Relief Program

Relief Program

The Relief Program creates financial assistance grants for cancer patients that can be used for living expenses not classified as medical. Living expenses can be characterized as rent, utilities, groceries, transportation costs, and more. These grants bring much needed relief to adults and children facing extreme hardship during the greatest fight of their lives.

The Needs Beyond Medicine Relief Program is funded by public and private grants, as well as business and community donations. Because cancer patients who have strong support systems also have higher rates of survival, these grants are a vital gift to their recipients. For this reason, Needs Beyond Medicine hopes to continue our efforts for years to come. To date, the Relief Program has helped more than 1,600 people and counting.

2021 Applications

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Needs Beyond Medicine (NBM) seeks to mitigate cancer disparities by supporting cancer patients’ needs outside of treatment. The NBM Relief Program provides grants to individual cancer patients who are at the greatest risk of negative outcomes due to financial concerns. These include low-income recipients (65% of grant recipients in 2019), Utahns of color (23%), and Utahns living in non-metropolitan counties (36%). Grant recipients reported that the largest use of grant funds was for transportation costs to and from medical care, followed by purchasing groceries for themselves and their families and paying utility bills. Because NBM Relief Program grants contribute to patients’ access to care, quality food, and basic security, they improve both quality of life and chances for positive medical outcomes among recipients.

Needs Beyond Medicine Mission

Cancers

60 reported cancer types
Needs Beyond Medicine Program

Income Level

58% below poverty level
Needs Beyond Medicine Support

Relief Program

1,743 Cancer patients assisted through
July 2021

Testimonial

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the monetary support you sent me. There are so many things that I have to deal with that it is so sweet, generous and kind of you to alleviate some of the struggles I face each day! It's people like you who inspire us to keep fighting- to hang in there and look forward to the day when things will look better and get better.
Needs Beyond Medicine Mission
Relief Program Recipient
It was with deep gratitude that we received your check for $250 to help with gasoline expenses. Having cancer is both expensive and daunting, and coming from a rural community which requires extensive travel for care makes it even more so. It is uplifting and heart-warming to have support and encouragement from people like you and your program.
Needs Beyond Medicine Mission
Relief Program Recipient
You cannot believe what your check meant to me. Your kindness and your affection toward me has fulfilled my heart and mind with HOPE & HAPPINESS. I pray one day that I will be able to pay it forward physically and financially. 
The money will be used on paying bills. Such as electrical, gas, phone and hygiene products. May God reward your organization million folds.
Needs Beyond Medicine Mission
Relief Program Recipient
Relief Program Sponsors
Sorenson Legacy Foundation
Alberton's Companies Foundation