Press Release
2016-07-26
CancerCare® Receives Grant from The Tutu Project for the Carey Foundation to Provide Financial Assistance to People Facing Breast Cancer
NEW YORK (July 26, 2016) — CancerCare®, the leading national nonprofit organization providing free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer, is pleased to announce the availability of financial assistance for women with breast cancer thanks to a generous contribution from The Tutu Project™ for the Carey Foundation. The Tutu Project raises funds with support from major donors such as Bloomingdale’s, as well as from corporations and individuals. Eligible individuals may receive assistance for cancer-related expenses including transportation to and from treatment, home care, and child care.
“Cancer has a tremendous financial impact on patients and their families not only in terms of treatment costs, but also the practical costs that add up quickly,” shares CancerCare Chief Executive Officer Patricia J. Goldsmith. “Thanks to The Tutu Project for the Carey Foundation, our organization will be able to help more women across the country access financial assistance as they cope with the challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis.”
“The Tutu Project” was created by professional photographer Bob Carey, who took a self-portrait wearing only a pink tutu after he and his wife Linda moved to New York in 2003. Eight months later, Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer, reminding Bob that laughter can be the best medicine. The tutu returned, and Bob photographed himself wearing it in unlikely places–subway stations, amusement parks, beaches, parking lots– lifting the spirits of Linda and her fellow patients.
The work, now referred to as “The Tutu Project,” went viral in 2012. The overwhelmingly positive reaction inspired Bob and Linda to self-publish a book of the images entitled “Ballerina” and create the Carey Foundation, a nonprofit foundation supporting women, men and their families during their journey with breast cancer.
For more information or to apply for assistance, patients and health care professionals can visit www.cancercare.org, or call 800-813-HOPE (4673). CancerCare’s oncology social workers are available Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. For a complete list of CancerCare’s eligibility requirements and financial assistance programs, visit www.cancercare.org/financial.
About CancerCare®
Founded in 1944, CancerCare is the leading national organization providing free, professional support services and information to help people manage the emotional, practical and financial challenges of cancer. Our comprehensive services include counseling and support groups over the phone, online and in-person, educational workshops, publications and financial and co-payment assistance. All CancerCare services are provided by oncology social workers and world-leading cancer experts. Headquartered in New York, NY, CancerCare maintains three additional locations in Norwalk, CT, Ridgewood, NJ and Syosset, NY.
To learn more, visit www.cancercare.org or call 800-813-HOPE (4673).
About The Tutu Project™ for the Carey Foundation
Bob Carey is the photographer and subject of “The Tutu Project.” This series of stunning self-portraits of Bob in a tutu was originally launched to cheer up his wife, Linda, after she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and later went viral. It inspired Bob and Linda to self-publish a book, with the mission to use the power of humor to help cancer survivors. Proceeds from the sale of The Tutu Project related products are donated to their non-profit for families with breast cancer, the Carey Foundation.
About the Carey Foundation
The Carey Foundation’s mission is to provide financial support to women diagnosed with breast cancer, survivors, and their family members. Funds raised with the support of The Tutu Project, individual and corporate donations are provided directly to organizations that offer assistance with cancer-related costs like transportation to treatment, home care, childcare and medical supplies. The Carey Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.