Through grant funding and commissioned research, Maine Cancer Foundation recently invested $700,000 in support of cancer patients’ access to care.

According to Maine Cancer Foundation, in a news release, the research – a transportation and lodging needs assessment – offers an increased understanding of services available to Maine patients and a roadmap to better support cancer patients in their access needs in the future. The 14 grant awards will provide transportation and lodging to cancer patients when they need it the most. 

Maine’s expansive geography, limited public transportation, and the costs associated with traveling to and from cancer treatments pose significant challenges for patients statewide. In especially rural areas, patients may need to travel for hours to a treatment center, and without a ride or a place to stay nearby, patients sometimes delay or forego necessary treatments. 

The grants, awarded in partnership with the John T. Gorman Foundation, support organizations across Maine helping people address these logistical and financial challenges. Projects will expand access to care through ride coordination, volunteer driver services, flight arrangements, mileage reimbursements, support for car repairs and insurance costs, lodging near treatment facilities, and innovative solutions to help Mainers reach their treatment. 

The needs assessment was developed in partnership with Maine-based evaluation firm Market Decisions Research and a statewide Task Force of partners working in transportation, lodging, and oncology fields. The assessment highlights the need for coordinated, patient-centered solutions that make transportation and lodging reliable, comfortable, and equitable for all Mainers receiving cancer care.

“There are dedicated transportation and lodging programs helping Maine cancer patients get to their care every day,” said Ray Ruby, MCF’s Executive Director. “But many of these partners face decreased funding and limited capacity.” 

The report details recommendations for moving forward, including increased financial investments, improving volunteer driver networks throughout the state, enhancing communication among transportation providers and the medical community, improved data-sharing and mapping resources, and enhanced coordination of services. 

MCF’s longstanding investment in this area over the last decade totals over $4.5M, and the organization plans to continue supporting these critical efforts in improving outcomes for Maine cancer patients.

“MCF will continue to support the immediate needs of cancer patients and their caregivers, by removing barriers and providing rides to care, or overnight stays near treatment centers,” said Ruby. “But we are also committed to investing in the long game – by partnering with others to improve transportation systems across the state, so Mainers have better access and don’t have to make treatment decisions based on whether or not they have a ride to care.” 

MCF 2025 Transportation and Lodging Grant Recipients and Initiatives ($660,000 in grant awards over two years): 

Brians Ride Cancer Fund (Caribou), Ride to Treatment, $60,000

Dean Snell Cancer Foundation (Brunswick), Patient Transportation & Lodging Program, $60,000

Djiboutian American Community Empowerment Project (Lewiston): Cultural Bridge Cancer Transportation Project, $7,500

HEADstrong Foundation (Statewide): Nick’s House, Boston: Easing the Emotional and Financial Burden of For Maine Cancer Patients, $30,000

Hospitality Homes (Statewide): Medical Lodging and Transportation for Maine Cancer Patients Receiving Care in Boston, $60,000

Ifka Community Services (Lewiston): Family Support Program, $7,500

Indian Township Child & Family Services (Princeton): Motankomiquk Family Cancer Support Project, $15,000

ITNAmerica (Westbrook): Sponsored Rides for Cancer Treatment, Prevention and Screening, $60,000

MaineGeneral Medical Center (Augusta): Transportation and Lodging Assistance for Patients of the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care, $60,000

Northern Light - AR Gould Hospital (Presque Isle): RideLink, $60,000

Penquis C.A.P., Inc. (Bangor): Accessing Cancer Care, $60,000

The Boston House (Statewide): Free Housing for Children from Maine with Cancer, $60,000

Waldo Community Action Partners (Belfast): MidCoast Cancer Care Transportation Network, $60,000

York Hospital (York): Patient Transportation: Expanding Capacity for Cancer Care, $60,000 

In 2025, MCF has invested $2.5 million in grants to organizations across Maine. All funded programs support cancer prevention, early detection, and improved outcomes statewide. 

Maine Cancer Foundation leads a statewide effort to reduce the impact of cancer in Maine. We invest in the most promising and effective programs that advance cancer prevention, increase screening, and improve access to care for all Maine people. For more information, please visit www.mainecancer.org