Get in the Game Fundraiser to Benefit Caring for Cancer Caregivers

Phoenix Non-Profit Offers Economic Assistance to Forgotten Group

The Arizona Department of Health Services estimates that tens of thousands of households struggle under the emotional, physical and financial weight of extensive cancer treatment. Cancer care takes over lives, making existence a revolving door of doctor visits and chemotherapy.

The financial burden is also draining, with unreimbursed medical expenses piling up along with the cost of missed work to support a spouse during treatment. A spouse’s care makes a difference in the outcome. Studies indicate that the presence of an emotionally supportive partner improves a patient’s chance of recovery.

Today, spousal cancer caregivers have an even heavier burden with the escalating cost of cancer care and shrinking opportunities for economic relief. You can help by getting in the game of helping cancer caregivers during this difficult time.

The Giving Gap
Charitable organizations exist to fund cancer research and provide medical assistance to patients. Few organizations are designed to ease the burden of caregivers. The Michael T. Flynn Foundation (MTFF), a 501c3 non-profit was founded in 2008 to help ease a caregiver’s pain.

MTFF provides financial assistance to caregivers in the greater Phoenix area whose life-partners are battling cancer. These funds are provided to pay for past-due utility bills, mortgages and rents.

Get in the Game
Attend the “Get in the Game” fundraiser to benefit MTFF and spousal cancer caregivers at the Upper Deck Sports Bar and Restaurant on April 24 in Scottsdale. The ticket price of $25 will go to qualified caregivers who need assistance to pay for utility bills, mortgages or taxes, with payments being paid directly to the utility or mortgage company.

The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. and feature live music, appetizers, raffles, and table and computer games. Purchase tickets at www.teamflynndog.org/Events.htm.

Upper Deck Sports Grill
4224 N Craftsman Court, Scottsdale
(480) 941-9333
Tickets: $25 advanced/$30 at the door

About Michael T. Flynn Foundation
Diane Flynn founded the organization to honor the memory of her late husband, Michael T. Flynn, who lost his battle with cancer in 2006. Shortly after their wedding in 2004, Michael received a diagnosis of cancer. During the two short years of their marriage, Michael and Diane battled cancer together.

During these extraordinary years, Diane realized how lucky they were that she had an understanding employer and the couple was financially sound. There were no worries about foreclosure or job losses. She was also aware that there were limited charitable resources to assist caregivers.

Following Michael’s 2006 death, Diane was determined to found an organization to fill the gap in charitable resources for spousal cancer caregivers. “I was helpless and alone. When a couple deals with cancer, sometimes it is a bump in the road” she said.  ”"Sometimes it becomes the road. We want the Michael T. Flynn Foundation to help cancer caregivers and their partners walk an easier road during treatment.”

Diane, along with a board of directors comprised of Valley professionals, founded the Michael T. Flynn Foundation in July 2008.

The MTFF board, volunteers, sponsors and donors are part of TeamFlynndog, named for Michael’s passion for sports. Participants of TeamFlynndog are committed to a team approach to supporting spousal cancer caregivers.

The Michael T. Flynn Foundation provides a sense of peace and ease to spousal cancer caregivers-please help by getting in the game and becoming a part of TeamFlynndog, today.

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