A pair of local organizations that fight cancer, Ulman Foundation and Keep Punching, recently announced a partnership to support individuals and families impacted by brain cancers.
With funding from the Baltimore-based Charles T. Bauer Charitable Foundation, the collaboration will fund a full-time patient navigator for brain cancers, who will collaborate with Johns Hopkins Hospital and other institutions that treat patients impacted by brain cancers.
A patient navigator is a trained professional who works one-on-one with patients to remove barriers to care, streamline communication with medical teams, and connect individuals with social, emotional and practical support. They provide continuity and compassion at every step of a patient’s cancer journey, from diagnosis to survivorship or end-of-life care.
This new position will provide essential, personalized support to help patients and their families manage the emotional, logistical and financial challenges often accompanying a diagnosis.
“This initiative is a major step forward for the brain cancer community,” said Beth Fisher, co-founder of Keep Punching. “It reflects our shared commitment to not just fighting this disease but lifting up every person and family impacted by it.”
The navigator will also serve as a conduit to the comprehensive support networks offered by Ulman and Keep Punching, ensuring that no patient faces their diagnosis alone.
“We are incredibly honored to partner with the Keep Punching and have support from the Charles T. Bauer Charitable Foundation to launch this vital role,” said Kimberly Weiner, Ulman’s chief impact officer. “This Patient Navigator will expand our ability to meet the urgent needs of brain cancer patients and their families — offering hope, connection and real, tangible support during one of the most difficult times in their lives.”
The announcement comes shortly before the arrival of May, which in 2008 was designated in the U.S. as “Brain Cancer Awareness Month,” a time to spotlight the challenges faced by those living with brain cancer and to amplify efforts that bring support, resources and hope to affected individuals and families.
For information about Ulman Foundation, visit ulmanfoundation.org/.
For information about Keep Punching, visit keeppunching.org.
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