Transportation can be a big issue for patients receiving treatment for multiple myeloma. Sometimes that means jumping in your car and driving yourself, but it can also mean needing a ride because you feel too sick, or needing to to take two trains and a bus just to get to the clinic. 

Cancer Care has a Multiple Myeloma Transportation program to provide support that includes financial assistance to eligible individuals to pay for transportation-related costs such as gas, taxis, Uber or Lyft and public transportations in the New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut and Tri-State area. The financial assistance component of the program will continue until available funds are disbursed. 

To be eligible you need to: 

• Have a diagnosis of cancer confirmed by an oncology health care provider
• Be in active treatment for your cancer
• Live in the U.S. or Puerto Rico
• Meet the eligibility guidelines based on the Federal Poverty Limit

To apply for the program, call CancerCare's hopeline at 800-813-HOPE (4673), staffed Monday - Thursday from 10 am - 6 pm ET and Friday from 10 am - 5 pm ET. You will complete a brief interview. If you are eligible to apply, they will: 

• Mail/email you an individualized bar coded application
• Request documentation to verify your income. Acceptable proof of income:
  • The first two pages of signed income tax return (you may blacken out your social security number)
  • If you do not file a tax return, you may submit a copy of your most recent pay stub, unemployment check, or SSI, SSD, or public assistance benefit notification
  • If you do not have any income, provide a letter of support from friend or family member

Additional services include counseling and other emotional support services provided by oncology social workers.