Carson Advocates for Cancer Care received $150,000 in tobacco settlement money. The nonprofit organization spends about $15,000 monthly to support underinsured cancer patients in Northern Nevada.
Jon Coats, executive director of Advocates said money has been tight since the Sept. 11 attack and they are very thankful for the grant.
"It was a great day for us," he said. "This grant means we will be able to continue funding Northern Nevada patients in both urban and rural areas, for cancer care."
The only agency of its kind in Northern Nevada, Carson Advocates is a local organization of about 30 volunteers.
"We would also like to thank the community and volunteers, that help us keep this organization together," Coats said.
Medicare and Medicaid often won't cover medications associated with cancer and this organization helps fill in the gaps, Coats said.
"Federal funding can take 90 days or longer to kick in," Coats said. "By that time, it can be too late. If these patients don't get the necessary treatment, they won't live very long. This is crucial for them."
The organization now serves about 79 cancer patients in Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Elko, Eureka, Lander, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Pershing, Storey and White Pine counties.
Contact Susie Vasquez at svasquez@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.
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