Spectrum Health Foundation Receives American Cancer Society Grant to Reduce Barriers to Care

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Jan. 28, 2022 – Cancer patients undergoing treatment sometimes travel far from home to receive the right cancer care, which can create a financial burden. That’s why the American Cancer Society has awarded a $25,000 lodging grant to Spectrum Health Foundation. These funds will be used to cover lodging for cancer patients receiving treatment in Grand Rapids.

An estimated 62,150 Michigan residents will learn they have cancer this year and finding lodging near their treatment center may be one of their greatest roadblocks. To help these patients, particularly those from historically underserved populations, American Cancer Society awards lodging grants to health systems and treatment centers. The American Cancer Society grant is expected to help 350 patients and their families.

“A cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming,” says Emily Mumford, LLMSW, oncology social worker with the Spectrum Health Cancer Program. “The details and cost can be daunting. The ACS grant means our patients won’t have to worry about the cost of lodging. Patients have been relieved and grateful to know that this is one less thing they must be concerned about.”

For additional information about the American Cancer Society, call 800.227.2345 or visit cancer.org.

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People are at the heart of everything we do, and the inspiration for our long and continuing legacy of strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Our award-winning team improves health, inspires hope and saves lives across 13 counties in West Michigan. We bring together 11 hospitals—including Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, with expert care from 350+ pediatric specialists in 70+ specialties and programs—three rehabilitation and nursing centers, 120 outpatient sites and telehealth services. We are proud to work with 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers, including Spectrum Health Medical Group, one of the largest and most comprehensive multispecialty physician groups in West Michigan.

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Beth Cranson
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Email: elizabeth.cranson@corewellhealth.org