A cancer diagnosis quickly impacts every aspect of a patient’s life. From financial strain to emotional stress, the road ahead can be overwhelming. That’s why United Way Impact 100 partner Cancer Action, Inc. is committed to ensuring that no one faces the disease alone.
For more than 65 years, Cancer Action has been a trusted local nonprofit providing care and compassion to families across the Kansas City metro area. With offices in both Kansas and Missouri, the organization meets the physical, financial, emotional, and social needs of individuals battling cancer and their caregivers.
at Cancer Action, Inc.
“Our aim is to reduce the distress and improve the well-being of patients through every step of their cancer journey,” Karla Nichols, Executive Director at Cancer Action shared. “We offer vital support to meet the unique and personal needs of each person, so no one faces the challenge of cancer alone.”
Cancer is an expensive disease that often stretches individuals beyond their financial limits. Cancer Action steps in to fill those gaps—offering practical resources, financial assistance, education, and emotional support to help patients focus on what matters most: healing.
“Cancer Action works to meet as many needs as possible—knowing the services we provide are often the difference in cancer patients getting the care they need, having the best chance for recovery,” Nichols said.
Last year alone, Cancer Action provided support to more than 1,100 cancer patients throughout the Kansas City region, offering resources like nutritional supplements, wigs, medical equipment and more, along with financial assistance for costs such as cancer-related medications, gas cards to get to treatment, professionally fitted breast prostheses, and lymphoma sleeves for women.
Along with these resources, the organization provides one-on-one education and emotional support through personalized case management. Many services are coordinated directly with social workers or by phone, reducing transportation barriers and getting help to clients quickly.
Any cancer patient within Wyandotte and Johnson Counties in Kansas or Jackson, Clay, Platte and Cass Counties in Missouri is eligible to receive services from Cancer Action. The organization serves individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and income levels, with a special focus on supporting those who are uninsured, underinsured, or facing financial hardship.
“It is important to provide a network of care when families are struggling, and Cancer Action is a part of that network of care in Kansas City,” Nichols shared.
Every contribution made toward Cancer Action’s life-changing work stays local— supporting neighbors, friends, and families right here in the metro. Financial support is critical for the organization to provide life-sustaining services to cancer patients throughout our community.
“We are neighbors helping neighbors through one of the most difficult life experiences a person may ever face,” Nichols said. “We are grateful for every dollar we receive, using it to make an impact for those on a difficult, and often uncertain, journey.”
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, as well as all year-round, Cancer Action reminds the community of four key messages:
- Early detection saves lives—get your mammogram. If you are uninsured, there are programs that can financially assist you.
- Know what is normal for you—talk to your doctor about any changes you notice in your breasts.
- Make healthy lifestyle choices that can reduce your risk for getting breast cancer.
- If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, there is support available. Make sure you reach out to get the help you need during your journey.
For 65 years, Cancer Action has been a steadfast source of hope for Kansas City families navigating the challenges of cancer. United Way is proud to partner with an organization making a critical difference in the health of our community. To learn more about Cancer Action or how you can get involved with its mission, visit here.