Susan Lang Pre CAR T-cell Therapy Travel Assistance Program

Susan Lang Pre CAR T-Cell Therapy Travel Assistance Program

Available funding

If a fund is listed as Open, please visit the Apply Now section to apply.

If a fund is listed as Closed, it is at maximum capacity, serving those enrolled, and is no longer accepting applications.

Please note: Changes to funds are reflected on this webpage as quickly as possible. For up-to-the-minute fund status, please call (877) 557-2672. If you started an application prior to a fund becoming fully subscribed, please continue with the application.

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Program description

Blood Cancer United's Susan Lang Pre CAR T-cell Therapy Travel Assistance program is available to blood cancer patients with significant financial need. The fund provides financial assistance to patients diagnosed with a blood cancer who are being evaluated to receive CAR T-cell therapy as either standard treatment or a clinical trial. 

CAR T-cell therapy is a form of immunotherapy that uses specially altered T cells. A sample of a patient's T cells are collected from the blood, then modified in a lab to produce special structures called chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) on their surface. Then, these CAR T cells are reinfused back into the patient's blood. 

Assistance covers travel and lodging expenses from the evaluation phase through the end of the patient eligibility phase.  At the end of the patient eligibility phase, please call the program at (877) 557-2672 to deactivate your card. All unused funds will help support other patients being evaluated for pre CAR T-cell therapy.  

Patients cannot receive travel assistance from more than one fund in a 6-month period. 

Covered expenses 

Those who qualify will receive $2,500 to cover the cost of treatment-related travel and lodging expenses for the patient and caregiver including: ground transportation; tolls; gas; parking; car rental; car maintenance, repairs and parts; air transportation; baggage fees; lodging; and ambulance services. 

The following expenses are not covered: food and beverages, alcohol, tobacco, clothing, medical/pharmacy expenses, and international travel.

Program eligibility criteria

• Have a household income that is at or below 600 percent of the U.S. federal poverty guidelines as adjusted by the Cost-of-Living Index (COLI). You will be asked for your zip code to determine your COLI.
   
• Be a United States citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. or U.S. territories.
   
• Be in the process of being evaluated for CAR T-cell therapy, as either standard treatment or a clinical trial.
   
• Patients may be insured or uninsured.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• Program FAQs
• Patient Financial Assistance Programs at a Glance

Patient travel assistance benefits and taxable income

As a charity, Blood Cancer United is exempt from federal income tax and individuals who receive assistance from a charity to meet their personal needs do not generally have to pay federal income tax on the value of the assistance they receive. With this being said it should not affect their ability to receive financial assistance from the government or affect their income taxes.  

Contact information

Blood Cancer United
Susan Lang Pay-It-Forward Patient Travel Assistance Program
PO Box 12268
Newport News, VA 23612
Toll Free Number: (877) 557-2672
E-mail: [email protected]
Fax: (866) 808-3793

Program support

Blood Cancer United is delighted to fund the Susan Lang Pre CAR T-cell Therapy Travel Assistance program. Additional support is provided by:

• Kite, A Gilead Company

Other helpful resources

• Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell Therapy
• Financial Resources (Other Helpful Organizations)
  • Lodging
  • Transportation - Air
  • Transportation - Ground