Allyson Whitney Foundation’s Life Interrupted Grants

The Allyson Whitney Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded to support young adults battling rare cancers, offers the "Life Interrupted Grants" as a core component of its mission. This initiative is rooted in the personal story and legacy of Ally, whose experience with rare cancer inspired the creation of a supportive and hopeful community for those facing similar diagnoses. The Foundation operates entirely through volunteers and aims to deliver direct financial support to underserved young adults during their treatment journey. The Life Interrupted Grants are designed specifically to help individuals aged 16 to 36 who have been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens and are considered on a case-by-case basis, particularly emphasizing cancers typically uncommon in young adults, including specific types of breast cancer. The program’s overarching goal is to provide not only financial aid but also a sense of hope and recognition to its recipients. Grants can cover a wide array of treatment and life-related costs, including but not limited to active treatment periods such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and long-term therapies. The grant covers up to ten months of related expenses and supports payments for residual medical bills, rent, utilities, car and health insurance premiums, IVF-related costs, integrative therapies, travel for treatment, and medical-grade hair pieces. Funds may be disbursed directly to patients, families, or applied to specific bills and expenses. To apply, a patient must be referred and request an application through an oncology social worker, doctor’s office, or patient navigator. The initial page of the application must be completed by the facility, while the patient is responsible for the remaining sections. Each application undergoes thorough verification to ensure eligibility based on cancer rarity and treatment timing. Importantly, only one application per facility may be awarded per grant year, and if selected, applicants must provide new bills to confirm ongoing financial needs. For the 2025 grant cycle, the application request period opens on May 26 and closes on June 23. All applications must be submitted by June 30 to be considered. Applicants will be notified of the grant decision by August 22. The Foundation does not maintain a waitlist and encourages individuals to monitor their website or contact grants@allysonwhitney.org during the open application period for updates and instructions. The Allyson Whitney Foundation operates under a strict privacy and eligibility protocol, ensuring a fair and focused distribution of funds. Their contact addresses include PO Box 586, Rock Hill, NY 12775, and 12221 Towne Lake Drive A-158, Fort Myers, FL 33913. Email communication regarding the grants is managed via grants@allysonwhitney.org.