The SAMFund Reaches Million Dollar Milestone For Cancer Survivor Grants

Organization Helping Young Adult Survivors Sees Dramatic Impact of its Work Over 10 Years

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131024/NY03759LOGO )

To mark the occasion, The SAMFund will host "An Evening of A Million Thanks," a fundraising event at Boston's Hampshire House on Friday, November 22.

Since its inception in 2003, The SAMFund has been dedicated to providing young adult survivors in their 20s and 30s with direct financial assistance, and free online support and education. Over the years, the organization has helped alleviate the costs of insurmountable medical bills, insurance premiums, mortgage and rent payments, graduate school tuition, and other expenses that prevent young adult survivors from moving forward with their lives.

"As the economy deteriorated, our grants have covered more dire needs such as preventing eviction and bankruptcy, and covering medical insurance co-payments so these young adults could remain in their homes and continue receiving follow-up care," said Ms. Samantha Watson, Executive Director and Founder, The SAMFund.  "And now, as we celebrate our 10thanniversary, we are seeing the cumulative impact of our work, with more and more of our grant recipients progressing in their careers, reaching their academic goals and regaining stability in their lives."

Rachel Lozano, who was diagnosed with Askin's Tumor on her spine at age 15, 18 and 19, is one of the countless young cancer survivors who have benefited from grants awarded by The SAMFund. "If I hadn't received a grant from The SAMFund, I would not have been able to afford my health insurance," she said. "The coverage ensures that I am able to afford and have access to my three-month check-ups, medicines and testing to address the long term side effects of my many complicated treatments."

According to LIVESTRONG, the survival rate for young adults with cancer has not changed since 1975. "Most people think of little kids or older adults getting cancer, but the reality is that more than 70,000 young adults are diagnosed in this country every year and the odds are stacked against them from the start. They are the most likely of any age group to be uninsured or underinsured, least likely to participate in clinical trials, and often experience delayed diagnoses," Ms. Watson said.

Since 2005, The SAMFund has awarded an average grant amount of approximately $1,500 to more than 500 individuals from 48 states. The total will top $1 million with grant awards next month.

The fundraising event will include an awards ceremony honoring the community of SAMFund supporters who have helped the organization reach this milestone. Awards will be presented to volunteers and partners for their outstanding contributions. The event will also be a chance for new supporters to join The SAMFund community and help it reach its next milestone. To purchase tickets for the event, please visit bit.ly/samfundmillionthanks or call 617-938-3484.

For media inquiries, please contact Devonne Cusi at 973-850-7341 or dcusi@jcprinc.com.

About The SAMFund

Through direct financial assistance as well as free online support and education, The SAMFund gives young adult survivors the tools and resources to overcome their financial challenges and move forward with their lives. Since 2005, it has awarded nearly$1 million in grants to hundreds of young adults across the country and hosted free webinars on a range of topics, including reducing medical debt, family building options and employment challenges, among others.

The SAMFund provides support for a wide range of needs to young adults post-treatment, regardless of their specific diagnosis or where they live. For more information, please visit www.thesamfund.org.

Devonne Cusi
Jennifer Connelly Public Relations 
973-850-7341 dcusi@jcprinc.com