
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Nutritional beverages to help with recovery
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Transportation to and from treatment appointments
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Susan and Gene Goodreau's Story
I was waiting in the pharmacy to pick up medicine for my husband who was fighting lung cancer. A woman came from the chemo lounge with her head covered in a scarf, obviously ill. They called her name, she went to the counter and she was told she owed $1,100. The woman stood there very frail, and said "I have no money left." I stood there in disbelief because my husband, having benefits and financially doing alright, had every comfort that was affordable to him and he was still going through hell.
There are so many costs related to fighting this terrible illness because it’s not something that goes away in a week.
The related costs can actually be a financial burden that’s beyond anyone’s income. I have talked to people experiencing financial burden while they’re battling this horrible thing and what they say is, "If only we didn’t have to worry about that, all we would need to do is concentrate on getting well." But they don’t have that luxury and that’s what we hope to give them.
My husband was an outstanding businessman who operated Goodreau Excavating in Tilbury, Ontario. He passed away from lung cancer in April of 2007. He will never be forgotten by his family, his kids and his three grandchildren, who were the light of his life. He was very well-respected and I think he would like the idea of this fund.
-Susan Goodreau