I was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer early in 2020 and given a slim chance of survival. My local oncologist suggested I make an appointment at MD Anderson cancer center in Houston to see if they had any clinical trials that would be open to me. As it turned out, they had several trials that I qualified for but they all required frequent trips to Houston and multi-night stays. I'm happy to say that my latest trial is producing encouraging results but without Lazarex's travel reimbursements I could never have afforded the travel costs to participate. My family and I are very grateful for the program and we hope it continues well into the future.
I have been a volunteer for the past two years to this awesome nonprofit. I have had a chance to see and hear how they have supported and made an impact in the lives of so many individuals and families over the last 15 years. - Bret L.
I have been a long time significant donor and volunteer to this wonderful and unique organization. They have provided incredibly valuable assistance to thousands of cancer patients over the past 15+ years.
Dana & Erin have done an incredible job supporting this community consistently for years. The impact of Lazarex on patients going through treatment goes so much beyond trial access! As a survivor myself, I feel grateful that Lazarex exists, and can help support us!
I am a volunteer, assisting this organization to promote their services. Laserex provides options for various clinical trials for clients diagnosed with cancer. The entire team seamlessly work together to offer programs and services to improve health outcomes and access for care
Meryl M
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I am proud to be a continued donor to an organization that provides the needed funds that are not covered by medical insurance or the pharmaceutical companies. Without this organization, many people already suffering from the horrors of cancer, would not have the opportunity to participate in a possible life improving clinical trial
I was diagnosed with Endometrial cancer in 2015. After trying surgery, radiation and 3 types of chemo, my only option left was to try a clinical trial. Unfortunately, the one trial that seemed to fit my genetic requirements was in Boston, and I lived in NY. It meant traveling every 2 weeks to Boston and staying a night or two around the appointments. The travel and hotel costs started depleting my savings, and I wondered if I would be able to keep going with the trial in the long run. The hospital happened to suggest a number of possible groups that help out with expenses. The one that came through for me was Lazarex. I remember the day that they called me and said "We can help you with travel and hotel costs". It was as if a huge weight was lifted off of me. They continued to help until I was done with the trial, and now I've been in remission for 5 years ! They made it so easy to work with them, and had very little paperwork. They are an amazing group of people, and I'll forever be thankful to them for their assistance in getting the help I needed.

Lazarex Cancer Foundation 10/16/2024
Thank you so much for the review and sharing your story. It is our honor to be able to provide support through your cancer journey.
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Rating: 5
I enrolled in a clinical trial because there was no other treatment in my area for my stage 4 metastatic endometrial cancer. For the trial, I have to fly from Rochester, NY to Boston every 2 weeks. The airline and hotel costs are a big expense for me. Lazarex enables me to afford to participate in the clinical trial. The staff at Lazarex have always been extremely helpful, caring and responsive. I wouldn't be able to stay in this trial which has been very effective for me If it wasn't for Lazarex. I will always be grateful to Lazarex. Thanks for everything that Lazarex has done and continues to do for me !!
Lazarex likely saved my daughter’s life. My daughter Erin was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2018 At the age of 22. She was a college student at the time. She underwent Frontline treatment, but relapsed shortly after treatment ended. She then underwent a stem cell transplant at Cleveland Clinic. After stem cell transplant, she elected to participate in a clinical trial for “maintenance” using an immunotherapy drug as Erin was at high risk for relapse again. We traveled to Nashville, Tennessee from Pennsylvania every other week for six months for a short infusion. As a Long time county employee with great insurance benefits, but low salary—-I never would have been able to enroll Erin in this trial without the financial assistance of Lazarex. They reimbursed us fully for all our travel expenses… It was truly amazing and I will forever be grateful!! Erin reached the five-year remission mark this year!

Lazarex Cancer Foundation 10/16/2024
Lisa, thank you so much for sharing your story! Our hearts are happy for Erin's 5 year remission milestone.
I have seen how Lazarex changes lives/families who are given hope when all they have been presented with is hopelessness. I saw firsthand how 6 months or a year of time helps families make memories that may be the only thing children have to carry in their hearts of a loved one. Amazing, compassionate organization.

Lazarex Cancer Foundation 10/16/2024
Thank you so much for the review Cherie!
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Lazarex is an amazing organization with amazing, passionate, selfless people who are completely dedicated to making the lives of those suffering from cancer and their families a little better by giving them hope. I have volunteered for several events and do have personal family experience with Lazarex. I am humbled by every single person who works for and with Lazarex . What they provide is hope and dignity to people who have lost hope due to circumstances beyond their control. The personal support and compassion that Lazarex provides cancer patients and their families is truly unmatched.
I work in a Cancer Center, and collaborating with the Lazarex Foundation has been an incredible experience for our patients. With the IMPACT program, we have successfully reduced some of the financial burden on patients who wish to participate in a clinical trial but are unable to do so due to the high costs of transportation, lodging, or meals for the patient and their companion. By supporting this Foundation, you can help alleviate the already overwhelming challenges associated with cancer and provide personalized financial assistance that meets each patient's unique needs.
World class organization. The Lazarex team is fully committed to the mission of ensuring access to cancer clinical trials. They work tirelessly to offer hope by overcoming barriers and improving healthcare for patients fighting cancer. At any given time, they are driving multiple initiatives including partnering with at-risk communities and advocating for clinical trial diversity. Humbled and inspired to be part of the work to make cancer care equitable for all.
The mission of the Lazarex Cancer Foundation is to strive to improve cancer health outcomes, FDA cancer clinical trial diversity and enrollment, and patient access to care by providing assistance with clinical trial navigation, reimbursing trial related travel costs, and partnering with at-risk communities to mobilize resources.
I am honored to be a member of the Lazarex team, led by Dana Dornsife, the Founder, to help increase patient access to equitable cancer care and decrease the barriers to cancer clinical trial participation. Much has been accomplished; however, there is still much to done until every eligible cancer patient of any background has the knowledge about the availability of appropriate cancer clinical trials and the financial means to enroll. We greatly appreciate each and everyone of you who donates their time, talents, and/or experience to achieving this lofty goal: universal equitable access to cancer care!
This is an incredible organization that has been equitably serving the community for decades! Lazarex serves us cancer patients and family members with dignity, getting us to life-saving medications and trials.
Lazarex recognizes that the challenges cancer patients face for participation in clinical trials can include having enough money to actually make the trips to the hospital or clinic to receive the treatments. The Lazarex staff are incredibly dedicated to their clients for providing reimbursements for these ancillary expenses as well as by reaching out in many ways, understanding that many people need help navigating other aspects for obtaining treatment.
Working with the Lazarex Cancer Foundation to provide financial reimbursement for cancer clinical trial participants has been one of the biggest highlights of my time at the Abramson Cancer Center. Their staff are some of the most compassionate and caring individuals, and it is always a pleasure collaborating with them to provide the best possible and most affordable care to those in need.
The Lazarex Cancer Foundation has identified and responded to a critical need for patients with cancer that allows them access to the cutting-edge cancer therapies under investigation. Through reimbursement of out-of-pocket costs for travel related to cancer clinical trial participation, the Lazarex Cancer Foundation has helped hundreds of patients being treated for cancer at the Abramson Cancer Center to access a therapeutic clinical trial. The Lazarex Cancer Foundation is one of our most treasured partners.
I’ve been donating and volunteering with Lazarex from its inception. Not only do they help people navigate a very complicated medical maze of finding the appropriate clinical trial for their clients’ needs, the funding provided allows those who don’t have the financial means to get the potential life-saving treatment that they need. The work that Lazarex does saves lives and I couldn’t be more supportive or proud of the work that they do!
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I have been a donor and a volunteer for Lazarex since they began. The commitment of the Lazarex team to serve their clients is unwavering. Over the years I have witnessed firsthand the clients lives ( and the lives of their families ) that have been touched and saved because of the efforts of this organization. It has been an honor to donate and support Lazarex and impact these courageous warriors who are fighting and winning their battle against cancer!
Lazarex Cancer Foundation has assisted many cancer patients with their travel and lodging expenses for their clinical trial treatments. This takes a huge burden off the patient and their families when they are already experiencing emotional distress and financial strain due to their cancer diagnosis. Lazarex continues to advocate for patients and provide much needed support for patients in our community and nationwide.
Lazarex gives hope to cancer patients and their families by removing the barrier of the cost of travel to clinical trial sites. Unfortunately, clinical trials aren't always nearby and travel costs can add up quickly. If you can't afford to get to the trial site, you may miss out on potentially life-saving treatment. As a donor, I love hearing the stories of patients and their families who have been able to partake in a trial that they otherwise would have had to pass on and have time to make more memories with their loved ones.
I've had the privilege of working with the Lazarex Cancer Foundation for almost two years now at Penn Medicine and words cannot accurately express how important the work that the foundation is doing truly is.
I've been able to communicate with patients throughout our cancer center who have benefited from Lazarex Programs like IMPACT and the Hubs here in Philadelphia and all express that the staff, programs, and help have truly impacted them, lightened their load, and even gotten them through their treatment.
I've been able to see just how far-reaching the foundation's work is and what stands out the most is just how committed the entire team is to doing the best they possibly can not just for each and every patient but for the larger community and policy, which I believe is what truly distinguishes them as a 'great nonprofit.'
We are all better equipped to support patients because of Lazarex, and for that we are eternally grateful
Lazarex truly looks to break barriers in Cancer Screening and Clinical Trials. They strive to help everyone in need either by direct assistance or recommendation to other companies that can help. They are a wonderful company to get in contact with.
Lazarex is doing GOOD in this world!!!
I have known about Lazarex for over a decade and actively supported Lazarex for the entire time. Their unique yet practical positioning in the Cancer treatment world is absolutely awesome! Supporting individuals and their family members in traveling to participate in clinical trials, possibly extending a persons life and quality of life indefinitely is needed. Their approach to supporting, advocating and cultivating wellness nationally and in some of the communities in need is admirable.
More than one of my family members who have been diagnosed with cancer have utilized their clinical trial navigation and as GI says " Knowing is Half the Battle."
They are wonderfully unique and with staff who are filled with genuine deep heart felt support for cancer patients. They have helped thousands of cancer patients gain aaccess to potentially life saving or life extending clinical drug trials. This is done with an absolute minimum of operational expense due to the support of the founders.
If Laxarex did not exist those patients who they serve with financial assistance to travel to clinical trials sites would have no means of connecting with the trials .
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The people involved in founding, running and supporting this foundation have huge hearts and are making a difference in the lives of end stage cancer patients. There is no other charitable entity doing what they do -and navigating the maze of available clinical trials and then providing financial support to those who may benefit from those trials is what they do, and they do it very well!
Being refractory to many myeloma's existing treatments, I decided to participate in a clinical trial that may prolong my life with my hope to see my grandchildren at least graduate high school. But participating in a clinical trial is an intensive process of many labs and tests, and then weekly treatments sometimes necessitating twice weekly travel to the center which is 50 miles one way from my house. My clinical trial coordinator introduced me to Lazarex which provided me monthly financial assistance to cover my transportation to and from my house to the treatment center. Lazarex is a big blessing, and I think the only non profit to offer this kind of assistance to cancer patients like me. And they are very efficient and timely in their reimbursements too! I don't need to plead at all, as I do with a different foundation that takes 10 months for me to get reimbursed for food.
When I arrive for my all treatments after being drop off by Lyft, I am more calm and relax and have more emotional and mental space to receive my treatments with ease, with no added stress of driving and parking.
It's been over a year since I started the clinical trial, and my participation continues on as long I respond well to treatments. And I am! Now on complete remission, the longest I have had since starting treatments 12 years ago.
I remain eternally grateful to Lazarex for their financial help.
Review from Guidestar
I once, a few years back (2015) I attending a Gala as a guest of Mr. Walker. I was so impressed with the “party” I wanted to volunteer to help with the “party”! Went in the following week to sign up, I’m still going in every week! Have yet to be part of the party planning… Very great-full to be apart if this group of people! How lucky am I ?
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Lazarex Cancer Foundation is helping so many people extend their lives, when possible! This foundation is a God send to these patients and their families! I have been a volunteer for just a short time with the Lazarex family. It's been the best job I have ever had! Everyone that is in this office is here for the sole purpose of helping someone live longer and have quality of life! The dedication of the people that run this foundation is commendable! Thank you!
We have been donors to Lazarex for several years and continue to be impressed by this organization. They have a clear mission of ensuring access to clinical trials for cancer patients and find new and engaging ways to expand their donor community. They are a 4 star charity navigator organization which is important to us as we know that our gifts are being used wisely. We appreciate their progress updates and applaud their commitment to fighting cancer.
I was told my Mantle Cell Lymphoma had relapsed in 2021 and a clinical trial would be the best option for my treatment. I had already spent months traveling to MDANDERSON in Houston for my original and follow up care. The travel costs were ‘breaking the bank’. So I wondered if there might be dome help available. I google clinical trial travel expenses foundation and Lazarex came up. I applied snd was quickly notified of my acceptance into their program. We traveled for monthly 6 months and the assistance from Lazarex covered just about everything so we did not have to dip into retirement or savings hardly at sll! Thank you Lazarex for providing this amazing gift to clinical trial patients who often habe to travel for care.
I was diagnosed with Stage IV Lung Cancer in Jan 2020. I was fortunate to go on a targeted medication Mar 2020 that by Nov 2020 had reduced the size of my lung and liver lesions by 90% and had stabilized the mets to the bones of my skull and other small areas in my body. Unfortunately in Jan 2021 I started to notice a return of headaches which was my primary symptom prior to diagnosis. By March scans were revealing that indeed my cancer had moved from stable to progressive and it was time to make a forward thinking decision. I was extremely fortunate to have a very proactive oncologist leading my treatment and he decided the next move was to search for a clinical trial. In short order his sharp team located a clinical trial at the Siteman Cancer Center connected to Washington University and Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis MO; I live in Leawood KS, a four hour drive from St Louis. I started the trial Aug 3; the trial ended up being a very good fit for me clinically but my wife and I quickly learned by the end of the first month that we were going to need to make some serious changes to our budget to allow for the travel and lodging expenses that were going to come along with my involvement in the trial. In September a social worker with the clinical team introduced us to the Lazarex Foundation and I quickly filed the paperwork. Within very short order I received a call from Kathleen Ingram letting me know that my application had been accepted and we would start to receive financial assistance with travel and lodging expenses. A year later I continue to travel every other week to St Louis for treatment and the trial meds are keeping me in a state of stable disease. We are beyond grateful to not have the burden of the expense of traveling to receive this life saving treatment.
I have been a yoga student and teacher for 22+ years and because of my diagnosis and it coinciding with the start of the Covid Pandemic, my teaching came to a halt. In April of this year I was able to start teaching again. I contacted my dedicated students and pitched the idea of a once a week donation class; with the generosity of the Kansas School of Classical Ballet in Overland Park KS donating space the class took off. All of the proceeds from this class have been donated to the Lazarex Cancer Foundation and to date we have raised $1,625.00 that has been joyfully forwarded to Lazarex. The outpouring of gratitude for this small token of appreciation has been authentically expressed in the form of thank you cards and a hand made bracelet that I wear every time I travel to St Louis for treatment. This whole experience has reinforced my belief that gratitude is good medicine and that it is a sensation that washes the mind, body and spirit.
My husband and I are donors of the Lazarex Cancer Foundation. Since my husband was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma 24 years ago and survived, our family knows too well the difficulty and challenges that a patient and their family face when diagnosed with cancer. Lazarex provides patients in underserved communities with the support they need to seek out treatment. This is critical and impactful work that saves lives.
I am a regular monthly donor to Lazarex. I was drawn to this Foundation upon learning of their mission to provide funding to cancer patients to travel to clinical trials, and deal with the associated costs. Unfortunately, many clinical trials go unfilled, and only single digit percentage of cancer patients ever participate in a trial - and finances are a barrier for many of them. While the cost of the trial is typically covered by the sponsor, real costs to travel to the cancer center running the trial (which could be across the country), paying for a hotel to stay during treatment, covering costs of Child care while away from homes, etc - the costs are substantial. Larazex fills a huge need to provide financial support to cancer patients who are fighting for their lives, and willing to help seek new treatments and cures for all of us, as long as they have the financial support.
This is such an important program for our patients at MD Anderson Cancer Cancer-Lymphoma/Myeloma Clinic. Our patients travel from all over the country, as well as the world and expenses start to add up quickly. The assistance that the Lazarex Foundation provides helps minimize some of the stress our patients are under. The patients are always very appreciative of this service and cannot even believe it even exists. It's a great sense of empowerment for our patients knowing they do not have to ask friends for family members for financial assistance, it makes them feel very independent and in control of their treatment.
WHAT A GREAT MIRACLE THAT I HAVE EVER SEE IN MY LIFE. My names are Clara David I’m a citizen of USA, My younger sister was sicking of breast cancer and her name is Sandra David I and my family have taking her to all kind of hospital in USA still yet no good result. I decided to search for cancer cure so that was how I found a lady called Peter Lizzy. She was testifying to the world about the goodness of a herbal man who has the roots and herbs to cure all kinds of disease and the herbal man's email was there. So I decided to contact the herbal man @herbalist_dr_sakura for my younger sister's help to cure her breast cancer. I contacted him and told him my problem he told me that I should not worry that my sister cancer will be cure, he told me that there is a medicine that he is going to give me that I will cook it and give it to my sister to drink for one week, so I ask how can I receive the cure that I am in USA, he told me That I will pay for the delivery service. The courier service can transport it to me so he told me the amount I will pay, so my dad paid for the delivery fee. two days later I receive the cure from the courier service so I used it as the herbal man instructed me to, before the week complete my sister cancer was healed and it was like a dream to me not knowing that it was physical I and my family were very happy about the miracle of Doctor so my dad wanted to pay him 5 million us dollars the herbal man did not accept the offer from my dad, but I don't know why he didn't accept the offer, he only say that I should tell the world about him and his miracle he perform so am now here to tell the world about him if you or your relative is having any kind of disease that you can't get from the hospital please contact dr.sakuraspellalter@gmail.com or WhatsApp him +2348110114739 you can follow him up on Instagram @herbalist_dr_sakura visit his website https://drsakurahealthclinic.wixsite.com/website
https://drsakuraspellcentre.blogspot.com/
https://drsakuraspellalter.wordpress.com/ for the cure, he will help you out with the problem. And if you need more information about the doctor you can mail me davidclara223@gmail.com
Several years ago I was diagnosed with MDS, a cancer in the bone marrow that produces irregular blood cells. The disease is not curable but there are medications that can slow down or delay the seriousness of the disease. There have been some new chemo drugs being studied to improve an individuals life span and quality of life. One of these new drugs is being studied at the Sylvester Cancer Center at the Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami which is 90 miles from where I live. The study requires that I be treated 5 consecutive days each month. Getting the chemo is exhausting and I am too tired to make the 180 mile round trip for 5 consecutive days. Through a contact at the hospital I discovered the Lazarex Cancer Foundation that based on my income, is helping me out with the hotel and travel costs. This is very positive for me so that I don't have to worry as much about the costs. One less thing on my mind is a good thing.
Thank you to the Foundation.
Lazarex allows our patients to travel for treatment they otherwise would not have been able to receive. Our proton center is one of two in the state of California and many people cannot access treatments near home. It is an invaluable resource we are proud to connect our patients to. Patients on clinical trials and receiving cancer treatment are facing a certain amount of unknowns; it is immensely helpful to offer crucial support during this time.
The Lazarex Cancer Foundation is an invaluable resource for our patients who are receiving lifesaving proton radiation treatment here at the New York Proton Center. Cancer is stressful enough without having to worry about the financial ramifications of getting to and from treatment. Anything we can do to help decrease the anxiety our patients and families have about financial stressors is a great relief. We are grateful to the wonderful team at Lazarex for their timely attention to help meet the needs of our patients. We don’t know what we would do without them!
Lazarex is doing incredible work in our community. I have seen how they are helping people who are battling cancer and I have personally donated because I believe so strongly in their mission. Lazarex is the only organization doing what they do - helping late stage cancer patients find and get to clinical trials that could extend or even save their lives. More people need to know about their good work. Joan Evans
Highly Efficiency work, professionalism, and caring support, immediate action, and response:
I have stage IV lung cancer and a disability. I have a very low income. I needed to be going to clinical trial over 1-hour drive from my house.
I have contacted Lazarex Foundation for help with transportation, lodging, and parking tickets.
All the Lazarex team has been wonderful professional human beings. Very understanding of the situation. Ready to help, answer the question.
Sincerely, The Lazarex team has done a wonderful job for me.
I will recommend Lazarex foundation without hesitation.
I’ve worked with Lazarex as a volunteer. It’s one of the greatest organizations I’ve dedicated my time to—the commitment to patient care and equitable treatment should be a blueprint for all medicine.
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Lazarex Cancer Foundation is such an answered prayer for our family. We are currently traveling a road we never imagined we'd be going down. We have good insurance so we thought we'd be ok. When the treatments were no longer working and we started to have to travel for a clinical trial we quickly learned there were costs that we had never considered. It never occurred to us that on top of the treatment there was fuel, lodging, meals, parking fees.... all adds up so quickly. Since we now only have one income thanks to side effects from the disease we weren't sure how we could manage. What a blessing to learn about Lazarex Cancer Foundation and the support they provide families just like us. They are Angels helping to lift a burden off a very heavy laden back.
It has been very helpful for my husband with his cancer trial treatments, as we travel to and from San Francisco, to receive financial support from Lazarex. He has had early morning appointments and also appointments two days in a row, and having assistance with the hotel bill plus hotel parking and hospital parking has been a great support for us. Our philanthropic friend is so impressed with what this organization does that she will be making a donation to them. The staff is caring, professional, friendly, compassionate, and a delight to work with. In the midst of the stress of this disease Lazarex has been a shining star.
Lazarex Cancer Foundation supported me during my four year journey through my clinical trial for chronic myelogenous Leukemia This trial saved my life!! I am now cancer free for 12 years! Thank you Lazarex!! I would never have been able to afford to relocate to San Francisco without your help.

Lazarex Cancer Foundation 10/26/2021
Thank you Jessica!
Lazarex is such an incredible nonprofit! Not only are the employees welcoming, kind, and dedicated, but they are passionate about making sure clients are taken care of. Without Lazarex, numerous patients would not be able to access clinical trials. Lazarex bridges an often complex gap for cancer patients to access services, and this nonprofit excels at its mission.

Lazarex Cancer Foundation 10/26/2021
Thank you Sydnee!
I am a professional fundraiser with over 25 years of experience raising money for over 150 different causes. I ran into Dana Dornsife around 15 years ago when she was starting the Lazarex Foundation. It has been an honor and pleasure to work with Dana and her team while playing a role in helping them raise over five million dollars. The Lazarex Foundation is one of the most responsible foundations that I work with directing over 80% of the money they raise to help those in need. I can’t think of a better way to donate your money except Lararex. Over 80% of every dollar you donate will go to help those in need. Please help save a life and donate to Lazarex. The life you save might be your own, a loved one, a friend, or just another human being that you’ve never met!
Lazarex Cancer Foundation is amazing in the way they selflessly help patients at the time patients need them the most. Lazarex is a family - each person working together to help people access advanced cancer treatments through clinical trials. I have spoken with countless patients who have worked with Lazarex and I've heard endless gratitude from each and every one of them - thankful for all that Lazarex has given them - most of all hope and life.
GREAT mission, GREAT team! the CLOZTALK team is honored to call this org a partner & promote its good work!
CLOZTALK team
>> Jonny Imerman, co-founder
Complete Remission! We may not have gotten that news yesterday if not for the generosity of the Lazarex Cancer Foundation. My beautiful 24 year old daughter Erin has been fighting relapsed Stage IV Hodgkin's Lymphoma over the last 2-1/2 years. She received a Stem Cell Transplant for relapsed HL in April 2018. Through the generosity of Lazarex, we were able to participate in a clinical trial for immunotherapy maintenance treatments post transplant-- to keep her cancer away for good. This required travel from PA to Nashville every other week for an infusion at Sarah Cannon Research Center over a six month period. Our travel expenses were 100% reimbursed by the Lazarex Foundation. Erin is now completing the last semester of her Bachelor's Degree in Vocal Performance. She plans to travel to Germany to pursue a career in Opera. Thank you Lazarex for giving my daughter a second chance at life!
I had the pleasure to meet and work with the Lazarex team on the recent Gala. I cannot even begin to express my gratitude to this dedicated, passionate team. Everyone is Laser focused on helping people. That’s what they do every day. If you have family, a friend or a loved one with advanced stage cancer, LAZAREX is the team you want in your corner. ❤️
This is our story, a glimpse into my husband Lee’s cancer journey and how Lazarex made a difference in our life. First, I want you to know a little bit about Lee – he loved life. He enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and exploring new areas of the country. He valued the friendships he made over the years and throughout his career. He considered his many friends as one of the greatest blessing in life.
So how did we come to be a part of Lazarex? Well, once diagnosed it was determined that Lee had late stage advanced prostate cancer. No cure, just treatment to slow it down and to help manage his pain. Multiple rounds of radiation, chemo, all the traditional treatments. Then a ray of hope. Through a friend of ours we learned about a clinical trial that was open and actively seeking participants. After an in-depth study of Lee’s cancer - the cellular makeup, additional testing, and review of his treatment history, some good news. He met the criteria, was eligible and was selected to participate. It was a Phase I study but even with that Lee was all in. Maybe his involvement would make a difference. If not for himself for someone down the road. The challenge - the study was at the University of Colorado in Denver and we lived in Missouri. That meant frequent travel and at times on short notice. His cancer had taken a toll by then and driving was no longer an option. And on short notice flights are traditionally expensive. But we were determined to make it work. Then, through one of the sweetest and dearest nurses at our oncologist’s office, we learned about Lazarex. We reached out, shared the details of Lee’s journey and provided some information about ourselves. Within a short period of time we learned that Lazarex was ready, willing and able to help with some of our expenses. What a blessing!
Lazarex is making a difference. Thank you. And thanks to all of you who are supporting Lazarex. You are making a difference. Bless you!!
My husband had chronic lymphocytic leukemia for about 10 years before we found about Lazarex. We had been driving to MD Anderson in Houston, TX at least every month for a long time and had stayed there for a stem cell transplant and then several other experimental protocols, all involving visits of months duration. At the time I heard of Lazarex from the American Cancer Society. I was desperate and we were on the verge of needing to file medical bankruptcy. We had insurance that covered the medicines, etc. but nothing for the trips or lodging. My husband was increasingly depressed, even suicidal, as we struggled to keep up with bills and cover all the extra expenses. Lazarex saved us by helping with the travel costs, even making it possible for him to fly, as opposed to us driving in a two day trip, to Houston as his treatments became more frequent and he became more debilitated. Eventually, he became so weak that he had to have someone with him to help out and Lazarex paid their travel also. We often discussed how after years of fighting his illness, we were at the lowest point of our lives when Lazarex came to the rescue. He died in 2013 shortly after returning from his final trip down where they discussed one more possible treatment. Thank you for providing help at a time when we felt so alone and without any more resources. Truly Lazarex provides miracles and my family will never forget your help. Bless you.
Lazarex Cancer Foundation continues to break down barriers to provide their patients access to cancer clinical trials that they would otherwise be unable to participate in. I have witnessed first-hand the positive, life-saving impact of cancer clinical trials throughout my time as a nursing student at Azusa Pacific University. Lazarex lightens the load for families across the country that are facing one of the most (if not the most) challenging journeys of their lives. I believe in the good work that Lazarex Cancer Foundation is doing and will help in any shape or form I can to spread awareness and help this non-profit organization do what they do best.
As an oncology social worker I have referred many patients to Lazarex Cancer Foundation. I have had numerous patients receive funding to help them pay for clinical trial travel and lodging expenses. Expenses are huge stress for many of my patients and Lazarex funding has greatly diminished this stress. Lazarex is a great organization to work with, the services they provide are widely needed and their staff is excellent to work with.
I am currently employed at MD Anderson and have witnessed first-hand the amazing work Lazarex has done for countless number of our patients. Being on a clinical trial has been for many a last alternative in their cancer journey. Participating in a clinical trial requires extensive visits to MDA. This of course poses a barrier, as the patient now has to worry about the out of pocket expenses that will be incurred. It is not unusual for patients to be required to travel weekly when treatment is initiated. As one can imagine, this can be very emotionally overwhelming and taxing both physically and financially for our patients. Lazarex has been a saving grace for so many as it allows them to participate in a trial without having to worry about the financial burden. For many, it is contingent on whether or not they choose to move forward. I have witnessed the relief it brings to so many patients as it allows them to focus on their treatment and quality of life rather than how they will afford to pay for their out of pocket expenses. I have developed a wonderful and positive working relationship with the staff from Lazarex and can attest to how amazing, friendly, and helpful they each are. This is one organization that turns around and really uses their monetary donations for a good cause. They REALLY care, thereby giving our patients hope and a chance to be with their loved ones a little longer. I am so grateful for this organization and look forward to a continuous working relationship with them. You all are truly special!!
Hi my name is Gail . First off I want to thank the Lazarex Cancer foundation and all of its Great people that donate so thy can help so many. My story stated in 2012 enlarged lymph node biopsy can back as MCC a very rear and deadly cancer. Was sent to MD Anderson and all effected nodes removed Back to Springfield MO. for chemo & radiation . All was looking good till 6 months later started having trouble walking & x-ray showed tumor inside knee biopsy showed MCC returned CT scan showed several tumors so back on the Platinum chemo and more radiation extended the chemo but cancer was winning so was told to GO HOME & GET AFFAIRS in order I went home found 4 clinical trials 2 on east coast 1 on west coast & 1 in Oklahoma 300 miles away. I called was taken in and started on the clinical trial . After a couple trips I could see that the cost of travel, motel room and tolls were not finically going to work as the first to treatment had taken its toll on saving And on a trial I was not going to gamble every thing me and my wife of 40 years had made ( no programs to help folks with MCC) I contacted Lazarex Foundation and found the help to make it possible to stay in the study,almost 6 months later all the tumors gone from going on a immunotherapy trial drug. After almost 2 years of driving that 600 mile trip every other week The drug was approved to use in Missouri. its been 4 1/2 years and I am still in treatment and still tumor free. I will soon be 69 and it is all because of all you wonderful folks that have made this happen for me by donating to the LAZAREX CANCER FOUNDATION . just alittle more the clinical trial I was in I was the only patient in the 2 years so all the info. thy gathered from the trial will help future MCC patients this again was also made possible because and your help THANK YOU ALL for you are making a BIG difference
My husband and I were joyously expecting our first child after trying to conceive for 6 years. It was an exciting time in our lives that was stunted midway through my pregnancy. It was a winter Saturday in February when I noticed some irregular bleeding. My husband and I had struggled over the last several years with fertility so every little ache and tinge through my first trimester was often over-analyzed by all potential scenarios. We hopped in the car and raced to the E.R. and after hours of poking and prodding, it was determined that I had a polyp on my cervix that was determined to be harmless.
2 weeks later, during a routine glucose tolerance test, a bomb dropped on my family and I. Alone in the exam room, my doctor advised me that my polyp was actually cancer. A very rare and aggressive cancer called Small Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Cervix. She went on to explain that I’d have to choose between waiting to begin treatment until after my son was born or to have him 10 weeks premature so that I could begin chemotherapy and radiation right away to prevent it from spreading.
My husband and I welcomed our 30-week old son and at the same time I underwent a radical hysterectomy to remove the cancer. 2 weeks later I underwent 10 months of intense chemo and radiation. I was in remission for almost 2 years when the cancer came back. I was reclassified as stage 4 since it had spread to my liver and many lymph nodes. During my short window of remission, I sought out mutational testing on my original tumor. I wanted to be prepared in the event I had a recurrence. MD Anderson was able to perform mutational testing on my cancer. Because I had this mutation testing done, I used that information to find a clinical trial that targeted my specific mutation. I opted against chemotherapy when the cancer came back and took a chance on a phase 1 clinical trial. The trial was over 400. miles away and I knew it would be financially hard on my family. Each trip would cost me over $700 and I would be going monthly. This was not an expense our family would afford and I was afraid chemotherapy would be my only option until my oncologist told me about the Lazarex Cancer Foundation helping with my cost of travel and lodging. I immediately contacted them and within a few days I was given an allowance for my trial. I was pleasantly surprised on how easy the process was and how helpful the staff was.
The trial had been a shot in the dark with a less than 5% chance of having any effect on my tumors but in my gut it was right. Within 3 months of being on the trial drug, my cancer shrunk 10%, and within 2 years all of the cancer had disappeared and I am now CANCER FREE!! I am very lucky that the treatment I am on has minimal side effects and I am otherwise living a normal and happy life.
Receiving a cancer diagnosis is hard, having to fight cancer far from home on a small budget, is even harder! So many of us are faced this diagnosis and given so few options to fight. I am grateful that the Lazarex Cancer Foundation made it possible for me to find my cure. Without them, I'm not certain I'd still be here today being able to raise my son. THANK YOU LAZAREX CANCER FOUNDATION!!
I was diagnosed with ocular melanoma in April 2019 and started a clinical trial in July at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas. My husband and I had just started a new business and funds were tight. I had COBRA insurance but it was running out midway through the trial. I found out from another patient about Lazarex. What a blessing!!! Lazarex helped me so much when I truly needed it. They helped pay for my hotel room and mileage to travel back and forth to San Antonio for my treatments every other week. I am so thankful for this nonprofit and it really helped relieve my mind to know that they were helping with the added financial burden of the trial. Lazarex is amazing and I hope and pray it is there to help other people like me forever. Every person who worked with Lazarex that I dealt with were so kind and caring too.
I was diagnosed in February 2019 with stage 2 bladder cancer. I went through four rounds of two different chemos. I finished in June 2019 when I got healthy again for a bladder removal in July 2019. My path report was totally cancer free one of the best path reports my doctor had ever seen. He told me my cancer was gone and it’s return would be very unlikely but five months later i had a bad ct scan so she sent me for a pet scan and that came back bad too. So she sent me back for a biopsy of the lympth nodes in my chest. That came back that my cancer had returned. So my cancer doctor sent me to Seattle cancer care alliance in Seattle Washington. That’s where I saw a doctor that told me I now had stage 4 bladder cancer and I had a year and a half to two years to live. He then told me about a drug trail I could start with immunotherapy and they are seeing good things with the trai. But there was a fifty fifty chance of me getting in to the trail. So I took my chances and tried to get in and I did. I started the treatment and by the time of my second ct scan the cancer has shrunk 60 percent. The drug trail was working and was one of the best things that had happened in my life. Thanks to Lazarex that made it possible for me to be in this trail because otherwise would never be able to afford to do it without there help in my treatment I am so thankful for the people that donate to lazarex to make cancer trail research possible for people that otherwise couldn’t afford to be in one. Cancer is a very scary thing to happen to you but lazarex makes it a little easier then without there help. I am very thankful for all the people that donate to lazarex and make this possible for cancer patients everywhere. Thank you lazarex your one of the best things that has happened to since I found out I had stage 4 cancer.
Lazarex is a wonderful organization that helps cancer patients with travel expenses associated with clinical trial cancer treatments. When I was diagnosed with Stage4 stomach cancer in 2019, my dr suggested a clinical trial at UCSF. I am so thankful to Lazarex and their donors for providing help for my travel expenses. The process was so smooth and everyone was so kind and helpful. The help Lazarex provided helped reduce a lot of stress associated with travel expenses and I really can’t thank them enough!!
I am a cancer patient enrolled in my second Clinical Trial at MD Anderson. I have a rare bone cancer called Chordoma of which there is no known cure at this time. I live in North Georgia and have to travel to Houston frequently for doctor visits and to receive the life saving drugs that are part of this trial. During my first Clinical Trial I was required to travel to Houston every 21 days for an infusion. If it were not for the financial assistance provided by the Lazarex Foundation I would not have been able to financially sustain the immense expenses associated with my participation in these trials.
My wife and I live on Social Security. This disease has depleted our life savings. I will be 70 years old tomorrow, October 17, and with the continued support from the Lazarex Foundation I hope and pray that I will continue celebrating birthdays. I realize that my participation in these Clinical Trials benefit more than just me. I hope and pray that as a result of my participation not only will They find a cure for my cancer but others will also benefit from what is learned.
Thank you Lazarex. You are literally help save my life.
I have donated to this organization for several reasons, however, their outreach and support for cancer patients and families touches my heart. Thank you Lazarex for all you do!!!!
Lazarex continues to inspire our family to be part of their AMAZING community of professional, compassionate, and meaningful work! We love volunteering and look forward to all upcoming events!
When I was about 13 one of my childhood friends passed away from a very rare form of childhood cancer. My young self developed this understand of cancer, that it was this super-giant disease that had no cure that you just had to pray you didn't get. I think many people still believe this. When I was introduced to Lazarex Cancer Foundation, I realized the problem was not that there is no singular cure - the problem is an embarrassing lack of accessibility.
Cancer patients and clinical trials are codependent entities. If patients can't reach the trials, they will miss out on treatments that may save their lives. If trials can't get enough patients to participate, they cannot progress their research that may save many more lives than just the trial participants. If this cycle continues, we will never find a scalable, accessible, or equitable cure for cancers. Furthermore, if clinical trials continue to only be attended by those who can afford the travel, the room/board, the lost wages, etc, our healthcare will continue to reflect income inequality, and therefore will not address the healthcare needs of lower income communities (often communities of color, who are disproportionately exposed to carcinogens).
Lazarex Cancer Foundation has identified a necessary step in a patient's path to remission that our healthcare system continually ignores. Lazarex is helping families stay together. They are saving families from crippling health debt. They are not only saving lives, but they are progressing the science and the legislation necessary to eliminate cancer from our vocabularies. They are exposing the systemic problems with our healthcare system and actively combating it for a better future.
I have participated in their fundraising events because their work and services are so important. The people they help and how they help is inspiring . A great local non-profit.
I am a volunteer and donor for Lazarex Cancer Foundation and couldn’t be prouder to support this amazing organization. The Lazarex team’s commitment, integrity and passion to make a difference is unwavering. There is no greater purpose then to give hope to cancer patients and their families, who are suffering physically, emotionally and financially. Lazarex helps those who are underserved by helping them identify new treatments and viable FDA approved clinical trials, assisting them in navigating through those options, and providing funding to support these costs. Their determination to advocate for these patients and their families within the government is remarkable. Lazarex does make a difference!
My company, Corda Solar LLC, is a donor to Lazarex Cancer Foundation. We support the charity because they are filling a terrible void in our nation's healthcare system that isn't really being addressed by other organizations. How can it be that so many worthy clinical trials that will help mankind advance our knowledge about effective cancer treatments have trouble recruiting a diverse group of participants, have trouble building awareness about their existence, and have trouble with being affordable to perfect trial candidates who do not have the means to participate due to travel and other costs not supported by health insurance?
We have been impressed with how Lazarex is tackling these issues. We have also been impressed with how the organization is managed. We recently attended their first ever "virtual gala" that was created to make up for the physical fundraising gala that got cancelled due to the pandemic. The event was the perfect example of a non-profit organization firing on all cylinders: they took lemons and made lemonade. The event was well publicized, well-attended, creative, utilized staff member talent wisely in every event capacity (from education, to entertainment, to logistics), and effective. Somehow, at a fraction of the cost of a physical event, they managed to achieve their fundraising goals.
I am an 81 years old male married to Rebecca for 58 years . I have been going to Moffitt Cancer Center for more than 3 yrs. for Lung Cancer and Head Metastasis. About three ago. I was treated with a daily pill and head radiation as needed. My Doctors suggested i enter a Clinical Trial that could be the proper treatment for tha condition that I had.
About a year ago I enter the Clynical Trial #10042, that essentially consistd of a Daily Pill and an Avastin infussion every 21 days. My wife and I decided to fligt from Puerto ico to Tampa and back every 21 days for evaluation and ttreatment. I dont drive and my wife is also somewhat limited in their car driving.
With the help of our Social worker we were tremendously happy to get the economic assistance for Travel and lodging. We are very happy and greatful to Laxarex for all the guidance and economic assistance they have provided us for my treatment. Lazarex has been the unseen pillar of assistance and help for which I have been able to continue my treatment at a moment so crucial in my life. Thanks to Lazarex for helping us. God bless you all and everyone that is receiving your assistance. Best Regars and Success; Julio A Ruiz Rodriguez and Rebecca Torres Biaggi.

Lazarex Cancer Foundation 07/31/2019
Thank you Julio for the review. It is good to know that you are able to get the treatment you need. We are happy to be able to help you. All the best to you and Rebecca.
I am 47yo and fighting pancreatic cancer. Having to travel over 2500 miles from my home and pay living expenses while I fight this battle would have been impossible without the help we received from Lazarex. Worrying about the financials associated with fighting cancer is something patients should never have to worry about and because of the assistance Lazerex has afforded my family we have had much less financial stress. What a wonderful group of people. Thanks so much for all the foundation does.

Lazarex Cancer Foundation 07/31/2019
Thank you for this review! Lazarex Cancer Foundation was started for this very reason. We are so glad you are getting the treatment you need. Blessings to you and your family.
My name is Stephanie and I started a Phase 1 trail at MD Anderson in 2017. I have been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer with metastatic brain tumors. I go every 2 weeks for treatment and get scans every 3 months which takes 2 days. I live in Arkansas and MD Anderson is 9 hour drive in Houston, TX. There is no way i would be able to still keep going if it wasn't for Lazarex. This foundation is truly saving lives. Lazarex is helping me with travel and lodging expenses. I am very grateful to this foundation and it's sponors

Lazarex Cancer Foundation 07/31/2019
Thank you Stephanie! We are glad to help and will keep helping you however long you are on a trial. All the best you!
After being diagnosed with my second brain tumor in three years at the age of 38, I was devastated. I have two children, a loving husband, and a career as a school social worker and began to imagine what would happen if this brain tumor took that away from me. The diagnosis was ogliogdendroglioma grade II - a reoccurring cancerous tumor that will plague me for the rest of my life. Then came my second awake craniotomy surgery. Then, UCSF offered me some hope with a clinical trial for immunotherapy that can train my body to attack the cancer cells. It would require me to fly from my home in Idaho to San Francisco more than a dozen times with hotels and other expenses. This is something that would have been out of reach on my social work salary. The Lazarex Foundation helped me afford the travel and hotel and has given me a chance at life. They have helped me with the financial part of travel and hotel which has taken the stress of financial off of me and allowed me to heal and spend time with my family. I cannot thank them enough. Their staff is kind and understanding and have shown my family compassion during a time we needed it.

Lazarex Cancer Foundation 07/31/2019
Thank you Becky! This is a tough life experience and we are here to help make sure you can continue with your treatments. All the best to you and your family.
Linda was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer December 2018 and referred to the Clinical trials at Honor Health in Scottsdale Arizona. They in turn referred us to Lazarex Foundation for financial assistance as we were 4 hours from our home in Kingman Arizona living in an RV park. The staff was extremely helpful in getting us set up and into their program assisting us with mileage and some of the RV rent. They are a pleasure to work with and always willing to talk to you on the phone if only to find out how you are doing. We really have come to appreciate the help they give in a trying time.
I was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma in July 2018 and traveled to MD Anderson to become a patient of a top expert on MCL there. After I was on "watch and wait" for about 6 months, my doctor told me about an opening in a clinical trial that had been ongoing for 2 years with a 96% success rate of complete and partial remission for MCL. Based on all of my Internet research, these were the most promising results that ever occurred for MCL. Yet I wouldn't have been able to afford the travel back and forth from New Mexico to MD Anderson if Lazarex hadn't given me a grant to reimburse travel and hotel expenses. Lazarex is a great organization, and everyone I dealt with was compassionate and upbeat. The application process was not difficult and was based on financial need. I am so appreciative and grateful that Lazarex made it possible for me to take part in this trial!
In 2017, I was linked with a clinical treatment trial for my rare salivary gland cancer. I am located in Buffalo, NY and the closest trial to me was in Manhattan, NY--over an 8 hour drive away from me! The treatment protocol requires me to travel every other week for infusions. Moving closer or to Manhattan was not an option for me or for my family, so the financial burden we experienced became immense almost immediately. While researching options for patient assistance, I came across Lazarex Cancer Foundation. My application was reviewed in a very timely manner and the initial staff who contacted me was very kind and compassionate, truly listening to my story. Since then, all staff I have interacted with have been so encouraging, respectful, and kind--a completely different experience than many providers I have met throughout my now 9 year journey with cancer. Lazarex assistance has made it possible for me to access this literally life-saving treatment. Without their help and support, I would not have been able to link with (or continue treatment) this study. Lazarex is a wonderful organization with a mission that is too important to be overlooked. My family and I appreciate them more than we can put into words. Thank you!
My wife was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at a time when I had lost my job and ended up retiring early. We were having trouble making ends meet before the cancer diagnosis and the added expense of travel and lodging in the Houston area was really taking a toll on our finances. Lazarex approved us for travel reimbursement and lodging and it really has helped us out! We are so grateful for what they do!
I have been battling with cancer for 9 years. Although most of the medical care was being paid by insurance, the travel costs were becoming increasingly difficult. When I reached the end of "standards of care", my only choice was to find clinical trials. I found them but they all required extensive travel. I was not going to be able to do it. It was frightening and sad for everyone. My doctor's nurse mentioned Lazarez to my wife and she pursued it. Wow! She has been totally impressed. As my care giver, they make her job so much easier. And, of course, helping with the travel expenses was a huge help. I have been able to get the care I need and our family's sacrifices have been lessened. We could not have done this without Lazarex. My wife tells me they are so caring and helpful that she is simply amazed. The reimbursement process is so simple and she surely appreciates Ryan Noonan! Thank you, Lazarex!
My doctor had run out of treatment options but my Stage 4 cancer continued to progress. It is a fairly rare cancer and no real effective treatments. My doctor suggested I see a specialist in Santa Monica, CA who suggested a drug trial. The trial required that I travel to Santa Monica 4 weeks out of 6. I am a teacher, so you can guess that I don’t make a lot of money. Before Lazarex had the funds to help me with travel, I had used nearly all of my savings, just on travel, hotel, and meals (which were mostly hamburgers to keep the cost down.) I was running out of money fast and worried that I was going to have to give up the treatment, which had stopped the progression of my cancer. The help Lazarex has provided has allowed me to continue the trial and extended my life.

Lazarex Cancer Foundation 07/31/2019
Thank you for taking the time to write this review. It's great to learn that you are stable with no disease progression! We are here to support you through your clinical trial treatments and wish you all the best.
Lazarex has made it possible for us to travel to mdanderson for treatment. Having stage 4 lung cancer was devastating. Now with lazarex and mdanderson we have hope. I am in a clinical trial and doing very well. I travel to Texas every 3 wheeks for treatment. Without help from lazarex my story would be very different. Thanks to all at Lazarex for your support. Richard Collins

Lazarex Cancer Foundation 10/29/2018
Thank you for the review Richard! We are blessed to have the support from our donors, grantors and sponsors that allows us to assist you. Hope is good medicine too!
I am a 76 year old widow and live on a fixed income. To be diagnosed with cancer is something very scary and stressful. To be able to receive reimbursement from Lazarex is a great blessing. Having to travel to MD Anderson every 28 days truly puts a hardship on my budget. But receiving this monetary help relieves me of worrying about my monthly trips. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Sincerely,
Mary Chapa

Lazarex Cancer Foundation 10/18/2018
Thank you Mary! We are honored to be able to help you through this cancer experience to have the best chance at getting well.
I was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer at 39 in 2013 and given 18 months to live. I've gone through all the cancer drugs that were available. April of 2016, I was told that there was only one place that had a drug to keep me alive, but it was from Milwaukee to Boston away. I've had to make a number of trips for the best and only drug that has worked to control my cancer. Although I believe God is the ultimate control, He has used Lazarex Cancer Foundation as one of His angels. Bless you Lazarex for making this travel possible for me!

Lazarex Cancer Foundation 10/11/2018
Thank you Irma! We are blessed to have donors and supporters who make it possible to help people like you who are fighting for life. Your participation in a trial is not only helping you - it is advancing cancer treatment for others. I'd say you are an angel as well.
My dad was diagnosed with CLL and had to travel 1,000 miles to MD Anderson to get the treatment he needed. He has been disabled for twenty years and can barely make ends meet, much less pay for the cost of travel halfway across the nation. Lazarex saved my dad’s life by providing assistance with travel related expenses for the both of us. They truly made it possible for him to participate in an amazing clinical trial. He is in remission now, and we thank Lazarex from the bottom of our hearts.

Lazarex Cancer Foundation 10/10/2018
Thank you for the powerful review Kayla. We are privileged and honored to be part of helping your Dad get the treatment that helped him beat cancer! This is good news to share with our donors and supporters who made it possible for us to offer this assistance.
I enrolled in a clinical study because there was no other treatment in my area for my stage 4 metastatic colonrectal cancer. For this study I have to drive from Pennellville, NY to Washington, DC every 3 weeks. The car rental, gas and hotel cost is a big expense for me. Lazarex financial assistance enables me to afford to participate in the study. The staff at Lazarex are always very helpful, very professional as well as very caring. If it wasn't for Lazarex I wouldn't be able to afford to continue on this study. I am forever grateful for Lazarex. Thank you for everything the Lazarex foundation has and continues to do for me.
Thank you again Lazarex!!!!!!!!
jpietrowicz

Lazarex Cancer Foundation 10/10/2018
Thank you! Thanks for taking the time to write the review and share your experience. We are honored to help you get the treatment you need and we wish you the best possible outcome.
I enrolled in a clinical study because there is little other beneficial treatment for my stage 4 cancer. For this study I need to fly from Fairbanks to Seattle every 3 weeks for the next 2 years for treatment. The treatment is keeping my disease stable!
The transportation costs are exorbitant! Lazarex Grant's enable me to afford to participate in this trial!! I remain healthy,active and preparing for my son's wedding!! Thank you, Lazarex!!

Lazarex Cancer Foundation 10/10/2018
Thank you for sharing your story and the good news! Blessings to you and your family. Congratulations for your son's wedding.
I would not be financial able to travel from Fort Worth to Houston every 3 weeks for treatment at MD Anderson without the financial assistance from Lazarex. Participation in the clinical trial has kept me alive for the past two years and the tumors are slowly decreasing in size. No new growth either. The ease and uniqueness of the grant requirements make it easy to apply and receive funding. I am forever grateful.

Lazarex Cancer Foundation 10/10/2018
Thank you for sharing your experience and the great news! We are honored to be able to help you fight the good fight and are grateful to our donors who make it possible to do so.
When my son's lymphoma returned we had to live in Seattle for 4 months of treatment. Insurance paid while he was a transplant patient, but when he transferred over to a clinical trial he was no longer covered. Ready to do anything for my child I just assumed I'd put rent etc on my credit card. I was stressed out thinking of the possible debt but thankfully he qualified for a grant from Lazarex. Having to watch your child fight cancer is hard enough without having to worry daily about expenses. They have been so helpful and any time I've had a question they quickly get back to me with an answer. Can't begin to express how grateful I am to Lazarex for all their help!

Lazarex Cancer Foundation 10/10/2018
Thank you so much for the good review and for sharing your experience. Our intention is to give your son the best chance to get well and be cancer free.
I am battling a very aggressive sarcoma. No treatments seemed to be working. I was fortunate enough to squeak into a clinic trial at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas after being rejected for a previous trial. My treatments require I be in Texas every 21 days. Needless to say traveling and staying for treatments is rather expensive from Washington state. Being on a fixed income,I truly don't know what would have happened to me. I can honestly say because of their assistance they have saved my life. I did not know where else to turn and they turned out to be a God send; for which I am unbelievably grateful. They have been incredibly easy to work with and communication far exceeds any rating I could give. 5-stars seem inadequate at this time. Most Sincerely, Doug

Lazarex Cancer Foundation 10/10/2018
Thank you Doug for this review and for sharing your experience. The patients we serve inspire and motivate us everyday. Blessings to you for a most beneficial outcome with your treatment.
I am a retired engineer and I have been battling brain cancer since 2012. I have had 2 craniotomies, one in 2012 and one in 2016, 2 months of radiation therapy in 2013. Then in November of 2017 my routine MRI showed a cluster of 12 new tumors on my brain. My oncologist and neurosurgeon from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) spent some time reviewing my images and discussing the few options left for me to battle cancer once again. For many reasons they ruled out further surgery and radiation treatments. But instead recommended that I meet with another oncologist/hematologist at MGH who was leading a clinical trial on the use of Pembrolizumab to treat specific brain cancers. This however was a good news bad news situation. My prior craniotomies placed 14 titanium plates on my skull and the radiation treatments left me with encephalomalacia (a scab like mass of the remnants of the radiated remains from my first tumor) which combined left me with an acute sensitivity to the cold. So my wife and I moved from Rhode Island to Naples, Florida. The good news is that I had the required genetic defect PD-L1 in my cancer that is required for the Pembrolizumab to be effective. The bad news is that I had to travel to MGH in Boston every 3 weeks to receive my treatments. The expense and strain of traveling that much is terrible. Then one of the hospital staff gave me some contact information for Lazarex. After about 6 months of waiting for an opening I was accepted to receive their financial support. This has given me new hope instead of having to trade spending all of my retirement savings on the hope of surviving for some limited time or just giving up the fight. Travel and boarding expenses in Boston every 3 weeks for the foreseeable future are well beyond my ability to pay.

Lazarex Cancer Foundation 10/10/2018
Steve! Thank you for taking the time to write the review. We are sorry about the wait - it's all about the funding. We have to make sure we have enough funds set aside to continue to help the patients in our program while considering how many new applicants we can accept. We are so glad to be able to help support you on this trial. Keep us posted! We'll continue to send you good vibes.
I am writing on behalf of my son, A.M., who is bravely battling Glioblastoma. If it werent for the generosity of the people at the Lazarex Foundation, I don"t know how we would have been able to travel every month to participate in a clinical trial at Duke Cancer Center. Out of all the foundations that the social worker suggested for us to apply to , THESE ANGELS WERE THE ONLY TO RESPOND.
GOD BLESS THE LAZAREX FOUNDATION.

Lazarex Cancer Foundation 10/10/2018
Thank you for your review and kind words! This foundation is the legacy of a family member (of our Founder) who had pancreatic cancer. A clinical trial gave him a longer and decent quality of life until he passed. That experience was the "ah ha" that led to creating Lazarex Cancer Foundation. We exist to help patients overcome the obstacles to participating in clinical trials. It is our honor to help your your son and we wish him all the best.
My husband was diagnosed with MDS in November, 2016. He was 89 years old and I, his caregiver, was 81 at that time. We used a doctor in Beaumont, Texas until Spring, 2017. He was referred to MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, at that time. That was a 198 mile round trip. He was usually too tired to make the trip in one day. We often had to stay in a hotel. Hotel bills and parking added up. We signed up with Lazarex in May, 2017. We sometimes had to stay in a hotel for five to seven days while he received treatment. He had to go to Beaumont, Texas three days a week for blood tests. He was diagnosed with Leukemia in October. He passed away on November 21, 2017. Because of Lazarex we were able to afford the treatment which gave him a better quality of life.
My mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the fall of 2011, and by a miracle it was found on the cusp of stage two. This and the hard work of her oncology doctors gave us an additional six years with her. The Lazarus Foundation gave us the last 15 months of those six years. Through their reimbursement plan my mother was able to take the money that was fundraised to help with the travel for clinical studies to last. This program allowed my mother to accomplish part of her wish, "Spare one more family from this pain. I know I am going to dye but if doings this trial can help just one family I will be happy." She has just passed away and the family agreed that instead of having donations to the American Cancer Society to go this foundation instead, to help my mothers wish come true.

Lazarex Cancer Foundation 10/18/2018
Thank you so much for the review Carlie. Our condolences to you and your family for your mom's passing and our deep appreciation for her contribution to fighting this disease. It is so kind of you to steer donations our way in her memory so that we can help others.
The Lazarex Cancer Foundation has helped my wife and I to get the best cancer care I can receive through clinical trials at MdAnderson hospital in Houston Texas. I am on my fourth clinical trial and must go back to Houston for treatment every two weeks. It is 909 miles by road and a two day journey by car and at times we will travel and stay a few months or when my treatment dictates. Lazarex helps to defray the costs of travel and I have been able to be close to my large family who has recently lost a brother and a sister to cancer. I can not exclaim enough how much their support has helped us not to worry financially about getting the best care that I can get. I am a stage 4 melanoma patient that currently has a 69% reduction in my disease. They not only give financial support but also pray for us.
May God Bless their foundation and their support for those who are sick

Lazarex Cancer Foundation 10/10/2018
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing your experience and good news. Our condolences to you for the loss of your brother and sister. It is our honor to help you have what you need to fight this cancer. We could not do it without the support of our donors.
Lazarex is a great organization that really aims to help the others! The staff members are all very friendly and welcoming. They are very nice and patient people and they are very passionate about what they are doing.
I am a 70 year old grandmother of three who was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in November 2016. As I have never been a smoker and overall I am in excellent health, I was totally blindsided by this diagnosis.
My primary tumor was tested and they found that I had a rare mutation which is best treated by targeted drugs as traditional chemo is not very effective. After four months of trying the most commonly prescribed drug, I had to discontinue taking it due to liver side effects even though the drug was effective.
There aren't many options for treating this mutation, but my daughter found a clinical trial phase 2 at a Boston Hospital. I was accepted to participate in the trial in May and as part of the trial protocol, I need to travel to Boston from Wisconsin every 21 days for follow-up and testing. I am happy to say that since I've been on the new drug, my primary tumor continues to reduce in size and metastasized nodes have either reduced in size or are no longer detected on scans.
Even though I feel I had budgeted ample funds to meet my normal living expenses, I never imagined that I would need significant additional funds to cover travel and lodging expenses for a medical issue. This is where Lazarex has been a lifesaver as their support is allowing me to be part of this clinical trial.
I can't thank Lazarex and its contributors enough. Their generosity is allowing me to continue my fight against this devastating disease.
I am a volunteer with Lazarex, after having spent 45 years practicing law in the San Francisco Bay Area. I volunteer a couple of mornings per week, as well as assist in outreach and fundraising activities. I put off retirement from legal practice for several years because I feared that I would have a difficult time replacing the meaning and prestige that came from representing my clients. Given that work has been my hobby for the last 45 years, I was concerned about losing the intellectual stimulation and sense of purpose that had come from from work and association with other lawyers, judges, and clients.
After volunteering at Lazarex for several months I have found a new passion and meaning in my life. While I enjoyed practicing law for all of those years, the satisfaction that comes from helping patients who have been given a dire diagnosis that they are terminally ill with little chance of recovery, to once again find hope is far more rewarding than anything I experienced as a lawyer. When I have the opportunity to interact with patients they uniformly express their heart felt gratitude for what Lazarex is doing for them.
I consider it an honor to work with such a selfless organization, which is dedicated to helping the patients extend their lives, and in some cases even find a cure that allows them to return to living a full and meaningful life, free of the ravages of the disease. Moreover, it extremely gratifying to be involved in some small way in the effort to locate a cure for this dreaded disease. Lazarex's motto is that " a diagnosis of cancer isn't a death sentence" even to those who have failed the traditional treatments. It is privilege to be able to be involved in the work of Lazarex and to have the opportunity to work with some of the most generous and self-less people I have ever had the opportunity to meet.
Our family's journey with Lazarex began nearly 9 years ago with a diagnosis of our family member, Dan, of stage 3b non small cell adenocarcinoma of the lungs. Dan was an ultra marathon trail runner, non-smoker and all around healthy 43 year old guy. He was having difficulty catching his breath while running, which ultimately led him to the diagnosis. He was given the news with the caveat of "get your affairs in order." Lazarex was in the beginning stages of their mission. We were fortunate enough to know Dana and our first and only call was to her. Literally in less than 1 month from diagnosis, Dana and her team at Lazarex had identified a clinical trial, got Dan accepted, and put him and his mom on a plane! Because of the cancer, Dan couldn't work, which lead to his medical benefits being in jeopardy. Lazarex took the financial concern and pressure of trying to fight this disease completely off the table. They financially supported Dan's participation in the clinical trial and recognized the importance of having a family member present through this journey. The impact of participation in this clinical trial was immeasurable. Yes, clinical trials will no doubt lead us to a cure for cancer. Enabling the brave warriors, or VIP's as they're known at Lazarex, to find and participate in these studies, is the road to a cure, but we also saw another side of this gift from Lazarex. The gift of hope. Fighting through this diagnosis and disease is incomprehensible, but because of Lazarex, Dan never lost hope. The constant support and encouragement from Dana, Tami, Karen and the entire team at Lazarex empowered him and gave him the will and the courage to keep fighting. There is no doubt that because of Lazarex supporting Dan in the clinical trial, we were given more time with him. This time was quality time filled with love and hope. We are eternally grateful to the amazing team at Lazarex and are proud and honored to support their mission.
09/19/2017 I have been a donor and a volunteer for Lazarex since they began. The commitment of the Lazarex team to serve their clients is unwavering. Over the years I have witnessed firsthand the clients lives ( and the lives of their families ) that have been touched and saved because of the efforts of this organization. It has been an honor to donate and support Lazarex and impact these courageous warriors who are fighting and winning their battle against cancer!
No other foundation reimburses patients for expenses associated with participation in clinical trials. This is one of the main reasons why they choose to not participate and thus give up a chance to extend or even save their lives. Based on my experience with Lazarex they offer hope at a time when it is needed most. These are people who truly care!!
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My husband Mike was the inspiration for this foundation. He was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer at 44 yrs. old and passed away when he was 46, leaving behind 3 young children and myself. Our experience with a clinical trial gave us hope and time that we would not have had. My awesome sister started Lazarex to help end stage patients and their families find and participate in clinical trials. As far as I know Lazarex is the only organization in the USA that does what they do. It has been a great blessing to be able to help others who are in a similar situation. Go Lazarex!!

Lazarex Cancer Foundation 08/15/2012
Dear EMVG01 Thank you for your review and sharing some of your personal experience. Mike and you inspired us in so many ways. It's a wonderful legacy.
I have been on a clinical trial for almost three years that requires me to drive about 250 miles every two weeks from Northwest Ohio to Cleveland. I am exceedingly grateful to be on the trial, which covers many, but not all, costs. Meals on the road, the hotel night we need every three months when there are early morning appointments, wear and tear on the car, gas, tolls, copays, meds for side effects. I don't think anyone really thinks about the costs of being on free trials - except for Lazarex. We appreciate more than anyone can know the help we've received from this excellent organization.
Ten years ago, we became aware of Lazarex through a friend. We have been a supporter of their efforts to connect patients with therapies that offer hope for them and for all of the people that might face this challenge in the future. Lazarex has supported friends, family members and anyone who has reached out to them when everyone else has given up. We know that there is a cure out there and Lazerex offers crucial pathways towards that cure.
I was diagnosed in 2013 with an aggressive uterine cancer. Contacted Dana from Lazarex to find out if she knew of any clinical trials and ask her to find out what she could about my cancer. She was awesome and timely getting back to me. I didn't need any further services from Lazarex as I was completely covered by my insurance fortunately. But I tell everyone I can about this wonderful organization. I am an oncology nurse and am cancer free going on 3 years!
After having donated to this organization, I was fortunate to get to know some of the people who make up the team who work so hard to make it happen. These people are truly dedicated to their cause and work tirelessly to bring so much aid to as many cancer sufferers as they can. They fill a gap in the fight against cancer that few groups try to tackle. The assistance they provide to the cancer patients that have run out of options, and to link them to companies running clinical trail, is a daunting challenge for anyone to take on. This is a worthy effort that, like many others, could use your help.
David King
I've volunteered and attended numerous events for Lazarex because I truly believe in what they do. They are such a unique foundation in that they guide their patients through the process from Step 1. You are not just a number when you call, they know all their clients (and their families) personally. It's such a comfort to know you have such a strong support system in the cancer fight. I will continue to be an advocate for Lazarex - it is a one of a kind organization run by one of a kind people!
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When I learned about Lazarex, I was immediately drawn to the organization because of their background and story. Their tenacity and passion for giving not only treatment, but hope to their patients is one of the most important things their organization does. The whole team at Lazarex is full of warmth and love. Lazarex is an invaluable organization that gives so much to those who need support in their time of need.

Lazarex Cancer Foundation 08/15/2012
Thank you for sharing our passion with others. A big thank you for writing a review!!
I have volunteered for Lazarex in the past. This is an amazing organization that prides itself in putting the needs of patients and their families first. I admire their philosophy. They give hope to people who still have so much they want to accomplish in their lives. As a daughter of a cancer warrior, Lazarex gave me hope. They gave my mom hope. I will be forever grateful to the women and men that make Lazarex possible to so many people.
This is the only organization that has the patients voice! Taking care of late stage cancer patients get help in getting into a trial and staying in the trial is life changing! LCF does this and more
Approximately 2 1/2 years ago, I was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive Stage IV cancer. After two recurrences using chemotherapy and radiation treatments, I went to MD Anderson in the hopes of enrolling in an immunotherapy clinical trial. (I was unable to get into any trials at local hospitals.) I wasn't sure how I was going to afford the expense of traveling back and forth between Michigan and Texas every two weeks, but then I was referred to Lazarex. They specifically help patients who need to travel for clinical trials. Lazarex's assistance not only helped alleviate some of the financial burden, but also lessened the stress I was feeling. They have been so kind and easy to work with. I am very grateful that I have been given an opportunity to extend my life by being able to travel out of state to other hospitals that can help me.
Two years ago, on the day before my 69th birthday, my Arizona surgeon told me the results of my annual CT scans. My liposarcoma had recurred, and was inoperable and metastatic. I had shared my body with this very rare tumor since the original diagnosis in 2001.
The Arizona surgeon told me that the then current standard treatment involved a chemotherapy that was effective only 20-30% of the time. When I asked for a prognosis if the chemo failed, he told me, "Two years."
My husband and I went to M. D. Anderson in Houston to find out about potential clinical trials. I was quickly enrolled in a Phase I targeted therapy trial that required traveling between Phoenix and Houston every three weeks. The costs of air fare and hotel reservations were overwhelming. Fortunately, my husband discovered the Lazarex Foundation.
I applied for and was accepted into the program. Without Lazarex, I wouldn't have been able to participate in this life-saving trial.
Initially, the tumor shrank, but it began to grow after 13 months. I was transferred to an immunotherapy therapy trial in July, 2015. So far, it has kept the disease stable. And, Lazarex continues to assist me with costs.
Here I am, 30 months after I was given a two-year prognosis, alive, doing well, and feeling great. I live a normal life, except for trips to Houston.
Thank you, Lazarex for giving me two years (and counting) of happiness, fun, family and love. You are truly a blessing!
Judy Frank
Having to make a journey from Chicago to Houston every two weeks is a great financial burden. Lazarex was mentioned to me, by chance, on a shuttle journey between the hotel and M.D. Anderson for treatment for my metastatic Stage IV colon cancer.
After finding Lazarex online, we found the application process to be simple and straightforward, and all questions were answered with respect and very clearly.
Today we received our first reimbursement which will be used wisely to pay some of our travel expenses.
We are very grateful for this and will now be able to breathe a little easier and can continue with my treatment schedule with a sense of peace of mind.
The past 5 years of cancer for my husband have been difficult. The past 2.5 years he has traveled 240 miles round trip every other week for treatment in a drug trial. Lazarex has been the one bright spot.
How Lazarex Cancer Foundation Helped Us
By Mike & Sarah Snyder
My cancer journey began with a sore left knee in the mid-90s while living in Denver. After a variety of tests and minor surgery to correct the problem, I was diagnosed with a specific type of bone cancer called chondrosarcoma. My doctor told me it had come from the bone disease that had me in and out of Shriner’s Hospital as a kid. The treatment for the bone cancer would be a knee joint replacement for my left leg.
The surgery was done in August 1996. It seemed to work and I enjoyed four pain-free years with no worry about the bone cancer returning. Then in early 2000, my doctor determined that my artificial knee was coming loose, not an uncommon occurrence, and she would need to do a resection, which involved removing the old artificial knee components and replacing them with new ones. The operation was successful and once more, we thought we were done with bone cancer.
After a series of job-related moves, we ended up in Albuquerque, New Mexico in late 2004. We had been long-time visitors to the state over the years and were thrilled to finally call it home. In early 2005, I returned to the doctor, concerned about a persistent tenderness and swelling in my left ankle. The news wasn’t good. The swelling was from another cancer tumor. This time, the surgery would be the amputation of my left leg below the knee.
The amputation below the knee eventually became the amputation above the knee as several infections made keeping the remaining part of my artificial knee a painful waste of time. The battle wasn’t over and I endured several more tumor removals from what remained of my left leg. Things got worse when additional tumors showed up in my right elbow and my lungs.
Every time my doctor removed one malignant tumor, it agitated the benign tumors nearby and they started growing. In the spring of 2011, my doctor said there wasn’t anything else he could do. He recommended I switch to hospice-type care, because the tumors were growing too fast for him to successfully remove them surgically. He told me I needed to accept the fact that bone cancer would likely take my life. He estimated I had about 5 years to live. It was an answer I couldn’t accept and a path I wouldn’t take.
The search for treatment options was made more difficult because my cancer is so rare. There are about 1.6 million new cases of cancer diagnosed each year resulting in more than 580,000 deaths; approximately 1600 each day. Out of those 1.6 million cancer cases, roughly 2000 will be bone cancer and of those, only 250 will be Chondrosarcoma-my type of bone cancer; amounting to a little more than one-one hundredth of one percent of all new cancer cases each year.
Despite the long odds, we dove in and began searching for alternative treatment options. After four months of research, I found myself at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, enrolling in a clinical trial for a drug called IPI-926 for my chondrosarcoma.
There was one catch to being a clinical trial patient that we hadn’t really counted on. The initial phase of the trail would require me traveling to Houston every two weeks for blood work and exams. Every other visit would require overnight stays for CT & MRI exams. Under the FDA guidelines for the clinical trial, ALL of the work had to be done at MD Anderson to ensure the study’s integrity.
Quite simply, if I couldn’t travel to Houston, I couldn’t participate in the trial. The initial rounds of travel nearly wiped us out; requiring a 2nd mortgage on our house and causing us to go through our savings and an inheritance my wife Sarah had received from her Mom. Friends held some fundraisers for us, but that only covered a month or so.
If we couldn’t find some help paying for the travel, I would have to withdraw from the clinical trial. Since surgery was no longer an option for me, giving up the trial would mean giving up period. We couldn’t move to Houston and no other options existed anywhere close to home. There didn’t seem to be any choice left except walk away from treatment that was literally saving my life.
Then a friend referred me to the Lazarex Cancer Foundation. Lazarex’s mission was unlike any other cancer-related organization I knew about. Rather than raising money for research, Lazarex dedicated itself to helping people on clinical trials travel to the treatment they needed; people just like me.
I nervously went through the application process; filling out the paperwork and connecting my clinical nurse at MD Anderson with the Lazarex staff to get specific questions answered about my treatment. And I anxiously waited to hear back from them.
About a week later, my cell phone rang. Lazarex had approved my application for assistance. They would cover my travel expenses so I could continue my treatment. I couldn’t completely believe it. They were going to help me. I could still go for my clinical trial. I didn’t have to surrender to cancer after all.
As soon as I got off the phone with Lazarex, I called my wife, Sarah, and shared the news. We were both fighting back tears of relief. My treatments could continue and it wouldn't ruin us financially because the travel would be covered.
And it would continue to be covered, regardless of where I was being treated. When I had exhausted all treatment options at MD Anderson, we were able to look for other clinical trials. We began focusing on ones with promising outcomes that the big cancer treatment centers were ignoring. But we needed the trial to focus on my specific type of cancer. With the help of the folks at Lazarex and a local oncologist in Albuquerque, we found just such a trial.
The drug being tested focused on a gene mutation called IDH-1, which can cause regular cells to mutate into cancer cells. The drug was supposed to stop the gene mutation from happening and based on that, would also prevent the healthy cell from changing into a cancer cell.
The drug is called AG-120 and its method of seeking out specific cells is a brand new treatment approach called targeted therapy; meaning the drug only attacks cancer cells, not healthy tissue. This method is being used across several different types of treatment for a variety of cancers. So far, the results are very promising.
For me personally, AG-120 has slowed down the growth of my tumors to a point where my doctors tell me my tumors are stable. They're not shrinking, but they're not growing either. It's no small step to go from a terminal diagnosis to one that says my tumors are stable, but I've been able to make that step, thanks to the help of research from clinical trials and the travel help from Lazarex enabling me to get to those trials.
There are now options for different approaches and types of care that can take away cancer, but not your dignity. These options include clinical trials for new drugs and treatments; options that mean hope and a chance for a future that didn't exist before.
Because of those options and the hope they offer, Sarah and I must thank Lazarex Cancer Foundation for helping me and so many others get to those clinical trials for new treatments. The help they offer isn't just saving my life and the lives of others. It's giving our lives back so we can live. Because cancer doesn’t get to win; not now, not ever. Thank you, Lazarex Cancer Foundation for making that possible.
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I have a rare bone cancer called Chondrosarcoma. Three years ago, it progressed to the point of being inoperable and was spreading. My doctor at the time said I had five years or so to live. Thanks to Lazarex, I've been able to participate in several clinical trials of new drugs designed for my type of cancer. The medicines have extended my life expectancy a lot and the latest trial drug I'm taking has the potential to completely stop my cance from spreading.
The trials I've been enrolled in have all been out of town and required regular travel from my home in Albuquerque to hospitals in Houston and San Antonio. Without Lazarex's help, I would have had to stop the treatments because the cost of travel was bankrupting us. Stopping treatment would also mean losing my life to cancer, since there were no other treatment options.
But thanks to Lazarex, I can continue participating in clinical trails that are literally saving my life. We have hope and the chance for a future that includes living a long life. Thanks to Lazarex, my cancer doesn't get to win, I do.
I cannot say enough great things about Lazarex and its unmatched work in connecting advance stage cancer patients to viable FDA approved clinical trials proven to extend lives. Their recent participation in Vice President Biden's "cancer moonshot" was testimony to the power of a Foundation deserving of my donations and yours!
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I was first exposed to the work of Lazarex Cancer Foundation nearly three years ago. By connecting end-stage cancer patients to FDA clinical trials and facilitating participation by covering travel costs for each patient and a companion, Lazarex has to date helped extend the lives of more than 1,000 people. Amazing! When I am considering a non-profit to support, I look for the ones that have little or no administrative costs. Thanks to the generous support of an anonymous donor, 100% of the monies donated to Lazarex directly benefit patients. In the past year, I've referred two friends and family members to Lazarex. Given the dire circumstances of their diagnoses, I am thrilled to note that the staff at Lazarex could not have been more responsive. It is my intention to give generously to Lazarex on an ongoing basis and I invite others to join me.
I am a staff member and donor to Lazarex and get an inside look daily at what an awesome organization this is- full of integrity, dedication, and unwaivering focus on the goal of being the last hope of advanced-stage cancer patients, and closing the gap in access to cancer care. Patients will always be treated with the utmost respect and dignity, and donors can be confident every penny is being stewarded wisely and carefully, and that because of our generous founders, every penny goes directly to patient services. My husband and I personally give of our time and finances to Lazarex because we couldn't be more confident of the value of the services and the integrity with which the organization is run. If I could give 10 stars, I would!
I have worked extensively with Tami K. @ the Lazarex Cancer Foundation. With my "chemo brain" always lurking around, she provides me with the utmost tender care via the phone. I'd like to recognize Tami for her outstanding work with cancer patients and the services Lazarex provides us.
Lazarex Cancer Foundation serves the needs of all patients and their families at a time of great emotional and economic burden due to very serious illness. Through the visionary leadership of its president, Dana Dornsife, Lazarex has placed itself in the forefront of efforts to help the most resource-challenged members of medically underserved communities, by educating them about novel treatments, identifying clinical trials for those treatments, creating a roadmap to enrolling in those trials, and providing funding to support the significant costs of maintaining participation. Ms. Dornsife is tireless in pursuing these goals and in enlisting clinicians, researchers, and others to create the most effective means for achieving them. She is a powerful advocate within all levels of government for these patients and their families. Lazarex' innovative programs are already on the path to success and the partnerships it has been establishing with universities, hospitals, industry, and governmental agencies will transform the way society helps those most in need.
I have known Dana Dornsife and seen her in action for many years. At Lazarex, she combines a tender heart with hard-headed strategic know-how for getting things done. The Lazarex Cancer Foundation continues caring and works tirelessly to remove barriers and give support to those suffering with cancer when others have given up.
The Lazarex Foundation and its dynamic Founder, Dana Dornsife, are unparalleled in their commitment to helping patients beat cancer! From helping a person get the right treatment, at the right time at the right location - making sure that happens even when cancer devastates a family and its resources - to advocacy in Washington to make sure our government is investing in research and novel therapies and making those available to those who have run out of options - Lazarex is an incredibly valuable organization and resource to our communities. Lazarex offers unwavering hope to us all in their tireless effort to making cancer victims cancer survivors! We are all fortunate and blessed to have Lazarex working for us.
Hello,
I have a friend who has been helped by Lazarex for many years and would probably NOT be
alive without their research and help with medicine. She raves about the professionalism
of this organization and is a spokesperson for them because of all they have done for her.
She tells me many stories of the people they have helped and are helping. I have donated
to Lazarex because I believe in what they do and how they do it.
This nonprofit is a genuine group of people who truly care about those they serve.
I love what Lazarex does! I am honored to be a part of it. Everything is done with love, compassion and grace... Giving much hope for many patients and families. Thank you to all who are involved in this wonderful organization. I look forward to continuing my support in the future!
Lazarex is a great organization doing critical work, often with formerly-hopeless cancer patients. The group is well-run from the top down. Heaven forbid, if I or any of my family is ever in a situation where we need this sort of care, we will be very thankful that such as wonderful organization as Lazarex exists.
David & Tamra
For a few weeks Christy's family was traumatized with the news of her advanced cancer. Lazarex turned a bleak future to bright hope when they supplied the means to get her the experimental treatments at Mayo in Minnesota. I still can hardly believe what has happened, that Christy has been cancer free since!!!
Thank you, Lazarex! Your name fits you so well!
Christy's mom
Lazarex is the reason I can write this review today. I was given two years to live and my work was suffering from my mental state. I have to provide for my wife and son and keep my one man company going. My local Oncologist in Honolulu had nothing to offer. I was referred to a clinical trials in Santa Monica California but the travel was too expensive. With the help of Lazarex I was able to attend the trials, received wonderful treatment that has stopped all growth and shrunk one of my tumors and allowed me to keep working. Thank you Lazarex for helping me stay alive. Michael Honolulu Hawaii
You have saved, and continue to save the lives of so many cancer patients...including my friend Christy. For that, I am forever grateful.
Lazarex Foundation has been such a tremendous help with my wife's battle against her breast cancer. She was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and thanks to the financial assistance we have received from Lazarex, she has been able to be part of a clinical trial at Mayo Clinic developing a vaccine for her type of cancer. The travel expenses would have prohibited her from participating otherwise. I will be eternally indebted to Lazarex for giving us the gift of life.
The Lazarex Foundation was also instrumental in helping a close friend of ours receive treatment that required extensive travel. Their funds afforded that family the ability to receive treatment that was not available in our area.
THANK YOU can never be said loud enough or enough times for all that you do!
When I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer, I knew a clinical trial was going to be one of the many things I was going to need to do in hopes to watch my 3 and 5 year old boys grow older.
Thanks to the Lazarex Cancer Foundation, not only am I able to be a part of a phase I clinical trial at Mayo, I have utilized their amazing team and resources for so many friend s that have contacted me with a new and devastating diagnosis.
I have been treated like part of the Lazarex family since the day I found them. I am Blessed to know their entire team and alive today because of them.
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I was diagnosed with an aggressive stage 3 breast cancer and found a clinical trial a few states away that showed quite a bit of promise for my future with a breast cancer vaccine. Due to the extensive and frequent travel, there was no way I could afford to be in the trial.
Due to the extent of my breast cancer, there was no way I could not afford to be in the trial!
I contacted everyone that I found online for assistance and after contacting the incredible people at Lazarex, I was afforded the opportunity to be in the clinical trial. Had I not received assistance from LCF, the expenses from the trial may have bankrupted my family. As a wife and a mom of two young boys, our entire family thanks God and prays for the employees and supporters of LCF.
Without LCF, my 10 year survival rate would be quite dismal.
Incredible foundation supported by an amazing staff.
I have been a contributor since inception and continue to be moved by the attention and dedication to the cancer victims and their families. It is particularly heartwarming to meet the beneficiaries and see and hear the positive impact of my donations and the selfless efforts of the Lazarex family. I am proud to support such a worthy cause
and look forward to working with them until a cure can be found.
Review from Guidestar
I have supported Lazarex Cancer Foundation for over five year. Their work and commitment to helping cancer patients is truly inspiring. I have witnessed many lives Lazarez has improved and the hope given to both patients and their families.
I will continue to support Lazarex.
The Lazarex Cancer Foundation is making many important contributions to the field of cancer research and care. Its strategy to significantly increase patient access to clinical trials is especially novel and ambitious. This is an organization that is making a difference in the lives of cancer patients everywhere.
Review from Guidestar
Lazarex is the only Cancer Charity I know of that patients can receive direct financial support.
As a board member I know first hand how the funding is managed within this organization!
This organization is incredibly sound and ethical!
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As a board member I see what goes on behind the scenes. This non profit is not only fiscally responsible and upbove reproach, but everything done is for the benifit of patients. Every patient is treated with compassion and respect by the staff. The only thing limiting service to patients is the lack of funds. Please consider donating, and help Lazarex give patients HOPE, DIGNITY and LIFE.
Jerry Sappington
The Lazarex Cancer Foundation is an exceptionally dedicated nonprofit organization that works tirelessly to benefit the welfare of cancer patients across the country. Lazarex truly stands by their mission statement to “improve the outcome of cancer care, giving hope, dignity and life to end stage cancer patients.” Their embodiment of this powerful motto is extraordinary and beyond inspiring. The commitment, devotion and passion of the Lazarex team members and President & Founder, Dana Dornsife, allows those affected with cancer to never feel alone in their fight.
I have worked closely with Founder, Staff and Volunteers at the Lazarex Cancer Foundation on their mission to assist patients with end stage cancer and their ability to find access to clinical trials. This is the only Foundation whose mission is to help the medically under served and provide financial assistance to those who would not be able to pay for clinical trials and/or afford the travel. There is NO OTHER CHARITY that does what Lazarex Cancer Foundation does for its patients. I strongly encourage you to support the Lazarex Cancer Foundation.
I AM A VOLUNTEER WITH LAZAREX... WHAT AN AWESOME FOUNDATION....SUCH A BLESSING FOR THOSE THAT NEED TO KNOW THERE COULD BE HOPE FOR THEM WHEN IN SOME CASES THEY HAVE BEEN TOLD THERE IS NONE....
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I have volunteered at Lazarex for the past 2 years...It is a charity like no other I have seen... the people that put so much of themselves in to this to make everything happen, that can happen.... It is hard to put into words the way the founders of this charity and all the people behind the scenes care immensely for their patiences and families....
My husband and I have attended a number of Lazarex Galas the past five years. We have had the great honor and pleasure of dining with and getting to know some of their wonderful patients who have received and who are receiving Lazarex services. Their stories are incredibly touching and inspiring, and each patient and their families are genuinely grateful for the hope, love, respect, support, and financial assistance they have received from Lazarex. Each of them saying that they do not know where they would be with out the help and assistance from Lazarex. During this time we have also gotten to know the founder Dana Dornsife and her support staff/volunteers and we can't say enough about the dedication they have for their cause, the remarkable work they do, and the extraordinary love they have for their patients and their families.
Review from Guidestar
Lazarex Cancer society is truly unique. I know of no other public charity that does what Lazarex does. Lazarex provides assistance to patients, many of which are medically under served, through a multi-pronged approach that includes help in identifying FDA approved clinical trials that may be suitable for that person, financial support that facilitates participation in clinical trials, and community education that encourages early stage detection.
In the less than 10 years since its founding Lazarex Cancer Foundation has helped patients in 49 of the 50 states, six foreign countries, and has established relationships with more than three quarters of our nation's Comprehensive Cancer Centers. I encourage you to support Lazarex Cancer Foundation.
Frank Varenchik, C.P.A.
Wonderful Nonprofit who helps the kids (and their families) who have traveled the "long road" of recovery from childhoods cancers!! My son has been battling a brain tumor for 10 years now. He is now on a clinical trial, Lazarex has helped tremendously!!
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Lazarex has allowed myself and my son receive a rental car while he was on a clinical trial in Washington DC. After going through many, many rounds of chemotherapy for 8 years at our local children's hospital my sons oncologist suggest a clinical trial in Washington DC (we live in Cleveland, OH). My pessimism got the best of me and I was quick to think that "there was NOOOOO way we could afford it." After weeks of research the puzzle pieces fit together, and thankfully I found Lazarex who was committed to making it a reality. It has been almost a year since his trial ended, and he hasn't had to have anymore chemotherapy since for his pesky brain tumor. I can only pray that the trail will be published soon to help other kids fighting brain tumors. There are just not enough kind words to say about Lazarex and their wonderful staff!
I came across Lazarex 2 years ago and immediately understood their mission and was inspired by their efforts. It took very little time for me to fully trust the group of people involved with this organization and believe that they could make real change in the community. I have seen and been involved with many charity groups from around the world, but I had not seen many with the two-angled approach of addressing the current situation while also working to prevent its future occurrence. This organization is in a tremendous position of being able to utilize almost all of the contributions / donations made, entirely to the patient, and not overhead as seen consistently in this sector. It makes me feel incredibly happy to know my contributions directly help change lives because Lazarex ensures that it does. Please join them today!
I have volunteered for Lazarex Cancer Foundation the last 4 years.
They give hope to advanced stage cancer patients by helping them with FDA clinical trial participation. These patients have been told there are no more treatment options available to them. Lazarex founder and staff is very dedicated and compassionate to their patients during a time that is quite challenging. They have saved lives and extended lives.
I feel so fortunate to be a part of this amazing foundation.
Lazarex Cancer Foundation is unique. This is the only foundation that helps the cancer patients in the greatest need – patients whose only treatment option are clinical trials. Many patients without Lazarex financial support for travel and logging would never had a chance to live few more years or to be cured. To achieve equity in cancer care, Lazarex has expanded its support to community outreach and patient navigator programs. Because of Lazarex foundation many vulnerable patients now receive cancer screening, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. An incredible foundation!
Review from Guidestar
I had cancer that was not responding to the currently approved treatments. I was able to find a clinical trial, but enrolling meant that I would have to travel out of state every month. I found an contacted Lazarex and they were able to pay all of my travel costs. Their help made going through this life saving trial possible.
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I am on a clinical trial for a molecularly targeted chemotherapy agent. I've exhausted all the FDA approved therapies and this is my best hope to continue my fight against cancer. The trial requires me to travel from Colorado to Texas every 28 days. I would not be able to do this without the financial assistance of Lazarex Cancer Foundation. Each month I just Email my receipts and within about a week I receive my check. Very simple and literally a life saver
This is a great organization. I was diagnosed with CLL four yrs. ago. A frightening experience. I called Lazarex Cancer Foundation who referred me for a second opinion. All is well so far. I appreciate the comfort and advice they offered me.
I am a patient of Lazarex Cancer Foundation since 2010. They have supported me through the clinical trial that I am still in. Without their help, I would not have been able to relocate to San Francisco and start the new treatment. Lazarex has saved my life by supporting me and helping me through a very difficult time in my life. Right now I am in full remission because of this new drug. Thank you Lazarex Cancer Foundation!!!
Jessica Marriott, Los Angeles, CA
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I am a patient of Lazarex Cancer Foundation. When I was diagnosed with Chronic Leukemia and the FDA approved treatments did not work for me, Lazarex Cancer Foundation helped me enter a clinical trial for a new drug. Without the help of Lazarex, I would not have been able to participate in this trial. I had to relocate to San Francisco to participate and Lazarex paid all my housing, airfare, rental car fees so I could go. I had to stop work and without Lazarex helping me financially, I don't know where I'd be now. They saved my life! Lazarex still supports me today because I am still in the trail. THANK YOU LAZAREX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lazarex is the best nonprofit charity in the world! I have never seen such an organization that is so passionate about helping people through the life with cancer as I have seen with the Lazarex organization. They fulfill their mission everyday and bring years of life to so many people and hope to families who otherwise have no hope. Please look into Lazarex as you will be impressed by their love and help to those who have nobody else in the world!
-Frank Studebaker
Lazarex Cancer Foundation is an exceptionally well-run nonprofit organization that benefits from the visionary leadership of President & Founder Dana Dornsife and a committed corps of talented staff for day-to-day operations. The Foundation continues to expand in size and scope in a responsible, strategic, and sustainable way. I have been working in partnership with Lazarex for the past two plus years - this is an organization that puts the welfare of cancer patients above all else and has the results to show it. Donors can feel confident that a gift to Lazarex will be put to the best use possible and will have a real, measurable impact on the lives of cancer patients.
Lazarex Foundation has helped so many people to utilize clinical trials and any of them have had prolonged their lives. Even the patients whose outcome was not as successful were allowed the opportunity to try new methodology that may help other patients in the future.
My name is Eric McIntyre, and after careful research and consideration, I chose Lazarex Cancer Foundation as the beneficiary of the Pancreatic Cancer Victory Tour (6300 miles, 18 states, 3 1/2 months on a road bicycle, launched in order to honor my wife, Liz's, ongoing battle with pancreatic cancer), raising money for and awareness of Lazarex's exemplary efforts to extend lives by matching patients to clinical treatment trials, and keeping families together when treatment requires travel. Theirs is a unique and critical mission in the fight against cancer, and I was privileged to join them as donor and volunteer starting in late 2014. Liz and I have both had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know the competent and caring staff at Lazarex. They are part of our family now.
Lazarex is doing trailblazing work in patient advocacy for cancer patients and their families. I completely endorse the leadership and staff, as I have seen firsthand how they work.
Review from Guidestar
Lazarex helped my family in a time of need and we are are all truly thankful for them .I will never forget what lazarex cancer foundation did for us.
I have been with Lazarex for the past 6 almost 7 year,and they have been nothing but great to me and my family. Thanks to Lazarex I still have a home to come, and I can get my treatment without my family stressing about our bills.
Lazarex Cancer Foundation is a truly special organization because it is the only group that directly helps cancer patients seeking the best possible care through clinical trials. Enrolling in clinical trials offers tremendous promise but can be extremely expensive, making it nearly impossible for patients facing financial burdens to enroll. Lazarex makes it possible by providing financial assistance to these patients who need it most. I am honored to work with them to bring this critical issue to the public's attention.
Beverly Moy, MD, MPH
Massachusetts General Hospital
Harvard Medical School
An amazing organization with an "A-plus" staff. They are our "go to" organization when San Francisco firefighters are in search of a clinical trial while suffering from cancer. Compassionate with a true understanding of the devastating effects that cancer can have on an individual and a family.
San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation.
Lazarex Cancer Foundation is one of the best non-profit organizations I've had the pleasure to work with in my 15 years of non-profit experience. Lazarex Cancer Foundation has a clear purpose, relentless energy and passion in serving people with cancer, and a commitment to transforming bench to bedside care.
Can't say enough great things about this organization! We are in the event industry and working with Lazarex and seeing all that they do is very rewarding and it really makes it a joy to be involved with them.
Review from Guidestar
Lazarex is an amazing organization with a unique and powerful mission. By enabling end-stage cancer patients to participate in cutting edge clinical trials, they embody a harmonious balance between supporting those in need today and furthering research for the future eradication of this horrible disease. I encourage everyone to participate in an upcoming event; you will find that the entire Lazarex family is passionate about supporting the cause while ensuring everyone has a great time. 43C
Review from Guidestar
Lazarex is a unique organization fulfilling a much needed hole in our healthcare environment. Their founder and staff are among the most professional, ethical and upstanding people I have ever had the privilege to work with and their events are creative, structured and beautifully executed.
Review from Guidestar
I have been involved with this wonderful mission for the last 8 years and I have watched Lazerex evolve into an impactful and successful organization which has a huge effect on patients lives. They help the whole patient and their family at the most crucial time and they do it with dignity and compassion. They are careful with their clients, they are wonderful to their donors and they are changing the world of cancer care at every level.
Thank you everyone involved with Lazerex but especially Dana and Dave
Lazarex Cancer Foundation is truly unique. They work first hand with end stage cancer patients providing personal assistance through navigation of clinical trial options, and financial assistance to help defray the costs associated with them. Working firsthand with the Lazarex staff and volunteering with many of their events, I can attest to how passionate and determined they are about their mission and their patients. Not only does Lazarex provide hope for their patients; they advocate for their patients who are not ready to give up their fight yet. Lazarex works with cancer patients who come from all walks of life, various different cancer diagnosis', age ranges and ethnicities. Cancer doesn't discriminate and neither does Lazarex.
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Lazarex Cancer Foundation not only helps individuals fund and navigate through clinical trials, they provide hope and purpose for cancer patients who have none and who are told to get their affairs in order. The individuals who work at Lazarex Cancer Foundation are true heroes. Their dedication and passion for their mission is apparent in everything they do. The patients they have helped and the years of life and hope they have given them is incredible. I feel honored to volunteer and support this organization.
As a public relations professional, I have worked with many nonprofits during the course of my career. None has touched my heart more than Lazarex. By connecting end-stage cancer patients to clinical trials and covering travel costs for each patient and a companion, they successfully extend the lives of their clients, fill a void in the cancer treatment cycle, and blaze a trail for effective treatments and cures. I spent the better part of a year volunteering my services. Along the way, it became clear to me that Lazarex Cancer Foundation is the best nonprofit you've never heard of. I am pleased to note that LCF Founder Dana Dornsife is enjoying a higher media profile and was even named KNX 1070 News Radio "Hero of the Week." The organization is attracting more and more supporters including former California Governor Gray Davis, the Los Angeles City Council, and people from all walks of life who are donating their time and money to this great cause. For those of us who have lost loved ones before their time, we share one wish -- more time with them. The story of Ben Doherty speaks to the value of LCF's extraordinary work. Ben was told by his doctors that he had three months to live the same week he found out his wife was pregnant. Thanks to Lazarex, Ben is still with us more than five years later.
I've been working with Lazarex for over 2.5 years. It is an amazing organization devoted to helping people with cancer navigate their clinical trial options and helping defray the travel costs associated with participation in these clinical trials. To my knowledge, it is the ONLY cancer foundation that does this.
I have been involved with the Lazarex Cancer Foundation as a member of Team for Life, their endurance athletics branch raising awareness of the Foundation and the work needed to be done to assist now. My father-in-law was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer and during his battle the Foundation assisted in bringing hi into contact with clinical trials to aid in the battle. Each time I have had contact either through the Brand Ambassador for Team for Life or directly to the Foundation, I have found those I talk to caring, helpful and ready to assist.
In my travels, coaching marathon runners, I have met a lot of amazing people. Some were people where I immediately enjoyed their enthusiasm for life and raising money and awareness for that horrible disease, Cancer. Some of them have tragically died. The Lazarex Cancer Foundation could have helped. They get people to clinical trials, which could save their lives or at least extend them. And the families are sent to the trials with their loved ones, the patients. Clinical trials are also a way for science to fully come to fruition with their research. These trials could find an ultimate cure for different forms of cancer. Cancer strikes people from all walks of life, at all ages. That is what I have sadly been witness to. Nothing is more important than a life. And that is what those passionate people at the Lazarex Cancer Foundation set out to do every day. They are truly dedicated to a great cause.
The president and founder of Lazarex is my daughter and I could not be prouder of her and her dedicated staff for the services they provide their cancer clients and the the role they fill in assisting clients to find clinical trials. Lazarex is a unique Non Profit because of the aforementioned mission and it is a shame that it is not more widely known. and funded.
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The seeds for LAzarex were sown via our families effort to assist our son-in-law, Mike Miller, in his fight with pancreatic cancer. New medications were researched as were clinical trials to determine what was the best course of action for Mike. The plan that evolved did include both new medication and a clinical trial. Although Mike ultimately passed away the quality of his life was significantly improved and extended by one year through the program that evolved. This entire effort set the stage for Lazarex to be born as a non-profit company with exactly the same goals of financial assistance when needed, new medication research along with new clincal triials. Lazarex does bring"hope" to its clients and has grown to the point where it is assisting more and more clients to lead a better life. Your donation and /or becoming a volunteer will significantly helpLazarex in this effort.
My mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer again in 2008. Knowing that she had to travel to California in order to seek treatment we had no idea how this was going to work financially for us. if it had not been for Lazarex she would have never been able to financially afford to take this treatment. With the financial help she received for housing, she is still alive and doing very well. We cannot thank Lazarex enough for everything they did for our family. We love the Lazarex team.
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I live in SF and have been going to LA for my cancer treatments for over two years. I was required to fly and/or drive there three times a month, then once every three weeks. Transportation and lodging costs have accumulated tremendously. I am very thankful for the financial support from Lazarex Cancer Foundation. Their staff is very friendly and helpful, making me feel at ease with one less thing to worry about during my journey.
I started working with Lazarex Cancer Foundation this year and I couldn't be more impressed. I am the brand ambassador of Team For Life, the endurance program for Lazarex. Their staff is extremely supportive, passionate and determined to help those with cancer, who have been told they have no other options, regain, dignity, hope and life. There is no other charity out there who does what they do. While research is important, there are people out there who need a cure now. They don't have time to wait, and that's when Lazarex steps in. I lost my father to stage 4 pancreatic cancer in just 35 days from diagnosis. Lazarex was founded because of this horrific disease but helps ALL end stage cancer patients which is wonderful. My heart is grateful to know that Lazarex is out there restoring hope not only by helping patients participate in clinical trials, but in getting these patients to the clinical trials it also takes us one step closer to finding a cure. It is beautiful mission, I love what they do and am honored to represent them. I feel like I am a part of a family.
Lazarex is a great resource for people who cannot afford clinical trials. Lazarex takes care of the expenses for patients. They give every patient a fair chance of getting treated and living. I am grateful for all the work and help they give to patients.
I have been volunteering for Lazarex since it's beginning and I cannot think of a better organization to donate my time and money to. The work that Lazarex does is absolutely incredible. This is one of the truely great non-profits.
Lazarex Cancer Foundation is a well kept secret that needs to be out for everyone to know about! What they do for the patients and clinical research is truly amazing. As a volunteer and professional in the non profit space that works with multiple organizations it is so refreshing to see a non profit like Lazarex be as strategic and focused with clinical trials for cancer research and serve cancer patients. The organization is focused, the staff are dedicated and passionate and they continuously focus on how they can improve the volunteer experience and get more patients in clinical trials.
I started out as a volunteer for Lazarex Cancer Foundation in 2009. In full disclosure the founder and president is my sister and it was our family's experience with pancreatic cancer that sowed the seeds for her to start the foundation. When I moved to CA I was able to donate my time for various needs. I helped out with the annual fundraisers and I joined the foundation's Team for LIfe as a fundraising participant in several half marathons. My experience was always very positive in regards to the staff, the organization (100% of direct donations got to Program Services because the founders cover the annual overhead), and the mission.
Lazarex is a relatively small cancer charity that has a big mission and I have been with them over the years since, as the Communications Manager, to witness the foundation's growth, heart, impact and the very hard work of raising funds. It is not a sexy mission, it isn't about funding research, it is about assisting people with advanced cancer (and no treatment options) to participate in FDA clinical trials because it is their last option to fight cancer. Lazarex helps identify clinical trials and covers the out of pocket costs (when needed) of participation like travel, lodging, some medical test or drugs, and a travel companion. So the foundation is helping to move research forward because without test subjects the treatments being tested will never get approved by the FDA. BUT the main focus is the people who need access to these treatments today because they may not have a tomorrow.
If you are looking for a foundation that is providing a service like no other and fills a huge gap in cancer care and treatment, Lazarex Cancer Foundation is the charity to support with your funds, time and talent.
I've volunteered and worked for many non-profits, and Lazarex is by far the best of the best! The staff, the patients, the volunteer base, and most of all the mission. They are a top notch foundation all around, and I am honored to be a part of it. "It's About Living!!"
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Lazarex Cancer Foundation is extremely special and unique in so many ways. One being their mission, two being their amazing staff and volunteers, three being their VIP patients, four being their fabulous events, and the list goes on and on. I am very proud to be a part of the Lazarex Team, and I am very grateful for all that Lazarex does to support the Cancer community and Cancer patients who refuse to stop fighting!
I have raised quite a bit of money for various charities through the years. When I came across Lazarex Cancer Foundation, I needed to know what they were all about. I didn't want to ask people for money and not know what the cause was all about. My name is on the line here as well. People in my community trust me so they trust what I believe in. The more I learned about Lazarex Cancer Foundation, the more impressed I was. As a cancer survivor myself, I knew how much research played a part in cures but this was so different. The research for these patients was already done to an extent, yet ongoing because they need these patients. Patients are on their own to get to these clinical trials to make these research studies a success. That's what impressed me and grabbed my heart. This money was going directly to the patient, a more than likely end stage patient with no more hope, to guide them to and through their clinical trial. After meeting quite a few of these patients now and seeing first hand the awesome results, I can honestly say that every dime I have raised for this foundation has been worth the asking of all my friends and family. I am so proud to be affiliated with Lazarex Cancer Foundation. They in turn make the volunteers feel special and make it fun for us to help them help others. I believe in the work of the Lazarex Cancer Foundation!
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I have raised alot of money for various charities through the years. When I came across Lazarex Cancer Foundation, I needed to know what they were all about. I didn't want to ask people for money and not know what the cause was all about. My name is on the line here as well. People in my community trust me so they trust what I believe in. The more I learned about Lazarex Cancer Foundation, the more impressed I was. As a cancer survivor myself, I knew how much research played a part in cures but this was so different. The research for these patients was already done to an extent, yet ongoing because they need these patients. Patients are on their own to get to these clinical trials to make these research studies a success. That's what impressed me and grabbed my heart. This money was going directly to the patient, a more than likely end stage patient with no more hope, to guide them to and through their clinical trial. After meeting quite a few of these patients now and seeing first hand the awesome results, I can honestly say that every dime I have raised for this foundation has been worth the asking of all my friends and family. I am so proud to be affiliated with Lazarex Cancer Foundation. They in turn make the volunteers feel special and make it fun for us to help them help others. I believe in the work of the Lazarex Cancer Foundation!
Lazarex Cancer Foundation (LCF) is the ONLY cancer foundation that works with end-stage cancer patients to help them navigate and participate in clinical trials. LCF basically funds the cancer patient and a family member so the patient can enroll in a clinical trial. Although all the medical costs are covered by the trail, travel and living expenses are not. This is where LCF comes in- taking the financial burden away from the patient.
I have been an active volunteer for LCF almost from the beginning. I truly believe I am making a difference in the fight against cancer each and every time I volunteer.
Almost 100% of donations goes directly to patients!!
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I have been volunteering for Lazarex Cancer Foundation for over 6 years. This foundation is unlike any other charity I have seen anywhere. Their mission is to make sure no end-stage cancer patient goes without a chance at life-saving clinical trials because of money issues. The staff works tirelessly to raise money to fulfill this mission. They do so much good and give hope to cancer patients who have been told there is no more hope. Please check them out.
I love what this foundation does. Having personally been affected by multiple family members with cancer, when they get to the point where the doctors say there's nothing else they can do, it really brakes your heart. The only choice you have is to either watch them die or try clinical trials, which can't be covered by insurance. Lazarex comes in by providing that hope, and allowing end stage cancer patients AND their families to have more time with each other. They help find clinical trials along with helping fund it. I will always volunteer or help with anything they need as long as I can.
My girlfriend and I have spent a good part of the last 2 years participating in endurance events. Together we have raced in 50+ different races. While registering for my girlfriend's first marathon at the end of 2013 for early 2014, we thought of how nice it would be if we raced and raised money for a charity. That was our first experience raising money for a charity and it felt GREAT. After registering for that event and choosing a charity, it was discovered that my girlfriend on her 29th birthday had early stage breast cancer. A few short weeks later my mother too was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. After her first marathon we decided that our next marathon would be dedicated to some cancer related organization. That's how we discovered the Lazarex Cancer Foundation.
From the very beginning, from the first inquiry email, their fabulous group was very positive and receptive. Very quick to respond to any question, and very enthusiastic about our quest, they made the entire process as easy as possible. They armed us with very useful information, tips to raise money, and much much support. They also kept in frequent email communication to check up on us and see how well everything was going. With how hard they were working with us, it made us want to work just as hard, if not more, to help their beautiful cause. Their website is very inspiring and provided more than enough motivation to go and help them out from their mission statement, to the inspiring individuals and their stories, the constant updates of their involvement in the community, and the progress and strides they're making in the quest for inspiring hope and bringing change. If ever I was having a bad day, maybe some doubts in my mind about what I'm doing, or if I'm in search for a smile, I know I could always check their website and either watch one of their many youtube videos or read about the people they help, and I instantly feel better and inspired to go out and do some good in the world.
Lazarex has changed my perspective and motivation in life. It has made my relationship with my girlfriend and family better as well as inspired me to become a better person. I look at the world more positively and am 100x's more grateful for all of life's blessings. My girlfriend and I look forward to being involved again in any way possible and hope nothing but the best for this great organization. THANK YOU LAZAREX!!!
My husband and I have supported Lazarex with our time and treasure. I worked with Lesley on the Southern California Gala, helping to obtain a few auction items and other behind-the-scenes work. I felt very appreciated for my contributions. My friends who attended the gala with me had the best time, both for the fun evening itself and for knowing they were helping such a worthy foundation. Thank you, Lazarex, for the opportunity to help.
My wife was diagnosed with Leiomyosarcoma Stage V in 2010. She went thru 4 Surgeries and 2 Chemotherapy treatments in the Sacramento area before the local Doctors said "there are no more options".We contacted Stanford University and they immediately referred us to Dr. Chawla in Santa Monica who specializes in Sarcoma and clinical trials, we were accepted as a patient. Then reality set in "How are we going to afford this we will need to travel a couple times a month". An Angel of Hope appeared in the Lazarex Foundation, they sponsored us for travel and lodging for almost two years as we sometimes had to travel 5 times a month for treatment.For some people one of the hardest things to do is ask for help but Tami Keeler the Patient Coordinator for Lazarex made the whole process seamless.The work they do extend lives,bring hope,give remission to patients. When and if you do ever meet the staff you can see they truly care about their patients and the fight for the Cure.
No words can ever express my gratitude to this wonderful organization. They were the light at the end of my dark journey after being diagnosed with sarcoma. With their assistance I was able to continue my treatment 3,000 miles away from home. Their staff are angels walking on earth and as I mentioned earlier, no words can express my sincerest gratitude. Thank you Lazarex, may all great things continue to come your way as your organization have made great things happen in so many of our lives that you have helped throughout the years.
I’ve been an artist for over 50 years and was looking forward to a long retirement (on a small fixed income) to finally express all that I had learned, so it was a deep shock when I learned that I had stage 4 Orapharngeal cancer.
I did research and found that University of California San Francisco, Mt. Zion had a highly recommended treatment cancer center. I live in southern Oregon and would have to rent a place in San Francisco for the duration of the treatment (8 weeks.) Then I learned of the cost of renting in S. F. It was a serious amount of money and way way out of my price range.
My prayers were answered when my sister Clara found Lazerex Foundation on the internet. They were so understanding and supporting of my situation. They agreed to and paid for the rental. Without them I would have been… well actually, I don’t know where I would have been without them. I could never been able to repay my sister (also on a fixed income.) Thank you Lazerex. I’ve been out of treatment for 5 months and I am clear of cancer.
Louis Colosimo
Central Point, Oregon
Seventeen years ago I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called liposarcoma. The tumor was removed and three years later the tumor came back in the exact same location and that too was removed. I was declared cancer free. However, two years ago the cancer came back, only this time there were several tumors all within the pelvis. After a 10 hour surgery at UCSF the tumors were removed and we had hoped that this would be the end of it. However, seven months ago new lesions were discovered and this time surgery was out of the question. It was recommended that I enter a clinical trial in Southern California. I was accepted into the trial and have gone through six chemo-therapy treatments at this point. The tumors are reduced in size, but are still very much present. I'm a teacher at a private Christian school in Walnut Creek and have limited financial resources---we do not own a home and have been renting for over 23 years. When I heard of Lazarex Cancer Foundation, I contacted them and was accepted as a client. Lazarex has made it possible for me to be treated with the latest chemo-therapy protocol and I am profoundly thankful for their support. This has been such an encouragement to me, my wife, four children and 15 grandchildren. Thank you so much.
You know...words cant describe how I feel about Lazarex Cancer Foundation. It has been life changing to know there is help out there in this world from people who really does care. Their exhausting efforts day in and day out to extend Lives of unknown is unparalleled...second to none. They treat their patients like family and not just "clients".
They are so "hands-on" with every single patient. They are truly "Heavenly Angels". I have never met a group of people who are so genuine, care so much and the only mission is to make a difference...and I dont think I will ever ever again. Thank God for Lazarex Cancer Foundation
`Jimmy
I was diagnosed in February 2012 with leiomyosarcoma (LMS) after a routine appointment with my regular doctor I had mentioned a slight pain in my left hip which I was sure was most likely arthritis. After reviewing my x-rays my doctor wanted to have a pet scan done to look further into that area. Still I wasn't that concerned at that point, however when you get the real news it's something that you will never forget. "You have a rare form of cancer and basically there was nothing our oncologist could do for us here in Palm Springs. At that time he made a call to a trial center in Santa Monica with Dr. Chawla. The whole ordeal was the scariest thing I have ever been through not to mention the pain that I was putting my family through. We started our trail in March after a long battle with our insurance company which at one point I wanted to give up it was so overwhelming and just didn't seem fare. After a few treatments when we started to worry about traveling and hotel expenses our daughter found Lazarex Cancer Foundation and with was given Tami's name and without any hesitations grief which we already had she took over and I can't say "thank you" enough to all of you for all your support and kindness. I am still in trails and we just take one day at a time but it's always nice to know that we are not alone in this fight. Mike and Vickie Stauf and from our daughter Christin Castellanos.
Lazarex has been a Godsend to me and and my husband. I have two brain tumors; my options were limited and very risky, so trips to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago were what we needed to do. We have to travel from Missouri to Chicago. It is such a long trip for us every two weeks for a year. The insurance company told us they would not participate in this treatment. We have so much to pay out of pocket for the medical , hospital, and doctor visits. Lazarex has been an answer to our prayers. God bless them for their continued work and for all those they serve.
I have been contending with Neuroendocrine cancer for about 15 years. The years have been filled with surgeries (one of them being a liver transplant), chemotherapy , etc. I am currently involved in my second clinical trial which is NOT covered by insurance. Anyone that shares a similar story would quickly agree that the stress of huge financial burdens exacerbates disease and, on occasion, exceeds the misery of the disease itself. Ironically, accepting charity has been one of my most difficult struggles throughout this experience .....until Tami Keeler and Lazarex Cancer Foundation. For me, it was divine intervention from the very first phone call continuing until present day. Their kindness, understanding, and extreme generosity has enabled me to participate in the clinical trial that is literally extending my life.
LIFE IS GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you, Tami and thank you, Lazarex!
Last year we were told by our insurance company that our medical trial was not corved and we had to come with our own money to pay for the treatment in Texas. We tried so many places for help and did not get anywhere. But when we approached Lazarex, Tami was so helpful and offered to helps us with the travel and lodging for the treatment. We exhausted all our saving money about $80,000 and still needed another $15,000 to take the last treatment they offered and my wife was able to extend her life because of them. They continue to support us and forever we will be greatfull for what they have done for us!
Our daughter Brittany has been fighting terminal Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma for over 12 years. She is alive today solely because of a successful phase one clinical trial and has a reasonable quality of life. Lazarax has been instrumental in helping us cope with the financial burdens associated with fighting cancer. Even though many clinical trials are paid for by the drug company, they many times do not cover the cost of travel and lodging which certainly can add up. Financial strains for the loved ones can be overwhelming. Thank you Lazarex.
Lazarex has been a Godsend. In June of 2013 I was diagnosed with Stage IV Melanoma without very many good options. However, with the help of my doctors I was able to enroll in a clinical trial at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL. for the specific BRAF mutation that I had. But in order to participate in the trial, I would have to travel to Tampa every week for a day or two for the first two to three months and then monthly thereafter. Aside from being a travel burden, 500 miles each way and about 7 -8 hours on the road, it was a financial burden. I then met Tami and her wonderful organization who offered us some financial assistance for the travel. Anyone reading this knows how expensive it is fighting cancer and the stress it puts on everyone. Lazarex has been a real lifesaver for us. This foundation really helps those in need at the time they need it. In situations where good news is not often a daily occurrence, Lazarex makes everyone's day just a little brighter with their generosity.
The good news for me, however, is that the treatment seems to be working and the future holds much more promise. Lazarex will continue to be in my prayers and I'm sure they will continue making positive changes in people's lives.
I have had the pleasure of being on the receiving end of Lazarex Cancer Foundations help for patients who have Neuroendocrine/Carcinoid Cancer. They are extremely professional, courteous and kind. They really care about the patient and family members. If I lived in the area that they were located, I would definately volunteer to help further their goals. They have truly been a blessing to the cancer patients to assist in getting them the cancer treatment they deserve. Thanks to all the hard work they put in. They are all angels!
In August of 2012 I was diagnosed with Myelofibrosis for which there is no cure, I called Dr. Ruben Mesa
at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale Arizona and started on a clinical trail. My problem was that I live in California
and the Clinical Trails are in Arizona. Lazarex Cancer Foundation is a life saver by covering my Travel
Costs, Lazarex Cancer Foundation has been a God sent, all staff Members are very very helpful and
I would highly recommend them.
Tom 70
No one thinks stage 4 cancer is fun. It is even less fun when there is only one treatment and it is experimental and a 5 hour flight away. With Lazarex' help I can relax a bit and think of other things than leaving my family in debt if and when. The first trial drug didn't work. So I am on a 2nd trial which is working. Go to Houston tomorrow for the 4th and last treatment.
With this help especially with the travel expenses, I can have a meal out or buy a new sweater without thinking I need to save every dime for Houston. In other words, even with my situation, I still have "life" in my life.
I can't thank Tami and her crew enough for the help and support. I wouldn't have made it to my next birthday without Lazarex and their kindness.
After finding out I had leiomyosarcoma and the only specialists that might be able to help me was located in Santa Monica, California (300 miles away one way) or at M.D. Anderson in Houston, Texas (much farther away) from Henderson, NV, I was in a dilemma of how to fund the traveling to receive the treatments. When I stumbled across Lazarex Cancer Foundation, I felt it was a message from God to try the clinical trial, otherwise, I would be dead within 6 months time. So, I decided to try the treatments and without Lazarex, I wouldn't have been able to make the trips to receive my chemotherapy every 3 weeks for 6 months. And thanks to them and my oncologist, my tumors have shrunk to 1/2 the size and have been stable for the last 10 months after my last chemo. On top of that, Tami has always been so compassionate and understanding to my needs, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
Our son at age 6 had leukemia & now at age 27 has a brain tumor. He, like many other young people these days, has graduated from college but can't find a job with his degree. He only has a part-time position at a grocery store while applying for full time positions. The Lazarex foundation has been a tremendous help for my wife & I who are retired and on fixed incomes because we have to rent a car every other week to drive our son to his biweekly clinical trial injections at Northwestern Medical Center in Chicago.
When I was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, I lost all hope because I needed an experimental drug in a clinical trial to save my life. Financially, we could not afford for me to participate in the trial. Then, I found Lazarex, and this Foundation came to my assistance. I am responding to the experimental drug and it is keeping me alive. I believe that this Foundation is saving my life by helping me afford to stay on this trial. Tami Keeler, their Office Manager, is not only professional at her job but also wonderful person that cares about me as a person. I consider Tami and Lazarex my "guardian angel" because they provide me hope and the financial aid to be able to stay on the trial. Without this experimental drug, I would die. I am extremely grateful and blessed to have the Lazarex Cancer Foundation in my life.
The Lazerex Cancer Foundation has allowed my 84 year old father to participate in a clinical trial for prostate cancer at the NIH in Bethesda Maryland by funding the companion airline tickets that allows his children to accompany him. The traveling and the appointments would not be possible for him without our aid. He feels so good about helping people by participating in the trial and the experimental drug has helped alleviate the pain in his arms. We would not be able to participate without this assistance.
In August of last year, I was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer and told that I only had months to live. I wasn't able to work and my financial resources were running out. I was accepted into a trial at Moffit Cancer Center which is far away from where we live. Thank God for Lazarex. They have helped to pay for my travel expenses during the long trial period. It's been over one year of treatments and the trial is working, I have no evidence of disease! When I had lost almost all hope in my darkest hour, Lazarex was there to help pull me out of the darkness.
They are an amazing organization.
I do not even want to think of where my sister and I would be financially and emotionally without the assistance of Lazarex Cancer Foundation. My sister was told that she had one option for treatment for her stage 4 cancer, and that was in Houston, Texas. We live in Oregon. My sister was started on a trial in January 2013 that required us to travel to Houston once every four weeks. We applied for assistance from Lazarez and were approved for a grant. Although it was difficult to ask for assistance, Tami and the organization treated us with kindness and respect. My sister's case was approved surprisingly quickly. We had thought that it could take several months for the application to be considered. When the original trial did not work, Lazarex continued to give support for the second trial that began in June. The help that Laxarex has provided has enabled my sister to think about other things than, "Where am I going to get the money to pay for this?" She has been able to concentrate instead on healing. Thank you, Laxarex, for helping people like us.
Lazarex is a shining diamond in the world of Non Profits. The help that it provided during my father's Cancer Clinical Trial treatment was absolutely critical in our family completing the trial and still have money left to cover other vital expenses.
Tami and her team have been a true angel in our family's cancer journey.
I am extremely grateful and blessed to have the Lazarex Cancer Foundation in my life. I have been going thru chemotherapy for 17 years and I travel out of state for treatmentt frequently. The cost of travel became a burden on me this year and Lazarex helped decrease this burden substantially. Because of this assistance, i was able to focus on getting well. At one time I needed my husband to accompany me and they immediately without reservations paid for his airfare. Tami Keeler, their Office Manager is a seasoned professional who is an excellent representation of Lazarex. I cannot explain in words how lucky I am to have them as my "guardian angel."
lazarex has filled a void in the cancer treatment world by bringing treatment to those who need it and cannot access it. if not for lazarex, my friend would not have been able to get to her treatment after her bone marrow transplant.
Hello I'm overly in debited to the Lazarex Foundation without their help my son wouldn't be in the land of the living now The Support That Tami And The Others Give There Is Amazingly Undeniably Wonderful And That's An Understatement Theres no way That Me And My Family Would Be Able To Make Sure That My Son Has All Of The Treatments Among Other Things That He Needs Without The Lazarex Foundation Their Support Is Impeccable And They Are Helping To Save Lives One By One Day By Day!!The Mental Stress That It Takes Off Of Our Family No Words Could Explain Or Ever Give Thanks Enough!!They Not Only Give Financial Support But They Give Mental Support As Well And That's Something That Money Could Never Ever Buy THIS IS THE ABSOLUTE BEST NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION IN THE WORLD!!!THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ THIS!MRS PEAK
Without the assistance of Lazarex my monthly trips to another state to receive an experimental cancer drug for my Stage IV disease would not be possible. The treatment I need for my very serious type of cancer is not available as a prescription (yet, but hopefully someday!) Airplane travel, hotel, and a car rental expenses are necessary every month. The people at Lazarex are genuinely caring, dedicated, and travel assistance grants are always issued timely after receipts for eligible travel expenses are submitted. They are top notch in administering what they do from my viewpoint and the President's mission to make a difference to people like me is passionate and sincere. I don't feel like it is some distant organization, but more like it is caring friends just a few miles away from me. All companies, charitable and for profit, should figure out how to run this way.
Lazarex Cancer Foundation and all of its wonderful staff are truly Angels on Earth. My husband has leukemia and if it were not for the amazing generosity of Lazarex, he would not have been able to participate in a clinical trial out of town at a premier CLL Research facility (UCSD). It is these very clinical trials that pave the way for cancer treatments and cures of tomorrow. Lazarex and our incredibly fabulous patient co-ordinator, Tami Keeler, literally came to our rescue when no one else could or would help us. Our options were all but exhausted. We had no place else to turn....and then we found Lazarex. They paid for lodging and transportation expenses to go back and forth from Reno, NV, to San Diego, CA. We shall be forever grateful. The service Lazarex provides, including their sincere compassion, to those facing cancer is priceless. Because of Lazarex, we have hope.
My father is receiving assistance from the Lazarex Foundation, making it possible that we, his family members, can be with him during this critical time for his participation in a clinical study. They are literally saving our father's life at this point. Without the financial assistance of the Lazarex Foundation, we would not be able to participate - it would be cost prohibitive - and since he cannot travel to the study appointment on his own - he would not be receiving this life-saving care. They have been absolutely amazing - the Foundation's response time is excellent... the staff is extremely approachable, and oh so sympathetic and patient in helping us through this difficult process. Cannot say enough positive and outstanding things about them.
I have been on the board of Lazarex Cancer Foundation for 6 years. Lazarex builds a bridge to hope for patients and their families. They are all about the patients. Research is great, but these patients do not have time for research. They need help now and that is what Lazarex does. They get to know the patients and family members. They work closely with the patients to understand their needs and more importantly they listen. Lazarex Cancer Foundation is a very unique foundation that deals with all types of cancers. There are no storage of patients. There are thousands of people out there that need the help of Lazarex Cancer Foundation.
After attending a couple Lazarex fund raisers, I wanted to volunteer.
Their mission to aid, educate and navigate through the difficulties of a cancer diagnosis is tremendously important to both the patient and their families.
My sister was just diagnosed with cancer, so now I am beginning to see how difficult and confusing the cancer diagnosis and treatments can be, as I begin going through it with her.
Each time I volunteer I am humbled by the volunteers and staff starting with founder Dana Dornsife, who are all sincerely, passionately and relentlessly committed to bringing "hope" and treatment for a better quality of life to every person they reach.
Lazarex is a remarkable foundation and the resources they provide to our communities are invaluable.
Lazarex Cancer Foundation is an unbelievable organization with an unbelievable staff of hard working and caring individuals committed to helping patients with little or no other choices. We recently started a relationship with Lazarex and it is our goal to help raise as much money as we can to assist in their goal of helping as many patients as possible. We have and still do work with many nonprofit organizations, but Lazarex stands above them all with their tireless work and dedication to their mission. I am extremely proud to be associated with the Lazarex Cancer Foundation!
I have been volunteering for only "2" years for Lazarex Cancer Foundation. Lazarex is a remarkable foundation that provides hope & resources to cancer patients and their families. The woman who are in charge of the foundation are incredibly committed & passionate about their "mission" to help patients. I cannot say "job" because it is not a job to these woman; but an unconditional dedication.
My experiences with Lazarex as a volunteer have been very rewarding. My hope for Lazarex is that it becomes well known throughout several communities. And therefoe will be able to help more cancer patients as people become aware of this great foundation. Thank You Lazarex for allowing me to volunteer! Kimberly Wright - Danville, CA
My husband and I have been volunteering for two years. This is one of the most rewarding groups of people I have ever met. They are so dedicated to their job and the needs of others Their work and dedication is awe inspiring . I hope we can continue to help whenever needed . Their gala on Treasure Island last month was absolutely beautiful Please examine your hearts and goals and help save lives through this wonderful organization. Nancy and Bob Boitano.
To believe in life and everyone should have a chance for one more day when given the horrible news there is nothing more we can do for you, get your affairs in order. Lazarex gives you the opportunity to try everything and find a possible cure for your cancer. With having the ability of trying everything to have another day, week, month or many years with your loved ones. That is the true gift of life!
Previous Stories
The Lazarex Cancer Foundation, is an amazing group of passionate people. To believe in life and hope when you are reaching into the unknown is so rewarding. TheIr passion of risk and chance in the blind belief in healing the body is so beautiful and comforting.

Lazarex Cancer Foundation 09/18/2012
Carol, Thank you for your support and for the review!
Volunteering and now working full time for Lazarex Cancer Foundation has been an amazing experience. The staff is great, the patients are amazing and the work that Lazarex does is unique. It's a great feeling to work for a place that does so much for end stage cancer patients and their families. If not only to get them in a clinical trial that can give them the gift of time, but maybe to even cure them completely, that's awesome! The fact that 100% of all donations goes to the patients and their families is rare! I feel honored to be able to be a part of this a great foundation!
Lazarex is an amazing Foundation with a fabulous staff! i have voluntered for them many tiimes and also ran for them in the San Jose Rock N' Roll half Marathon a couple of times! They are very supportive of their volunteers and make you feel a part of the Lazarex Family no matter what way you give to them, whether it be time or money. I really cannot say enough about the staff and how pationate they are for their cause. Since the overhead is covered by the founders all proceeds go to their patients! No where else can you find that?
I first learned about Lazarex Cancer Foundation when I did a half marathon and selected them as the beneficiary because their mission really aligned with caused I support. However, as I learned more, I went from feeling like-minded to feeling deeply committed and aligned with what they do and how they do it. To say they are fighting the good fight in helping late stage for cancer patients is accurate -- but it's so much more than that, when you see the heart, compassion and care they put into this work. Obviously, cancer has touched most of our lives, but for Dana and her staff team, they have taken a difficult fight and approached it as gladiators. Perpetually positive while supremely realistic about the challenges of this work, smart AND full of heart, they are now one of my charitable priorities and it's an honor to support their work.
This foundation is like no other. The overhead of the company is supplied by the founders. They really understand the wants and needs of the patient. It's all about making a very difficult situation much easier while giving the patient peace of mind that there is hope and their quality of life will be vastly improving. They just launched a program call"Change for Change is 50,000 stores nation wide. I don't know of any other non profit that has a program like this.
Review from Guidestar
My role as a volunteer Medical Liaison at Lazarex allows me to interact with cancer patients and their families who are searching for another chance at life after they've been told there's nothing more that can be done. I am there to talk with family members who are scared, confused, frustrated, and hopeful. We talk about clinical trial options, alternative treatments, diet, and overall patient well being. We talk about how the family member can best support the patient. We talk about what the patient is going through and think through options of what can be done next. In every conversation, there is a feeling of hope, comfort, reassurance. Being a part of Lazarex allows me to make a difference in the life of a family who is struggling during very stressful and uncertain circumstances. The feeling is extremely rewarding and humbling.
I met the founder and initial staff of this organization when it was just starting out. Their story was compelling but it their future was uncertain. Years later, they are going strong and their newsletters are full of stories that educate and inspire. Lazarex is an organization I wholeheartedly support for the value of its work and the purity of its vision.

Lazarex Cancer Foundation 09/18/2012
Thank you for sticking with us and helping us grow. We really appreciate the review!
Our daughter Brittany has been fighting a very rare cancer, Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma for 11 years. Brittany has undergone 23 surgeries over the years as the cancer has spread to various parts of her body. Three years ago the cancer had spread to her pancreas and other abdominal organs, all inoperable in her condition. We found a Phase I clinical trial at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton. Alberta for Cediranib, a new drug designed for brain cancer, but one that had shown promise for a young man living in London with Brittany's disease. My wife through her research found out about the Lazarax Cancer Foundation and applied for financial assistance to help with Brittany's monthly trips to Edmonton. She was accepted! We are proud and happy to report that all of her metastatic tumors have shrunk to a point they are no longer visible in her scans and she has developed no new tumors in her body! She is now the longest surviving patient in the world with her cancer on this experimental drug! THANK YOR LAZAREX! Having cancer and all of the related pain issues is enough heartache for a patient to face each day. Financial difficulties are often the added stress factor to make one give up hope. We thank you from the bottom of hearts. Jim and Bonni Hess

Lazarex Cancer Foundation 08/15/2012
Dear Bonnie and Jim, Thank you for sharing yours and Brittany's story here. We are thrilled for all of you and it is our deepest pleasure to ease the financial burden for as long as you need us. Hugs to all of you!
On april 19, 2010 my only biological child five days after his 23rd birthday was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia a rare form, in Reno nevada. Kevin was given a 30 percent chance of survival the Dr. told him this in a Reno hospital.
He asked every one to leave the room except for me we talked, I asked him what he wanted to do? As I knew I needed to act fast to get my son to UCSF. He said he wanted to live. I had him air to UCSF my heart pounded as his adopted father and I drove to san fran.
We were eventually told Kevin would have to go transplant and live in SF for at least 6 months . His father had to stay in Reno due to a blood clot in his leg.
Kevin was more concerned more with me, and how this would affect my life and finances, than his own cancer. I am a hair and skin therapist and I had to shut my doors while being with Kevin. His fathers job position was eliminated with a company that he started.
Kevin was hell bent that he was not going to be a burden to us and bankrupt us.
This worry he had BROKE MY HEART, I told him he could never be a burden that he was my greatest gift.... when his biological father died of brain cancer in 1992, My love for Kevin was my driving force that kept me going. I did remarry in 2001 and Kevin was adopted the next year.
Then the social worker came in she said Kevin you don't have to worry there is a wonderful foundation who will pay for housing while you have to stay in SF after treatment.
Truly that was the first smile Kevin showed in SF I saw a change in him he was now ready to fight the fight, he did not need to worry he had a place to stay.
LAZAREX truly has eased our troubles thats what they do.
I have been a woman of FAITH, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY, LAZAREX is now apart of my community.
I will do what ever, when ever, I can to encourage people to be apart of supporting LAZAREX. I thank them from the bottom of my heart. I thank Tami for the calm voice at the other end of the phone. I thank all the people to choose to be apart of the lazarex community.
I've only run in one race to raise money for Lazarex but it has been the highlight of all my races. Not only do they take care of their volunteers & runners but they remind us all the time why we're working so hard to get the word out and to fundraise. The good that they have done in giving people a little extra time with their loved ones; giving the patients families one more holiday, one more hug is worth every second I spend talking about and raising money for Lazarex Cancer Foundation.
So excited to be able to help again soon by running in the Marine Corp Marathon.
In an effort to help a friend establish an east coast branch of the Lazarex Foundation, I was immediately impressed by the mission statement and the faces behind the foundation. The alruistic spirit overflows into every aspect of the group efforts and it did not take long for me to to recognize Lazarex as a true, "Great" non profit. Never before have I witnesseed the selfless motivation of volunteers, allowing their hearts and souls to be lent so easily to patients in their lasts struggles with cancer. Offering hope to someone without- is admirable and inspiring.
In 2006 my Dad was diagnosed with end stage prostate cancer. Knowing Dana and Lazarex - I turned to them for guidance. They quickly mobilized and provided referrals and access to doctors and opportunities that we would not have known about otherwise. Although they did not provide financial assistance to us, they gave us much more: Hope. When all others told us to quit - Lazarex still offered hope. It was the only thing we had left. I am grateful to Lazarex because they provided us that hope and encouragement which was so important to keeping us motivated and our spirits lifted in such a dark time. They care and the go out of their way to help patients and their families find hope. I lost my Dad to cancer in December 2007. Not a day goes by that I don't think back and know that because of Lazarex - I was able to do everything I could to help my Dad and still he didn't make it. He knew it too - he was able to go knowing everyone was still pulling for him and we were battling to the end. He never had to give up, just give in...
My mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer 3 years ago, and after being very disheartened by traditional treatment and the side effects thereof, she was selected to become part of a clinic trial via LAZAREX. I cannot say enough about the fabulous people I have meet within the foundation. They truly care about those in need and go above and beyond to do all they can to provide ANYTHING that they possibly can, including but not limited to, financial, medical and emotional support. I will continue to volunteer and support LAZAREX, as they are truly making a different in lives.
Lazarex is the most compassionate and approachable organization for those in need of support. They provide hope where there was none. Their drive and unyielding determination to provide support,including financial, emotional and medical is unsurpassed.
When my friend told me about the Lazarex Cancer foundation, this resonated with me. I know several people that have suffered from this horrible disease and never sought after other options due to money stresses. Lararex Foundation can help ease a family's stress by defraying the costs while the patient participates in clinical trials. If I can aid a person to extend the quality of life with their loved ones, this would be very rewarding.
After being told that conventional medecine was no longer effective in treating his deadly cancer (Ewing's Sarcoma),my son Scott Zenaro became a client/patient of the Lazarex Cancer Foundation who provided clinical trial treatment and financial assistance some 3000 miles from his home, which included his residential expense as well as some urgent medical scans, for 18 months. Then when these treatments ceased to improve his condition, Lazarex flew him to the Philippines, paid for his residence,medecine,daily clinical treatment,all doctor and nurse care, all numerous medical tests and scans (MRI,PET,CT,X-ray) for almost another year. Lazarex enabled him to lead a dignified "normal" life for almost two and one half years. These costs probably reached upwards of $200,000. which is extraordinary and unprecedented by any non-profit cancer organization in the world. This is the reason that my wife and I and our family are devoting so much energy in raising much needed funds for Lazarex to continue their good works for other needy cancer patients.
I am a psychotherapist. After some 40 years of experience I can say that I have seen the proof that even the faintest glimmer of hope can do more to improve one's health and quality of life than most people can imagine. Lazarex is hope. Its concept defines hope and its action gives hope. I also see another side to Lazarex that gives dignity to the often indignant end of life medical care and hope to the future. By enabling these people to fight the good fight - which they rightly deserve - they are dignified even in death by making themselves a wealth of knowledge to those who continue the struggle. They might lose the battle but they help win the war. Lazarex helps make hope and dignity a reality.
Lazarex Cancer Foundation provides financial assistance to cover the costs associated with patient participation in clinical trials. Sometimes when all other resources to find a cure have been depleted Lazarex helps to uncover alternative ways to extend a persons life so that they can appreciate the time that they have left with the ones they love. My experience with walking the Disney Half Marathon and providing food services at the two events I participated in were memorable ones. The staff within Lazarex really make all of the volunteers feel immediately like family, and help to deliver a clear message of what Lazarex is working towards. I look forward to the next event, and trying to help in the fight to "changing the face of cancer".
I was looking for a way to give back that would encompass many aspects of cancer, not just one type, and I wanted to be sure that the majority of the monies raised went directly to the recipients. The women who started the company and who work there are professional and very dedicated to doing everything they can do to raise funds to support their efforts and have been extremely supportive in helping me start a team to raise money for them.
The members of this organization bring a care and an attention to detail that is unsurpassed anywhere. They go the extra mile to see that what ever can be done will be done. Anyone who comes in contact with them, either patient or someone attending an event will go away better off, and the quality of their life will be improved. They really care!!
I have been involved with everyone at Lazarex for a few years now and am amazed at the pure love and dedication they have towards the people they are supporting who are going through very, very difficult times in their fight against cancer. I have the utmost respect for each individual at Lazarex and am honored to be a member of their team in the fight against cancer.
Both my husband and I raised money for our run in the 2009 Seattle Rock n Roll half marathon. We both wanted to challenge ourselves to do this run, but I could not image just doing it for ourselves. I searched thru all the Foundations to run for and this one really stood out to me. This was our first time raising this kind of money and we were so glad to be a part of it. People can be so generous in their giving, it was great to see that. Susan Sappinging with Lazarez was so wonderful! She was there every step of the way. We will be doing another event and raising money again and when we do we will absolutely be doing it for Lazarez. We love that you are there for people when it seems like no one else is. Thanks for doing what you do.
In 2009, I participated in the Seattle Rock N Roll Half Marathon and helped fundraise for Lazarex Cancer Foundation. This was my first time participating in an endurance fundraising event. Lazarex was great to fundraise for. We had weekly runs scheduled and information emails helping us think of ways to fundraise and ideas of what to say to people. It's not easy to train for an endurance event and it's just as difficult to ask people for money. They helped make both easy and painless!! Well, there was a little pain on the run, but it was worth it.
I recently helped put on a golf tournament fundraiser for Lazarex.Everything was considered a huge success especially considering it was the first annual! Lazarex is such a special cause for all involved, espacially the family's of those in need of assistance!I can only hope that next years event can continue to build and help many more families. Cheers to Lazarex and continued success.
Through a local running group I discovered the opportunity to support Lazarex Foundation. I figured if I was going to run my first marathon I might as well do it for a worthy cause. Plus, with commitments from sponsors, it motivated me all the more to train. Finally, my father has had cancer for about 10 years and fortunately the insurance to cover the costs. I appreciate that Lazarex gives people hope to try new treatments when there is no place else to turn for financial support. Lazarex has been very supportive guiding me in my fund raising and training. Yippee and Yahoo!
I was looking for a way to get into the "full" Disney Half Marathon of 2010. I found an opportunity to run if I raised money for Lazarex. I was accepted into the fundraiser field and from that moment on the fundraising staff was extremely helpful in helping me raise the amount I pledged and in training for the event. At the event they were very visible and supportive. It was a great experience. A few months later I found out that a former fraternity brother of mine had late stage terminal colon cancer and his health insurance was running out. I contacted Lazarex to see if they could help. While his situation did not qualify for direct aid from Lazarex, they provided many leads for him to find assistance. Another great contact experience. Thanks Lazarex
Lazarex Cancer Foundation is an extremely well run non profit working to assist those with stage 4 cancer. They are a kind group of individuals who care deeply about all the patients they work with. As a small organization they are in need of contributions so that they can help additional patients. I hope you decide to support Lazarex Cancer Foundation.
So far they have been really great! Setting up my web page was easy. They have been reall responsive. I am excited about raising money!
This is a great organization- the goals of are right on track with what patients need in the short and long term. Healthcare today is a confusing system to navigate and throwing the logistic & difficulty of getting into important clinical trails makes it near impossible for an individual patient or family. The organization makes it possible for these individuals to get the best care while supporting the research that is developing that care. During my endurance event training I received multiple emails asking if I needed help with training or fund-raising from the endurance coordinator. She even helped facilitate the logistics of a important long run I had planned. As an experienced runner I didn't need much training guidance but for beginners my only suggestion would be to offer a group run so they can help support eachothers training.
Excellent organization, and very organized. Would love to help Lazarex again. Jenny Walls is very responsive to emails and the organization as a whole seems very well run.
I was so happy to jump on the bandwagon to raise money for this foundation because of personal stories of people I know who have passed of cancer or nearly passed of cancer or survived cancer. I wanted to know, how I could give back. As a former college track athlete I knew that I could use that skill and my ability fundraising for a non-profit, I could use my skills/abilities here while supporting a great cause!
My name is Bonni Hess. I am the mother of a now 28 year old daughter, Brittany, who was devastatingly diagnosed nine years ago at age 19 with an extremely rare form of metastatic cancer called Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma (ASPS) for which there is currently no known cure, and which is tragically considered terminal. Brittany has courageously fought this insidious disease during the past nine years with 23 surgeries/ablations/radiosurgeries, radiation treatment, and three Clinical Trials for tumors in her thigh, lungs, liver, brain, tibia, breast, spine, pancreas, spleen, small bowel intususeption, and duodenum. Heartbreakingly, the tumor in her pancreas was considered untreatable with surgery, ablation, or radiosurgery, and our only option was to find a systemic treatment which would shrink or destroy the tumor. Through extensive research and international networking with other ASPS patients we were able to find a promising new treatment called Cediranib which was not yet available in the United States, but was being tested in a Clinical Trial in Edmonton, Alberta. Brittany was thankfully accepted into the Trial, but it requires monthly Clinic visits in Edmonton, and none of the travel or housing expenses are covered by the Trial. After nine years of fighting Brittany's cancer, and with my husband unemployed for the past two years due to the economic downturn, the burden of the overwhelming financial expenses involved in commuting back and forth to Edmonton from Seattle, Washington were threatening Brittany's continued participation in the Trial. Through my internet research, I thankfully found the wonderful Lazarex Cancer Foundation which generously provides financial assistance, strengthening support, and Hope to patients and their families who are fighting a terminal cancer and are in need of financial help to enable them to participate in possible Life saving Clinical Trials. When I reached out to Lazarex and shared Brittany's story and our situation, they immediately responded with great kindness, special caring, and a gracious offer of financial assistance and support for the travel and housing expenses involved in Brittany's continued Clinical Trial participation. Brittany has thankfully had a very successful response to the Clinical Trial treatment thus far with fourteen months of disease stability with no new tumors, her pancreatic tumor and three lung tumors are no longer visible, and her remaining lung tumors continue to shrink. We are so deeply grateful to Lazarex Cancer Foundation for the abundant help and support that they have given us, and for the priceless gift of continued Hope that they have made possible. They have truly given us a beacon of light and Hope to brighten our pathway on this difficult journey.
I assisted patients in finding clinical trial options. The patients that I had the pleasure of meeting were truely remarkable people and I found myself learning as much from them as they learned from me. I was honored to be part of such a wonderful service for these individulas.
Never have I run into a team of more genuine caring capable people.They run a first class organization and truly put their heart and money into each patient.
This was my first experience with Lazarex, and I volunteered to help at their golf tournament in May. I was very impressed with the welcoming of the organizers and how they made you feel like part of their family. My friend had asked me to come help volunteer with her for the foundation that is helping her mother with treatment for her cancer. I was not sure what to expect, definitely didnt expect to get so emotional at the stories of the success of this foundation. My experience was so very positive, that I want to always be a part of and associated with this wonderful foundation and the wonderful, caring people that run it. Thank you for all you do and you have really touched my heart.
I have seen the great work being done by the people of Lazarex on a first hand basis. I have met some of the cancer patients they have assisted-- all of whom are overwhelmed by dealing with their illness and the financial burdens of treatment. Lazarex steps in to help with their financial burden and to assist in giving them the help they need to face their health issues with dignity and with hope. The staff and volunteers at Lazarex are truly dedicated to providing compassionate help to those suffering through cancer.
During events that I participated in I met several of the patients that Lazarex had assisted in housing and travel to clinical trials. They all said they would not be alive if it were not for Lazarex giving them financial help during the time they were in the trials.
I have had the opportunity to meet and hear the life changing stories of patients that have benefitted from Lazarex Cancer Foundation. Seeing and hearing about the positive effects Lazarex has upon individuals and their families has been so inspiring and uplifting. Lazarex offers hope, dignity and precious time to end stage cancer patients. This is such a powerful gift to offer to somebody at the most difficult time of their life. Lazarex has inspired me to do whatever I can to assist them in continuing their noble cause. Keep going Lazarex....you guys are wonderful and help so many!
I lost my mother to cancer. Se never was able to experience the joy of grandchildren. As a result, I am drawn to the work Lazarex does with late-stage cancer patients. Families and patients need hope, and the longer lifespans that Lazarex helps deliver give families meaningful hope. Even if the ultimate result is the same, the research that Lazarex supports helps future patients and families avoid desperate heartache.
great dedication by its volunteers and supporters to help raise funds for the people it helps an organization that provides a unique service
As a volunteer I have had the privilege to meet the patients LCF helps. I have heard patients and their families share their stories about survival, hope and life. This charity is helping people like no other charity! The compassion the staff shows for each patient is incredible and sincere. There is no greater service to a person when you help extend their life.