Inspiring miracles for cancer patients and their families

A woman holding a Roswell Park tote bag receives a "Patient Education" folder from a man in a bright blue blazer, both engaged in friendly conversation about Roswell Park Alliance Foundation Quality of Life Programs inside a building.

How Roswell Park's Angel Fund Eases Patients' Burden During Cancer Treatment

From financial needs to transportation and everything between, the Angel Fund eases patients’ burden during treatment
When a young man at Roswell Park lost his hand to sarcoma, the cancer had already taken so much. His care team found a company that could create a custom prosthetic hand, something that would help him regain independence and a sense of wholeness. But insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, and it was far beyond his means.
Thanks to donations, Roswell Park’s Angel Fund program stepped in to purchase the prosthetic hand, restoring the man’s ability to perform everyday tasks — as well as his confidence and hope.

For patients like this, the Angel Fund is a symbol that they aren’t facing cancer alone.

"The Angel Fund turns compassion into care, helping Roswell Park patients afford the essentials that make healing possible. From life-sustaining medications to a warm home and a full table, gifts from donors like you ensure that no patient’s health is compromised by hardship,” explains Director of Case Management Brian Braun, who oversees the Angel Fund."

Brian Braun, Case Manager
A man with dark hair and glasses wearing a light-colored, checkered shirt stands indoors in front of large windows with a blurred outdoor background.
Case Manager Brian Braun oversees the ANGEL Fund

Cancer treatment comes with unexpected challenges: childcare costs, medication needs, at-home medical equipment, transportation and so much more. Financial hardship should not be one of those challenges, and that’s where the Angel Fund comes in.

An older man in a suit and colorful tie stands outdoors, smiling and holding a sign that reads, "I've Remembered Roswell." Bright pink and yellow flowers are in the background.
An older man in a gray suit stands beside a wall with a plaque that reads “With gratitude to Jayne & Phil Hubbell.” Another person is visible in the background through an open door.

Where It All Started

Founded in 2012 by a Roswell Park donor and pastoral care volunteer named Philip Hubbell, the Angel Fund provides critical financial support for Roswell Park patients who find themselves in sudden and desperate financial circumstances.

“Through my volunteer work, I had observed that there were frequently non-medical needs not covered by insurance that were quality-of life issues for patients and their families,” Phil says. “I felt like it was the perfect opportunity to give back, because the staff at Roswell Park is so attentive to the patients that their needs are able to come to light.”

Since Phil made the initial gift to establish the Angel Fund in 2012, donations from the community have allowed Roswell Park to continue to support patients when they need it most. Your support keeps the program going strong more than 15 years later.

How Your Donation Changes Lives

Whether it’s for a cutting-edge prosthetic, a new medication not yet covered by insurance or childcare and grocery costs, help is available for patients. The Angel Fund serves approximately 75 patients a month and up to 110 in that same time with transportation, according to Brian. That is made possible by the generosity of donors like you.

 

Patients in need are assessed by a social worker who determines financial need and works with the patient to identify resources like the Angel Fund. The department then administers funds according to legal and regulatory requirements. Donations of all sizes make a huge difference in the lives of cancer patients.

“Behind every patient we help is a quiet miracle — someone like you who chose to lift a burden they’ll never see. The Angel Fund transforms kindness into care, and care into life,
 Brian says.

Learn more about your impact