Beaufort Memorial Foundation Receives American Cancer Society Transportation Grant to Support Cancer Patients

The American Cancer Society (ACS) has once again awarded the Beaufort Memorial Foundation a $4,500 transportation grant to help patients undergoing cancer treatment with the community health system.

The funding will provide transportation assistance for eligible oncology patients who may face barriers to getting life-saving treatments. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the Foundation has received this support from the ACS.

Improving Access to Cancer Care in the Lowcountry

The grant is a part of a nationwide ACS investment that is expected to provide nearly 60,000 eligible patients with transportation and lodging services.

“Access to care is a crucial part of achieving better health outcomes in our community,” said Kim Yawn, Beaufort Memorial Foundation Chief Development Officer. “This grant and the continued support from the American Cancer Society allows us to directly address transportation challenges that can lead to missed appointments or delayed treatment, ensuring our patients receive the care they need.”

Transportation barriers are a significant social determinant of health, particularly for patients who require frequent chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy or follow-up visits with their oncology care team.

How the Transportation Assistance Program Works

Grant funds will be used by the Foundation to purchase gas cards, which will be distributed to eligible Beaufort Memorial patients who qualify for transportation-related financial aid and will be distributed based on the frequency of their appointments and the required distance of travel.

By reducing out-of-pocket travel costs, the program helps ensure patients can consistently attend their scheduled appointments without any interruptions in their treatment.

Read More: Stronger Together: Lashana Greene's Story

Why Transportation Matters in Cancer Treatment

Access to high-quality oncology treatment directly impacts health outcomes. Patients who lack transportation and lodging needed to continue receiving quality care can often experience:

• Missed medical appointments
• Delayed chemotherapy or radiation treatments
• Increased emergency room use
• Higher mortality risk among adults with and without cancer history, according to a 2023 study by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

“Transportation obstacles or the cost of a hotel room should not be barriers that determine the survival of those needing cancer treatment,” said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer for the ACS. “Partnering with health systems and organizations across the country to provide funding to deliver the direct assistance needed helps to fill these equity gaps and improves cancer outcomes.”

Investments in Patient Support Services

Since 2021, the American Cancer Society has invested more than $50 million in transportation and lodging grants to health system partners across the country.

By the end of 2027, this investment is expected to provide more than 370,000 patients with over 4.3 million transportation and lodging services.

Through continued partnership and investment in the community, the Beaufort Memorial Foundation remains committed to removing barriers to cancer care and improving health equity across the Lowcountry.

Learn more about the Beaufort Memorial Foundation’s initiatives and how you can support their healing mission.