Dear Generous Donors,

My name is Kayla Hilliard and I am the oncology social worker at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center's Abramson Cancer Center. My role includes providing therapeutic support and counseling to patients and their families as well as assisting and addressing vital fundamental needs such as transportation and affording expensive, life-saving medications and treatments.

Unfortunately, many of the patients we serve have limited means. With multiple appointments, transportation is often a barrier to accessing treatment. Sometimes patients are unable to attend their chemotherapy appointments as they cannot afford gasoline for their car or fares for public transportation. Many patients fighting cancer also struggle financially. Some patients are no longer able to work due to their disease and end up in dire straits. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exasperated limited resources and funds.

Last year, with the generosity of The Kathleen M. Rotz Lung Cancer Research Fund's 7th Annual "Believe in the Magic of Santa" event with participating employees of Banana Republic stores; Merck, Inc., and C3i, in conjunction with many individual donors, we were able to provide 3 patients and their families with a very merry holiday season. Furthermore, countless other cancer patients were helped throughout 2023 through the generous funds raised. Patients were able to fill their gas tanks, buy groceries, and catch lyft/uber rides to treatment as a result of this fundraising. The magic lasted all year!

This year, we hope you will be able to join us in this heartfelt experience to assist our patients and their families even in the ongoing global pandemic.

We have two different options to provide assistance for the 6th Annual Event:

Option #1: "Adopt a Family" - Fulfill a Family's wish list provided by the patient.

Option #2: "Gift Card Assistance" - Provide gift cards specific to the needs of our cancer patients. (Gift card suggestions: Visa, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreen's, Wawa, Giant, Pathmark, Super Fresh, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, gasoline gift cards, Walmart, Target, etc.).
One $25 gift card can make the difference:
It can cover round-trip cab fare for a patient too weak or too ill to walk to the bus stop.
It can fill up the gas tank so a mother can drop her kids off at a family member's home and still make it for her chemotherapy.
It can provide a meal or groceries for a hungry, elderly patient whose nutrition is of the utmost importance in fighting cancer.

We look forward to our continued alliance with The Kathleen M. Rotz Lung Cancer Research Fund to help as many patients as possible. Thank you again, and we greatly appreciate your continued kindness and generous support.

Sincerely,
Kayla Hilliard, MSW, LSW
Penn Medicine
Abramson Cancer Center
CUPP Building, 1st floor