Page 3 - FCSF VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK PATIENT SUPPORT PROGRAM ver. 2018

FLORIDACANCER

SPECIALISTS

SERVICE & SUPPORT/ VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
HEALING & HOPE

The FCS Foundation is a nonprofit, registered ln January 2015, the Volunteer Program was
501(c)(3) organization. The Foundation launched, and paid staff and volunteers
understands the importance of volunteers began working together to provide assistance
and is committed to encouraging these and support to individuals affected by cancer.
individuals. Volunteers are required in various In 2016, 26 locations had the Volunteer
aspects (roles) in the organization to assist Program up and running and by 2018 the
in meeting the needs of those served. This number of locations doubled.
manual will assist volunteers who participate
in the Patient Support Program with resources Our volunteers are composed of cancer
survivors, caregivers, nursing or pre-med
and defining policies and procedures.
students looking to gain valuable work
experience.

History

A cancer diagnosis can change everything. For some, it may mean the added stress of financial
hardship. Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation was created to help patients who need
financial assistance while undergoing treatment.

The FCS Foundation was established in January 2011 by a group of Florida Cancer Specialists
physicians who personally started the fund with a generous gift of $500,000. In November 2012,
organizational facets of the FCS Foundation were in place, with the mission of providing non-medical
financial assistance and support to qualified cancer patients in the state of Florida. Each qualified
patient can receive up to $1,500 per calendar year. Since the inception, the FCS Foundation has
awarded millions in patient grants.