Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute receives grant from Farrah Fawcett Foundation to establish patient assistance fund

DETROIT, Jan. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center has received a $25,000 grant through the Farrah Fawcett Foundation to establish the Farrah Fawcett Fund for Patient Assistance at Karmanos.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20071106/KARMANOSLOGO)

The fund will be administered by Karmanos' Social Work Department and will provide assistance to patients being treated at the center. The fund will help patients defray the costs of medication, gas, rent/mortgage expenses, household utility costs and other basic daily needs.

"Many of our patients need help with everyday expenses as they cope with their cancer treatments," said Larmender Davis, director of Social Work and Support Services at Karmanos. "It's wonderful that this foundation has recognized the needs of our patients, particularly those who have limited resources. This grant will ease the minds of many of our patients so they can focus on their recovery."

The Farrah Fawcett Foundation's mission is to support cancer research, help those battling cancer, and to focus on prevention and awareness.

"Farrah was grateful that she was able to fund her own treatment," said Alana Stewart, president of the Farrah Fawcett Foundation. "She realized, however, that there are many less fortunate than her. The foundation has helped establish the 'The Farrah Fawcett Fund for Patient Assistance' at different cancer centers around the country. Patients that the fund serves are desperately in need of financial aid while undergoing treatment.  We are also committed to raising cancer awareness, such as early detection and the support of more studies in the prevention of this dreadful disease."

Farrah Fawcett, star of the original Charlie's Angels and many well-known Hollywood and television films, was diagnosed with anal cancer in 2006. She established the foundation before her death in 2009.  She was 62 years of age.

"We are extremely grateful that a foundation, established in memory of a true Hollywood star who was also a generous and philanthropic individual, has chosen Karmanos to help our patients," said Nick Karmanos, senior vice president of Institutional Relations at Karmanos. "We thank the Farrah Fawcett Foundation for this very generous support."

For more information about the Farrah Fawcett Fund for Patient Assistance at Karmanos or for general information, contact 1-800-KARMANOS (1-800-527-6266) or visit www.karmanos.org.

About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Located in mid-town Detroit, Michigan, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of 41 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Caring for nearly 6,000 new patients annually on a budget of $265 million, conducting more than 700 cancer-specific scientific investigation programs and clinical trials, Karmanos is among the nation's best cancer centers. Through the commitment of 1,000 staff, including nearly 300 physicians and researchers on faculty at the Wayne State University School of Medicine, and supported by thousands of volunteer and financial donors, Karmanos strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms of cancer. Its long-term partnership with the WSU School of Medicine enhances the collaboration of critical research and academics related to cancer care. Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., is the Institute's president and chief executive officer. For more information call 1-800-KARMANOS or go to www.karmanos.org.

SOURCE Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute