Why are second opinions important?
Research shows the value of second opinions by sarcoma experts. A second opinion is when a patient seeks an evaluation from another physician to assess and make recommendations regarding a patient’s current diagnosis, treatment, and/or follow-up. This evaluation may be from a medical oncologist, pediatric oncologist, surgeon (surgical oncologist or orthopedic oncologist), radiation oncologist, and/or pathologist.
When sarcoma experts diagnose and treat sarcoma patients, they are more likely to achieve optimal health outcomes. To reduce barriers to accessing sarcoma experts, the Assistance Fund was created in honor of the Sarcoma Alliance’s Founder Suzanne Leider. During her years serving at the helm of the Alliance she saw firsthand how much better patients were doing when seen early by sarcoma experts at sarcoma centers.
How does it work?
Our Assistance Fund grants reimburse expenses related to travel, costs of the evaluation, and related expenses. As of January 27, 2021, the grant maximum is $1,000. Grants are to subsidize one consultation with a sarcoma expert and do not underwrite ongoing medical expenses subsequent to the second opinion.
Grants are awarded four times each year. Application deadlines are:
- March 15
- June 15
- September 15
- December 15
Grant funds are released the month following the application deadline.
Regulations require that we can send reimbursement grants only to addresses within the United States.
We are proud to share that we have given grants to people in every age group in almost every state and for every type of sarcoma.
Apply for a Grant
To complete the application, you will need to submit two forms:
1. The Patient Application
This form is where you will enter your requested reimbursement amount and upload files such as receipts and records of your travel and consultation.
2. The Physician Confirmation
This form has a signature area that can be signed by the physician on your device during your consultation. Alternatively, you can send the link (sarcomaalliance.org/second-opinion-grant-physician-confirmation-form) to your physician’s office for them to complete and submit.
Prefer a printable version?
You can also apply for a grant using our printable application and submitting by mail or e-mail.
About the Sarcoma Alliance and our Founder Suzanne Leider:
The Sarcoma Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the needs of sarcoma cancer patients, the rare 1% of all diagnosed cancers, through charitable and philanthropic programs.
In 1999, Suzanne Leider established the Sarcoma Alliance’s mission in the living room of her home with the words “guidance, education, and support” in her head. As a sarcoma patient and healthcare provider, she understood the complexities and isolation people face when navigating sarcoma and the U.S. healthcare system. Four years passed after her own diagnosis before Suzanne finally met a fellow sarcoma survivor—Wendy Sommers. Deciding that this was too long to wait, Suzanne was determined to create a space where those touched by sarcoma could connect with one another and share resources. With the help of friends, family, and volunteers, the Sarcoma Alliance was born. Sadly, Suzanne passed from synovial sarcoma in 2002. The organization she established, however, continues to thrive and has helped thousands of people around the world navigate their sarcoma journey.
We are forever grateful for Suzanne’s vision and her continued legacy through the Hand in Hand Suzanne Renee Leider Memorial Assistance fund.
Learn More About Our Founders and Our Mission
Photo of our founder, Suzanne, and her friend, Marites, who is now a board member
From Previous Recipients:
”Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for blessing us so greatly with this grant money!!! We are so appreciative, and we look forward to being able to bless others walking through this journey after treatment.
”Thank you so much for the grant related to the second opinion consultation I received from the sarcoma specialist. I am very grateful that Suzanne Leider and your foundation made grants available for sarcoma patients seeking a second opinion. The consultation really helped in my decision regarding treatment options.
”I am forever thankful to the Sarcoma Alliance. Your referral for a Second Opinion Program is the greatest gift a sarcoma patient and their family can receive. For us it was a gift of life – pain free, quality life.
Thank You Assistance Fund Sponsors:
Contribute to the Memorial Assistance Fund
When you complete the form to donate, under Donation Designation, select “The Suzanne Renee Leider Memorial Assistance Fund.”
See More Financial Assistance Options
Need help with treatment or other areas?
See More Financial Assistance