Believe Big > Podcast > You Are Not Alone: 8 Hidden Resources and Financial Support Pathways for Families Facing Cancer

You Are Not Alone: 8 Hidden Resources and Financial Support Pathways for Families Facing Cancer

March 12, 2026 Podcast

When a cancer diagnosis or serious medical condition enters a family’s life, the emotional toll is often accompanied by a massive financial burden.

Travel costs, treatments not covered by insurance, lost income, specialized equipment, and caregiving needs can quickly overwhelm families already navigating a health crisis.

In Episode 111 of the Believe Big Podcast, host Ivelisse Page sits down with Abby Zachritz—known as “Advocacy Abby”—to uncover practical ways families can access support, funding, and community during their most difficult moments.

As the co-founder of the Connect Platform and Director of Family Advocacy at SupportNow, Abby has helped countless families discover resources they didn’t know existed.

Here are 8 powerful insights and support pathways every family navigating cancer should know.

1. Start by Sharing Your Story

One of the first steps toward receiving help is simply telling your story.

When families open up about their journey, it creates opportunities for:

  • Community support

  • Financial assistance

  • Emotional encouragement

  • Practical help like meals and childcare

As Abby explains, advocacy begins with helping families feel seen, heard, and supported.

2. Build a Community Support System Early

Waiting until the situation becomes overwhelming can make everything harder.

Instead, Abby encourages families to establish a support network early, which may include:

  • Friends and family

  • Church communities

  • Local nonprofits

  • Advocacy groups

  • Online communities

Community support can include prayer, meals, transportation, childcare, and emotional encouragement.

3. Use All-in-One Support Platforms

Many families juggle multiple tools during a medical crisis:

  • Meal trains

  • Fundraisers

  • Social media updates

  • Volunteer schedules

Platforms like SupportNow simplify everything into one central location where supporters can:

  • Donate

  • Offer prayer

  • Sign up to help

  • Stay updated on the journey

This reduces stress for families who already have too much to manage.

4. Apply for Medical Grants (There Are Thousands)

Most people are unaware that thousands of grants exist to help families with medical costs.

Through the Connect Platform, families can search for financial help based on:

  • Diagnosis

  • Location

  • Age

  • Specific needs

These grants can help cover:

  • Treatment costs

  • Travel expenses

  • Medical equipment

  • Housing

  • Childcare

  • Transportation

The database now includes over 3,400 grants worldwide.

5. Look for Grants That Cover Indirect Expenses

Sometimes grants don’t pay directly for treatments — but they can still provide critical support.

Examples include grants for:

  • Gas cards for medical travel

  • Mortgage or rent assistance

  • Utility bills

  • Medical supplies

  • School tuition

When these expenses are covered, families can redirect funds toward treatment.

6. You Can Combine Multiple Grants

One powerful strategy many families overlook is compounding grants.

Instead of relying on one large grant, families can combine several smaller grants to meet their financial needs.

For example:

  • $2,500 travel grant

  • $5,000 treatment grant

  • $1,000 equipment grant

Together these can significantly reduce financial pressure.

7. You Don’t Have to “Ask for Money”

Many families feel uncomfortable requesting financial support.

Abby recommends a different approach:

Simply share the facts of your situation and invite people to follow your journey.

Supporters can then choose how they want to help:

  • Donations

  • Meals

  • Prayer

  • Sharing your story

This approach allows generosity to flow naturally.

8. Remember: There Is Always Hope

Perhaps the most important message Abby shares is this:

You are not alone.

When families connect with advocates, organizations, and community support, everything begins to change.

Financial stress decreases.

Hope increases.

And families gain a pathway forward.

Final Encouragement

If you or someone you love is facing cancer or another serious medical challenge, there are resources available.

Organizations like Believe Big and SupportNow are working together to ensure families have access to:

  • Integrative treatment support

  • Advocacy guidance

  • Financial resources

  • Community care

You don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

🎧 Listen to the full conversation on Episode 111 of the Believe Big Podcast.

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