HOPE (Helping Oncology Patients Endure) Fund provides grants to approved applicants who are unable to afford the significant out-of-pocket costs of integrative therapy.
From the day she was diagnosed, Shannon set out to face appendiceal cancer head-on. She was determined to battle on her own terms and focus on her family, despite the debilitating effects of the disease and chemotherapy treatment.
Shannon's approach to confronting cancer involved incorporating numerous integrative therapies to complement and help manage the side effects of routine chemotherapy. She utilized acupuncture, reiki, yoga, fitness training, meditation, massage, therapeutic horseback riding, and naturopathic medicine and developed close relationships with her dedicated providers along the way. This unique approach helped her to develop the integral mindset of living in the present so she could continue to be a role model for family and friends and focus on raising her two children who were 16 and 9 years old at her diagnosis.
After Shannon passed, her fitness instructor recounted the impact she witnessed integrative therapies have on Shannon and her family.
In March 2020 when COVID hit, 4 years after her diagnosis, everyone was ordered back into their homes. I saw such an incredible wife and mother. On cold weather days, Shannon led the way in taking Howie, Sam, and Jackson outdoors to do exercises along with her. This continued throughout the year and into the winter months before she passed away, as we went into the cold garage to continue the work. Shannon never stopped. I have always spoken to others about Shannon and she is such an inspiration to many that she never had the chance to meet. She’s my inspiration as well. She gave us “Shannon’s Life Lessons". Never underestimate yourself. You are stronger than you think. It’s not about falling down but about getting up and going forward.
Program Details
In following Shannon's spirit of giving back and focusing on others, Shannon's Path is excited to launch the HOPE (Helping Oncology Patients Endure) Fund for integrative cancer care. Although integrative care provides a significant benefit in quality of life, side effect management, and mental health, these therapies are rarely covered by medical insurance, and patients can incur significant out-of-pocket expenses. So, the HOPE Fund will help all patients access these essential therapies.
The program encompasses a wide range of holistic therapies and is open to adults who are either currently undergoing or who have previously been through cancer treatment. In order to allow us to focus on providing a quality program, the Fund is currently open to patients residing or being treated in Massachusetts.
Once applicants are approved, the Shannon's Path team will work directly with patients' chosen providers to ensure treatment is covered and patients do not have to deal with finances. Once patients exhaust their allocated grant, they may reapply to the program, although approval is contingent upon available funds.
To learn more about the HOPE Fund, view all eligible integrative therapies, and apply for a grant, please visit our webpage here.
Contact hope@shannonspath.org with any questions.