The New Mexico Cancer Center Foundation was formed in 2002 by the physicians of New Mexico Oncology Hematology Consultants, Ltd. (NMOHC) to help cancer patients with unmet needs, and to provide patients and medical staff with accurate information about cancer.

The physicians of NMOHC working at New Mexico Cancer Center recognized that many of their patients’ needs are not met by insurance coverage. A diagnosis of cancer often means the loss of a job. Sometimes the spouse must also stop work in order to care for his or her loved one. This poses a significant hardship for cancer patients and their families. Insurance covers some of the medical expenses but co-pays and deductibles often take the family savings very quickly. The physicians of NMOHC have seen many patients having to choose between paying for rent, child care or food, or paying for medications. We have traditionally assisted patients with procuring free chemotherapy medications and other medicines, but we have not ever been able to do anything about their ongoing living expenses such as rent, utilities, child care or transportation.

For that reason, NMOHC physicians established the New Mexico Cancer Center Foundation as a 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to helping patients meet their other expenses. The Foundation's primary mission is to use the money donated to it to provide financial assistance for New Mexico Cancer Center patients. Funds granted by the Foundation are NOT used for medical expenses, insurance co-payments or account payments at New Mexico Cancer Center/New Mexico Oncology Hematology Consultants, Ltd.

The Foundation also has a secondary goal. Many patients facing cancer are desperate for information about the cancer and its treatment, yet it is difficult for them to find reliable information in an easy manner. The Foundation provides educational opportunities for patients, families, staff and friends about the various cancer diagnoses, and the problems that are encountered. The educational part of our Foundation is underway with patient-centered educational meetings.