Support patients beyond treatment
For some patients facing a breast cancer diagnosis, the challenges don’t end with treatment. Unexpected expenses can add financial stress — and, for some patients, may even make getting the care they need feel out of reach.
That’s where you come in.
The Massel-Cruickshank Breast Cancer Patient Assistance Fund is a fully donor-funded program that provides qualifying patients with breast cancer with financial support for essentials like mastectomy bras, breast prostheses, wigs, medications and travel.
The Massel-Cruickshank Breast Cancer Patient Assistance Fund was created in 2004 by Dr. Moira Cruickshank and her family, inspired by her belief that no one should go without needed support because they couldn’t afford it. Today, Moira’s vision continues through the generosity of her family and donors who believe in supporting patients beyond treatment.
No matter the amount, your donation helps patients access the practical support they need throughout their cancer journey.
Image
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:
Image
Mastectomy bras & prosthesis that support daily living and independence
Image
Wigs to help people feel more like themselves while experiencing treatment-related hair loss
Image
Essential medical devices that make everyday activities easier
Image
Parking to help make treatment appointments more accessible
Image
Nutritional beverages to help with recovery
Image
Transportation to and from treatment appointments
Image
Moira Cruickshank's Story
As told by Moira's husband David:
The idea for the Massel-Cruickshank Breast Cancer Patient Assistance Fund was hatched when Moira and I were sitting outside of a clinic at the London Regional Cancer Program waiting for one of her numerous visits and appointments. We could see all of the patients. They are not hard to spot.
A research nurse came out and asked if Moira would be willing to participate in a survey of patients’ needs. As Moira completed the first two pages, she called the nurse over because she was worried her survey might skew the results because she didn’t have the specific financial concerns referenced in the survey.
Moira was a physician at Western University and London Health Sciences Centre and was on disability while undergoing treatment for breast cancer. I was still working as a physician, so finances were not an issue. She had benefits for medication coverage and extended health. While we had three small children who were four, eight and nine-years old, we had a nanny and a cadre of family and friends.
The nurse reassured her that it was okay. Looking around the clinic it was clear not everyone was as lucky as we were.
The idea for the fund was solidified when Moira and her sister-in-law Cathie started to look for a wig and it occurred to Moira that she was indeed lucky to be able to afford one. Then, when she learned that those who didn't have an extended health plan might not be able to get medication to deal with the nausea, she said, "no one should be without a pill because of a lack of money." These medications, along with wigs and other cancer-related costs, might temporarily make someone’s journey a little brighter if only the costs didn’t have to come out-of-pocket. Moira decided to start the fund to raise money specifically for that purpose. She wanted to help other breast cancer patients receive support to help them through their journey.
When our family spoke with London Health Sciences Foundation about the launch date for the fund, Moira said it should be soon if she was to be there. She knew her time was limited. The fund launched in August 2004. Moira and our family received the first report of the women who were helped by the Massel-Cruickshank Breast Cancer Patient Assistance Fund in the late spring of 2005. Moira was lying on the bed, eyes closed and listening; and just said in her understated way: “well, isn’t that something.” She died June 1, 2005.
Moira inspired something different. It’s true that often little things can make a big difference in someone’s life. Moira Cruickshank inspired a big thing to make many lives better.