Our Programs and Services

When a person is diagnosed and treated for cancer, their needs often go beyond the medical treatments provided by doctors and nurses. Many patients need emotional support; others may not have the resources to pay for transportation and lodging in order to access necessary cancer treatments; still others may need more information about the disease or help for their family members and caregivers.

Recognizing the spectrum of non-medical needs, the Cancer Institute Foundation provides programs to ease the financial, mental and emotional needs of patients with cancer and their families, with the goal of enhancing the quality of their lives during challenging times. The Foundation also serves as important resource for the community by offering cancer screenings, educational forums and materials that raise public awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, diagnostics, treatments and survivorship.

Housing and Transportation Program

Patients travel from all parts of Northern New Mexico to Santa Fe to receive medical treatments. While their medical care may be covered by health insurance, many do not have the money to pay for transportation or for lodging when treatments are administered over a period of days or weeks. Since 2005 the Foundation has provided an average of 400 rooms per year in local hotels and in 2008 the Foundation provided nearly 200,000 miles of travel assistance for patients with identified financial need. As the price of gas has risen and economic conditions have declined, the need for this program has increased dramatically.

The Foundation has allowed me to stay in Santa Fe during my chemotherapy treatments. I wouldn’t tolerate the treatments as well if I had to make the trip back and forth to Las Vegas every day. And since I’m on disability I’m unable to pay for a room myself.

- John Vigil, Las Vegas

We wish to thank you for the help with mileage from Las Vegas. The gas prices are so high. It would have been a hardship on us. Thanks to the Foundation we are fine. Six weeks of 168 miles a day cost a lot. It is good to know we have a Foundation out there to help people like us.

- Jean and Cecil McCain, Las Vegas

Cancer Support Groups

Free, ongoing and facilitated support groups meet at the Cancer Institute on a regular basis. Patients and their families find comfort and support by sharing their stories and learning from each others experiences.

  • Mixed Cancer Support Group
  • Caregivers 101
  • Breast Cancer Support Groups in both Santa Fe and Taos (partially funded by the Susan G. Komen Foundation)
  • Late Stage Cancer Support Groups
  • Look Good Feel Better Program (offered in conjunction with the American Cancer Society)

“The women’s support group has been my lifeline since starting chemotherapy. At a challenging time in our lives, it provided the support we desperately needed.”

- Carol Hagstrom

Life After Cancer Series

A special 8 part series for cancer survivors based on Glenna Halvorson-Boyd’s book “Dancing in Limbo – Making Sense of Life After Cancer” will be introduced in 2009. The program will be facilitated by the author and an oncology nurse, both of whom are cancer survivors.

Volunteer Services

Cadres of trained volunteers, many of whom are cancer survivors, provide a variety of services for patients in treatment as well as assistance with community educational programs. Some volunteers also enroll in the Buddy Program which matches a cancer survivor with a newly diagnosed patient, providing the extra help and encouragement that may be needed while undergoing treatment.

As a fourteen year breast cancer survivor, I feel my presence in the chemotherapy room serves as a source of hope for patients undergoing cancer treatment. When I had my treatment, there were no volunteers nearby with whom I could share my fears and concerns. The personal satisfaction that I feel when doing this service is great, indeed! I have enormous trust in the facility and staff which adds to my positive feelings about the process of healing and recovery.

- Karin Roth, Santa Fe

Annual Prostate Screening

Every year, the Foundation offers a free prostate screening for the community. Each participant is examined by a physician and receives the required blood test. This screening saves lives by diagnosing prostate cancer in men who may not have been screened otherwise.

Before any more time slips away, I want to express my deep appreciation to the Cancer Institute for having offered free prostate cancer screening to the public. I am now recuperating from recent surgery to remove my prostate and associated lymph nodes, with full expectation that the cancer has been eliminated. I discovered the cancer in its early stages thanks to the screening the Foundation so generously offered. If it had not been for the screening, I’m sure I would still be unaware of the presence of the cancer and the impending risks to my health.

- Gregory Kroll, El Rito

Community Education Programs and Resource Materials

Throughout the year, the Foundation sponsors special events and educational programs in the community. These programs raise public awareness about cancer and provide information on resources. The Foundation also maintains a library of books and cancer education videos that are available for patients and the public.

Other Services Provided

- Coordination of Spanish speaking volunteers to assist with interpreting during diagnostic exams and treatment.
- Providing nutritious snacks for patients and families during chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
- Helping cancer patients and their families with information on available community resources.

Susan G. Komen Award

Thanks to a generous grant in 2009 from the Central New Mexico Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure which has allowed the Cancer Institute Foundation to increase services for patients with breast cancer. In our first six months; 16 patients have received lodging support, 26 patients have received mileage reimbursement, and 28 patients have received grocery coupons and restaurant vouchers. In addition, there have been 140 support group visits for patients with breast cancer in Santa Fe, 48 visits for their caregivers, and 96 support group visits in Taos. Per patient request, a new support group specific to the needs of late stage breast cancer patients was initiated in August - to date 9 visits have been provided. Spanish speaking interpreters have provided services for 49 women during diagnostic breast procedures. And, Foundation volunteers have been present to provide support services during 900 chemotherapy treatment sessions.  

For more information, or to refer a patient/family, please contact: Caroline Owen:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it     

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