Baltimore Getting Much Needed Services For Cancer Patients
Cindy Carter, knows intimately about these problems as executive director of the Cancer Support Foundation, a non-profit organization located in Maryland which provides wraparound assistance to cancer patients and their families as cancer treatment progresses.
To date, the Cancer Support Foundation has helped over 9,000 families in Maryland; and is now partnering with other non-profits to set up pilot programs in cancer centers to reach patients early when they start treatment to offer assistance with eviction prevention, medical assistance, Meals on Wheels, and energy assistance to name but a few services offered.
Carter has an accounting certificate from a school no longer operating.
What inspired you to set up the Cancer Support Foundation?
"I am a breast cancer survivor and a four-time caregiver to those with cancer. The last two were my parents, who we moved into our home. At the time, I was also working full-time; so I learned firsthand about the difficulties of caring for the sick while trying to maintain a home and a job."
"Then, I had an accounting software business which I closed and, after working in the corporate world as a senior accountant, and running the foundation part-time, I decided, in 2006 to do it full-time. We sold our house and downsized; so I could remain a foundation volunteer which is my status today."
How does your educational background relate to your current role?
"My education as an accountant has helped me in making sure that the financial part of this nonprofit is taken care of properly."
How has your education helped to further your career and contributed to your success?
"My initial education as an accountant helped me with running my business before I started the foundation. Most of the success of the foundation, however, has been built on education through life experience."
"Initially, life experience revealed the glaring lack of help for those with cancer and led us to advocate for changes. Finally, we are problem-solving in new ways and rewriting the handbook for cancer patients in Maryland."
What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into cancer support?
"I recommend those interested join us as a team of nonprofits and concentrate on their strengths."
"We are able to do what we do because we are an all-volunteer foundation. Most cancer nonprofits actually give a very small percentage back to the cancer patient who needs the help. Getting the laws or regulations changed could be another foundation in itself."
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years.
Primary interests include metaphysics and energy healing in which
she has several certifications. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times. Sue lives in Baltimore.
