LONDON HEALTH SCIENCE FOUNDATION

GENE GOODREAU PATIENT ASSISTANCE FUND

On April 19, 2007 Gene succumbed to his lung cancer. However, for months before he, courageously, battled his illness by taking chemo therapy and radiation treatments at the London Health Cancer Clinic. We were lucky to have good benefits, and were financially able to cover all the multiple costs for traveling and medications that were not covered, rentals of wheel chairs and other medical apparatus's or necessities that were needed throughout his illness. Many people are not so lucky.

While in London we heard stories from medical staff and patients alike that many working people while being treated had no benefits. Their illness forced them to leave their jobs and they had little or no income during this time. They, and many patients who are retirees were being forced to deplete their savings, sell assets, or go into debt just to finance their costs. The fact that they had little income or some assets made them in-eligible for many assistance programs. These people have not been a blight on our society and have paid their dues, they deserved help.

This is the reason for the patient assistance fund. We want to bridge the gap our society has left and try to take some of the financial burden from these patients so they can focus on battling their disease.

His testimonial from another donors family who graciously had memorial gifts donated to this fund, also explains the need for this fund. The committee for the foundation chose Gene's patient assistance fund because they know the demand for this help is great. Seventy percent of patients report that they incur financial difficulties while taking treatments.