Lazarex Cancer Foundation Gives Hope
Foundation Provides Financing to Cancer Patients in Clinical Trials
Aug 26, 2009
Dana L. Dornslife found a way to assist her terminally ill brother-in-law during the final years of his life. “I got involved with patient advocacy when Mike was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at age 42 in 2003. I knew this was basically a death sentence, so I set out to find an alternative treatment to try and affect positive results,” states Dana.
Teaming up with Mike’s wife and her youngest sister Erin, Dana sought to keep Mike alive long enough to have his 4-year old daughter, remember him. Dana entered Mike in a clinical trial treatment that he responded to and survived for 19 months. Dana’s family provided the necessary financial support for Mike’s medical care, but during those clinical trials, Dana came into contact with other cancer patients who could not afford to participate in clinical trials. That realization inspired her to start the Lazarex Cancer Foundation.
The Foundation’s Mission Statement
Located in Danville, California, the Lazarex Cancer Foundation currently provides resources for cancer patients who’ve been told they have no other options, but who are not yet done with their journey in life by providing navigation through and financial assistance for their participation in FDA clinical trials. The foundation also provides community outreach, education services and offers cancer screenings to underprivileged and uninsured individuals.
As its founder and president, Dana Dornslife is responsible for the foundation’s day-to-day operations, overseeing fundraising efforts, and outreach to the medical community, patient support and advocacy and the primary spokesperson.
Bridge to Hope Music Festival Scheduled for September 26, 2009
The Lazarex Cancer Foundation’s primary source of funds is through fundraisers, participation in endurance events and outreach to friends, families and business associates. It continues to rely heavily on the private sector and is branching out this year into grant writing and to corporate foundations.
This year, the foundation will also produce its first annual Bridge to Hope Music Festival fundraising event at Fort Mason/Great Meadow near San Francisco, CA. The day long festival of music, gourmet food and art will feature Charlie Wilson, Brian McKnight, Gerald Albright, and Kirk Whalum among other artists. “We hope this will become an annual event that will assist with our fundraising efforts,” states Dornslife.
This concert will help raise monies for the terminally ill patients as well as designate $1 of each ticket sold to serve the prostate cancer community.
How to Get Assistance From the Lazarex Cancer Foundation
Cost is a primary factor of patients who are considering participating in a trial and often is the determining factor as to whether or not they will actually participate after being accepted.
“Patients are either referred to us by the clinics with whom we have established relationships, on a patient to patient basis or through the internet / blogs when they are searching for resources. They contact us either by phone or through our website and we start communication with them to determine their need and how we can assist them,” states Dornslife.
When asked whether a potential patient has to be in the end stages of their cancer treatment to receive assistance, Dornslife replied, “As long as they have fulfilled the treatment requirements to participate in a clinical trial, and they have been accepted into a clinical trial, we will do all we can to assist them.”
Any medical facility that is conducting an FDA approved clinical trial is welcome to contact the foundation on behalf of their patients. Its support is provided directly to the patients who are participating in their trials.
Eligibility for Funding Is Based On Participation In Clinical Trials and Financial Need
The patient is not restricted to certain affiliated treatment center, hospitals, or hospices when they become funded by the Lazarex Cancer Foundation. “As long as the patient is participating in an FDA approved trial, they are eligible for funding from Lazarex based on their financial need,” says Dornslife.
The foundation also provides assistance for airfare, lodging, rental cars, gas reimbursement, some medical testing not covered by insurance, and, on a limited basis, some medical procedures and prescriptions.
Interview with Dana L. Dornslife conducted by Paula Edelstein on August 26, 2009. For more information regarding the Lazarex Cancer Foundation, please visit their website at www.lazarex.org.
