Who we are

Founded in 1958, United Cancer is a non-profit agency that is committed to the care of Elkhart County’s cancer patients.

Although United Cancer is frequently confused with national agencies, UC is not a branch office but was founded and operates only in the Elkhart County area. The large, national cancer agencies do good work in research and education, but United Cancer's mission is local. UC helps Elkhart County area cancer patients pay for their treatment, supplies, and medicine.

Will you reach out to your Elkhart County neighbors with cancer?  

"Being diagnosed with cancer is one of the most terrifying moments of your life, then the medical community comes at you like a whirlwind.", confided one of our clients.

United Cancer's Journey Through Treatment program helps change a cancer patient from being an overwhelmed, passive recipient of health care, to becoming an educated, proactive planner for their time in treatment. How does this happen? Journey Through Treatment helps the cancer patient:

• Research and estimate their total treatment costs;
• Calculate their health insurance contribution, so that they can estimate their out-of-pocket expense;
• Investigate options for substituting the income they will lose while they are in treatment;
• Consider their regular living expenses;
• Assess their family & friend support structure;
• Then UC helps the patient design their plan for the Journey Through Treatment.
• Finally, UC can apply our strategic tools of referral, lifestyle change and direct financial support.

United Cancer does not have financial requirements for who we will help.  That's because most people's financial situation changed the moment they were diagnosed with cancer.  In fact, 75% of the people who ask United Cancer for help have health insurance.  Why are insured people asking for help? Because most cancer patients cannot work while they are in treatment, but life's regular living expenses don't stop when you are diagnosed with cancer.  Then add the ever growing out-of pocket costs of insurance deductibles and scores of co-pays from treatment, tests and medications, and solidly middle class families quickly find themselves financially and emotionally overwhelmed.

Who does United cancer help?1.    A cancer patient who lives or works in Elkhart County;
2.    And who is currently receiving chemotherapy or radiation.
3.    Some cancers do not require follow-up treatment, so United Cancer will help those Elkhart County cancer patients who have been diagnosed with cancer within the last 12 months.
4.    Any cancer patient who falls within the above criteria and is not in hospice care.

 If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, please do not hesitate to contact us.