Utah Cancer Financial Assistance | Needs Beyond Medicine

Needs Beyond Medicine is a nonprofit built on hope, empathy, and action—providing not just financial support, but a crucial bridge between clinical cancer treatment and the realities of daily living for adults across Utah. At every stage, their work reflects a fierce commitment to the dignity and stability of those facing cancer, blending practical assistance with personal connection and community empowerment.

Weaving Personal Experience Into a Community Lifeline

This organization’s story began in 2001, when healthcare providers and volunteers recognized that cancer’s impacts extend far beyond chemotherapy and hospital stays. For too many, the diagnosis sparks a crisis not just of health, but also of housing, transportation, nutrition, and other basic needs. Needs Beyond Medicine was formally established as a nonprofit in 2009 under the direction of Phil Brown, MBA. Phil’s journey to this work is shaped by the loss of his mother, Karen Brown, to ovarian cancer—a personal tragedy that connects the organization to every patient and family it serves.

The Relief Program: Meeting the True Costs of Cancer

The backbone of the organization is the Relief Program, which helps adults in active cancer treatment cover expenses that insurance doesn’t touch. Grants of up to $575 per year are available for groceries, rent, transportation, and utility bills—the essentials that often become impossible when income is lost and urgent medical appointments take precedence.

Recipients consistently share how much this direct support eases their worries and brings hope:

• “There are so many things that I have to deal with that it is so sweet, generous and kind of you to alleviate some of the struggles I face each day.”

• “Having cancer is both expensive and daunting, and coming from a rural community which requires extensive travel for care makes it even more so. There have been times when I have felt so alone and so far from help. Your gift is truly appreciated. Thanks for what you do to help all of us in our time of need.”

This practical, community-focused approach not only helps with bills; it restores agency and optimism, combating the isolation and anxiety many patients experience.

Extending Hope Through Education, Outreach, and Empowerment

Relief is just the beginning of the journey Needs Beyond Medicine walks with cancer patients and their families. The team deeply understands that sustainable impact comes from reaching not only those in the midst of treatment, but entire communities—equipping them with knowledge to recognize warnings, seek screenings, and make informed choices before a crisis emerges. Their education initiatives are a core pillar of their mission, with the organization regularly partnering with hospitals, universities, and community groups to deliver free seminars on early detection, cancer prevention, and recognizing symptoms. Every session is designed for accessibility: vital information arrives in the hands of the public through printed brochures and banners, in clinics and at community events, making a difference for individuals who may not have reliable internet access or who live far from urban centers.

Founder Phil Brown underscores the importance of tangible awareness efforts. “Printed materials play a vital role in our outreach and awareness efforts. While digital communication is prevalent, printed materials ensure that critical information is accessible to everyone.” This commitment reflects a broader ethos—meeting people where they are, removing barriers, and building relationships not just with patients, but with the caregivers, families, and neighbors who form their support system.

Honoring Legacy and Fostering New Leaders

As Needs Beyond Medicine grew, so did its capacity to nurture new leaders and professionals with a heart for service. The Karen Poulsen Brown Memorial Nursing Scholarship  is one way the organization channels its values into action for the next generation. Named in honor of Phil Brown’s mother, Karen, who faced ovarian cancer with grace and fortitude until 1996, this scholarship supports Utah nursing students with tuition and books, helping them pursue careers in nursing. Karen’s legacy lives on not just through her memory, but through the compassion and expertise fostered in every scholarship recipient—a ripple effect that strengthens the cancer care ecosystem for years to come.

Annual Celebration: canSURVIVE

The heart of the organization beats loudest each November during the annual canSURVIVE fundraiser, which is a public community event.  This unique event began in 2009, when photographer Chad Hurst proposed a portrait gallery stroll to showcase the stories of cancer survivors from Utah—and it has grown ever since into a moving celebration of triumph, connection, and hope. Every canSURVIVE attendee is invited to witness the resilience of survivors through powerful images and personal stories, each one distinctly meaningful and illuminating a journey of courage. For survivors, families, friends, and supporters, the evening becomes an opportunity not only to raise critical funds, but to join a community that shares their burdens and their victories. This annual tradition exemplifies how the organization centers human experience and authentic narratives at the heart of its fundraising and outreach model.

Survivor stories are core to the evening—each one showing that cancer is not just a medical event, but a deeply personal transformation. From the initial diagnosis all the way through ongoing life, survivors and their loved ones carry forward a spirit of gratitude and solidarity, drawing strength from others who have walked similar paths. The event also pays tribute to Karen Poulsen Brown, symbolizing the importance of remembering those lost and honoring those still fighting.

How to Join Their Effort

Needs Beyond Medicine’s invitation is open and ongoing: donors, volunteers, and partners are central to making support possible for every patient. Contributions fund grants, educational programs, and survivor support; volunteers step in to lead seminars, help at events, and advocate throughout the community. Individuals and organizations alike find meaningful ways to help—whether through direct involvement or spreading awareness—creating a culture of solidarity and empowerment.

At its heart, Needs Beyond Medicine is a testament to the power of focused, empathetic action. The organization stitches together relief, education, legacy, celebration, accountability, and vision—offering not just financial help, but a lifeline of comfort, resilience, and hope. Their work allows patients and families to focus on healing instead of hardship. Cancer may upend lives, but through collective support, advocacy, and generosity, Needs Beyond Medicine ensures dignity, possibility, and healing are always within reach.

More information and to make a donation visit: www.NeedsBeyondMedicine.org