The St. Joseph Community Health Foundation proudly supports Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, a collaboration spanning over 20 years. Here is the story of one individual who benefited from programming on the southeast side of Fort Wayne, through a program supported by this Foundation.

A 47-year-old, “L”, diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in November 2023, faced anxiety about job loss and treatment costs. Hesitant to seek help, she was referred to the Impact Center by her nurse. There, Client Advocate Gayle Bernand, who is not only a dedicated staff member of the Southeast Program but also a resident of the southeast side of Fort Wayne, understands the unique challenges faced by her community. She connected “L” with financial assistance from Cancer Services and the Pink Fund, arranged transportation, and provided food support, allowing “L” to concentrate on her recovery. When she felt overwhelmed, Gayle also referred her to affordable mental health counseling. Thanks to this comprehensive support, “L” recently completed her treatment and is thriving. Her journey illustrates Cancer Services’ essential role in empowering patients through compassionate care and vital resources.

Since its founding in 1944, Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana has been a vital resource for individuals facing cancer. Their mission is to offer compassion, practical support, and expertise to all impacted by the disease, while serving as a trusted referral source for healthcare professionals. Cancer Services prioritizes client-centered care and maintains high-quality services rooted in compassion and integrity. Their programs include financial assistance, free health supplies, durable medical equipment, transportation aid, and advocacy with insurers and employers. Additionally, they provide emotional support, mental health services, and wellness opportunities to help clients regain control of their lives. The Southeast Program focuses on increasing access to healthcare for underserved, vulnerable populations, aligning perfectly with the organization’s mission and strategic goals.