The "NACR's Memorial Fund" was set up in 1998 to partially address Native cancer survivors' and their family members' needs related to chronic illness, end-of-life care, and healing and recovery ceremonies.  "Memorial Fund" donations are NOT used for any NACR operating expenses (e.g., office rent, salaries). The Fund is limited to providing support to Native survivors and their family members up to $500 per survivor/family.

Anyone who is interested in making a donation to our American Indian-operated, community-based non-profit 501(c)(3) may specify the funds to only be used for the Memorial Fund.  Likewise, people may send a donation to the Memorial Fund rather than sending flowers for funerals of Natives who had passed away from cancer. We then send a card to the family members notifying them of your donation to the NACR Memorial Fund (but we do not tell them the amount unless the donator wishes that information to be included).  In addition, some donators want the monies limited to specific regions of the country or tribes.  Please let us know if you want this type of restriction placed on your donation.

Examples of how the Memorial Fund has been used:

Assist in paying the co-pays or deductible fees for Native patients who have insurance but insufficient money to pay these fees.

• Assist is paying for cancer treatment for Native Americans who are under- or uninsured.
• Partial payment for anesthesiologists.
• Purchase of mattress for the patient to sleep on rather than on the floor or the couch.
• Transport family member to be present prior to and following surgery.
• Transport traditional Indian healer to family for ceremony.
• Assist in paying for hospice care (palliative, comfort care for chronically ill or dying cancer patient).
• Partial payments of prescription medications.
• Partial payments of household utilities (gas, electricity, firewood, water).
• Purchase prostheses, wigs and similar items for cancer patients.
• Partial payments for reconstructive surgery on under- or uninsured.

How to apply for help:

Download the application by clicking here. Fill it out and send any requested documention to the address on the application. If you need help with the application, you can email Peg at NatAmPeg@aol.com or call her at 303-838-9359.

Additional Contact Information:

Native American Cancer Research
3022 South Nova Road Pine, CO 80470-7830
Phone: 303-838-9359; Fax: 303-838-7629
Survivors' Support Network: 800-537-8295
E-mail: Native American Cancer Research
Web Page: NatAmCancer.org