US Oncology Foundation changes its name to Life Beyond Cancer Foundation

The US Oncology Foundation announced today that it is changing its name to the Life Beyond Cancer Foundation. This new name better captures the essence of hope that the organization aspires to provide to cancer patients and their families.

The Foundation's mission is to enhance cancer care in local communities by removing barriers to prevention, education, early detection, treatment and survivorship. Cancer prevention and awareness, financial assistance for every day living expenses, and meaningful programs for cancer survivors are the cornerstones of the mission.

"As cancer patients try to focus on healing, financial struggles often become a new reality," says Lloyd Everson, M.D, Chairman of the Board for the Life Beyond Cancer Foundation and retired medical oncologist. "As patient Diana Quiroz noted, 'It is not difficult to find help with medication or treatment costs but there are very few places that help you pay expenses to keep a roof over your head or keep your family fed.' The Life Beyond Cancer Foundation fills the gap that keeps utilities on, keeps homes from being foreclosed upon and keeps cars from being repossessed. We are proud to fulfill this unmet need for patients across America."

In addition to financial assistance and educational programs, The Life Beyond Cancer Foundation hosts a women's retreat where cancer survivors, and oncology nurses and social workers can rejuvenate their bodies, rekindle their spirits and learn to become advocates for others dealing with cancer. The retreat empowers and encourages attendees to bring new and inspiring programs back to their communities to fulfill unmet needs. The retreat celebrated its 10th anniversary in December, 2009, having touched nearly 1,500 people's lives directly and thousands more through advocacy programs instilled in their own communities. To find out more information on the 2010 retreat, visit the Web site at www.lifebeyondcancer.org.

"For the millions of people facing cancer, the struggle of paying for treatment can be as daunting as the treatment itself," says Ann Wolford, executive director of the Life Beyond Cancer Foundation, "We work with local nonprofit partners and community organizations from around the country to maximize monies available to cancer patients for living expenses so they can focus on what is most important – the healing process."