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HANCOCK, Mich., Jan. 30, 2017 – The Keller Family Community Foundation (KFCF) out of Richmond, Minnesota, has renewed a $2,000 grant to the Portage Health Foundation (PHF), which PHF will match, for the purchase of gas-only gift cards for the continuation of a medical transportation program at UP Health System – Portage. The goal of this program is to ease cancer patients’ financial burdens of traveling to and from medical treatments by providing fuel cards.
Eligible individuals must be cancer patients at UP Health System – Portage and be experiencing financial hardships. Patients and their families may receive up to $150 per 12-month period to help cover fuel costs. Interested patients/families should speak with a staff member from the UP Health System – Portage Oncology Department to complete a gas-card application.
As a rural community, many patients are required to travel over 100 miles to receive their specialized cancer care. This travel can place a high financial burden on many patients and their families. Fortunately, through the financial support offered by KFCF and PHF, these gas cards can help make cancer care more easily accessible and diminish some financial stress. “The Portage Health Foundation and the Keller Family Community Foundation recognize that in a rural and economically-depressed region, there is a significant need to provide financial assistance to cancer patients. With this grant, we are able to help fill this financial gap so that these individuals can focus more on their healing,” said Kevin Store, Executive Director at PHF.
About the Keller Family Community Foundation
The Keller Family Community Foundation supports research, education, and informational activities that increase the public’s awareness regarding the prevention and treatment of chronic health conditions.
About the Portage Health Foundation
The Portage Health Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that receives and contributes charitable donations, which support the health needs of the community through enhanced philanthropy and community collaboration throughout Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon counties.
