March Coachella Valley Spotlight recipient: Desert Cancer Foundation

Local nonprofit Desert Cancer Foundation is dedicated to helping pay for cancer care for residents who need financial assistance.

DCF is the only nonprofit organization that makes direct payments to
providers on behalf of valley residents who otherwise could not afford access to care and treatment. The program covers the high cost of cancer care for people 18 years and older with a low household income, uninsured, underinsured, or lacking funds to pay for treatment.

DCF covers all cancer care and treatment costs, including insurance premiums, deductibles, co-pays/co-insurance, and Medi-Cal Share of Cost.

DCF was founded in 1994 to pay for cancer treatment of residents who lack health insurance or enough funds to pay for their medical care by the organization's founders, Dr. Sebastian George and Art & Cory Teichner.

The primary consideration for acceptance into DCF's Patient Assistance Program is a demonstrated need for financial assistance to obtain local cancer care. Program applicants are individually reviewed by a volunteer Patient Assistance Committee, which includes medical professionals, social workers, financial counselors, board members, and staff. All applicants receive navigation and support for additional resources.

Since the organization was founded, DCF has paid for cancer-related screening, diagnosis, and treatment valued at nearly $109 million. It has also served more than 8,700 residents in the Coachella Valley and surrounding communities with the cost of their cancer care needs.

DCF plans to use the $25,000 Spotlight Grant to directly support its Patient Assistance Program, which pays for cancer care and treatment for all cancer and its allied diseases.