Cancer treatment is a process that can be divided into four main stages: diagnosis, treatment planning, actual treatment, and patient rehabilitation. Each of these stages (even if the therapy is covered by the National Health Fund) involves costs that burden the patient’s household budget. It is worth taking this into account when organizing a fundraiser. Long-term planning takes the pressure off the patient and allows them to focus fully on the fight for their health.

Long-term financial planning for patients – how to raise money for treatment?

Many cancer patients decide to start a fundraiser for their treatment and rehabilitation. Very often, this is the only way to access modern therapies and give themselves a chance at recovery. However, it’s important to remember that a successful fundraiser is a well-organized one. We don’t just mean creating a good description and properly documenting the illness. Many patients make the mistake of organizing a fundraiser for a single, specific stage of treatment. In most cases, the costs of treatment are poorly estimated, and the patient must organize another fundraiser after some time. This, in turn, can raise suspicion among potential donors. Instead, you should focus on long-term fundraising planning—that is, estimate the full costs of treatment and rehabilitation and set a realistic fundraising goal.

Check out: How to organize a fundraiser for a patient's medical treatment?

How should you budget for the costs of cancer treatment?

Planning treatment on your own is virtually impossible. A person who has been diagnosed with cancer suddenly has to navigate a new reality. They need support—both from loved ones and medical staff, as well as, for example, an oncology foundation that has the necessary knowledge and experience to help cancer patients at every stage of treatment and post-cancer rehabilitation.

Check out: how to choose a cancer foundation.

It’s best to start long-term treatment planning by talking to your treating physician. Ask them about possible treatment options and their costs. Even with treatment covered by the National Health Fund (NFZ), not all aspects of treatment are fully reimbursed. This includes, for example, hidden costs associated with treatment (diet, supplements, hygiene products). The doctor helps assess potential financial needs during treatment, including possible diagnostics and therapy abroad. Similar support in treatment planning is provided to the patient by a caregiver assigned by an oncology foundation. At Cancer Fighters, every patient under the foundation’s care is assigned an oncology assistant. This is a person who provides organizational and substantive support, helping patients navigate the maze of regulations and treatment methods.

How long does cancer treatment take?

The duration of treatment for a cancer patient depends, among other things, on the type and stage of the cancer, the chosen treatment method, the patient’s age, any comorbidities, and their overall health. Treatment can last from several months to a year or even several years. Treatment planning should account for all possible disease progression scenarios, including relapses and the need to modify therapy, and the associated financial costs.

How long do cancer treatment and rehabilitation take?

The end of a hospital stay does not usually mark the end of a patient’s treatment. It is time for rehabilitation and physical recovery. Cancer treatment can also be associated with side effects, such as chronic fatigue or post-traumatic stress disorder, which require appropriate measures and prolong recovery from the illness. It is difficult to estimate the duration of post-cancer rehabilitation. For some patients, it may last a few weeks or months; for others, more than a year. Every body is different. It is important not to put pressure on the patient or rush their return to work and the completion of rehabilitation.

Do we need to raise funds for rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation is an important part of the treatment and recovery process for cancer patients. It helps improve patients’ physical and mental well-being and prepares them to return to their daily lives. Regardless of the type of rehabilitation (physical, mental, or social), it requires time and financial resources. Let’s take a closer look at physical rehabilitation.

A cancer patient can receive physical therapy covered by the National Health Fund (NFZ) and stay at a rehabilitation center, but these are only a fraction of their needs. This means that planning rehabilitation treatment involves additional costs. The average cost of a visit to a physical therapist is 200 PLN or more. A private stay at a rehabilitation center costs several thousand PLN. On top of that, there are expenses for purchasing home rehabilitation equipment and any necessary prosthetics.

How do you run a long-term fundraiser?

A long-term fundraising campaign is one that, unfortunately, can quickly become “old hat” to donors. That is why every patient should learn how to communicate their financial needs during their illness and engage in dialogue with potential donors. For those under the foundation’s care, the matter is much simpler—the foundation provides the necessary support in building relationships with donors and promoting the fundraiser.

When organizing a fundraiser with the help of a foundation, you can also collect 1.5% of donors’ taxes, which allows you to supplement the fundraiser with additional important contributions and brings you closer to reaching your goal. It’s a good idea to prepare thoroughly to promote the fundraiser during tax season. Create dedicated posts and ask your friends and family to share the promotional materials.

Check it out: 1.5% tax for the foundation.

How can you help donors feel secure?

Long-term fundraisers are very often supported on a regular basis by regular donors. These include not only the patient’s loved ones, but also people who are complete strangers to them. They usually return to the fundraiser because they feel a connection to the patient and are confident in the fundraiser’s transparency and the security of the payment process. However, for this to happen, long-term fundraising planning should focus on full transparency in the collection of funds. A clear fundraising goal must be established—if the amount is large, it is advisable to divide the treatment into stages and itemize the costs of each one.

Sometimes the financial plan for cancer treatment changes or the fundraiser stalls. In such cases, a clear message is essential to ensure the transparency of the fundraiser. It’s worth thanking donors for their contributions so far and not being afraid to ask for more if the fundraiser requires it. Updating the fundraiser should also attract attention. A new type of social media post—a new description, photo, or video—will help remind people of the campaign and keep donors engaged.

Long-term planning – what else should you consider besides medical costs?

Medical and rehabilitation costs are important, but they are not the only factors to consider when making plans for the near future. Long-term planning must take into account the daily needs of the patient and their loved ones, especially if the patient is a parent and the family’s breadwinner. These include, among other things, buying food and clothing, purchasing fuel, cleaning supplies, and hygiene products, childcare during a hospital stay, and pet care. Cancer treatment means the patient must take time off work. From experience, we know that many people, instead of focusing solely on treatment and recovery, worry about how to financially support their loved ones. At our foundation, we do not forget about the daily lives of patients and their families. Every patient under our care can access social assistance.

Check out: what you can spend the money from fundraisers on.

The cost of treatment is often a major source of anxiety for cancer patients. It shouldn’t have to be that way. The fight for health and life is already physically and mentally taxing enough. If you or a loved one is battling cancer, reach out to Cancer Fighters for help. We organize fundraisers for cancer patients, assist with organizational matters, provide psychological support, and help with post-treatment rehabilitation. We know that the fight against the disease doesn’t end when you leave the hospital. Our patients can count on the help of donors and volunteers at every stage of treatment and recovery. Together, we will beat cancer!