There are almost always hidden costs and challenges associated with a pediatric cancer diagnosis that may not be apparent from the outside looking in. One parent often stops working to help facilitate treatment and an income is instantly gone or wanes. Bills pile up quickly; nearly half of families facing pediatric cancer end up filing for medical bankruptcy.
Average out-of-pocket expense is $35,000 over the course of the pediatric cancer treatment.
Average cost is $9 per day. One local family that had to stay in the hospital for 300+ days totaled over $2,700 in just parking expenses.
The families of pediatric cancer patients often don’t have the luxury of enjoying a home-cooked meal, and must make use of hospital cafeterias or restaurants during their stay.
Cancer treatments can often weaken the immune system in patients, requiring parents to take special precautions and undergo additional expense to make their home safe for their child.
Mortgage payments, utility payments, and rent payments don’t stop because of a cancer diagnosis, and can become overwhelming when coupled with out-of-pocket expenses and loss of income.
30-50% of families will report one parent leaving the workforce due to a pediatric cancer diagnosis. Income loss due to work disruption and additional expenses is greater than 40% of after-tax income.
Average cost of a child’s funeral ranges between $6,000-$8,000.
15% of families will fall from above to below the poverty line due to treatment-related financial burden. Data suggests that financial burden lasts well beyond the end of treatment.
The P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative is a public charity that relies entirely on individual donations and sponsorships to provide critical support and programs for WNY families facing a pediatric cancer diagnosis.
