Most people aren’t aware that medical expenses are the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in America. Even with health insurance, deductibles and other unexpected expenses are an unnecessary burden that far too many families struggle with along with their cancer diagnosis.  

Debt is Toxic Too - Preventing Financial Toxicity and Helping Families Avoid Bankruptcy with Amy Rowley of The Mayday Foundation

Amy Rowley started The Mayday Foundation, right after she finished active treatment for breast cancer. She realized that while she had the support of family and friends and could afford her health insurance deductibles, many families aren’t as fortunate.

Since 2018, the The Mayday Foundation has help almost 60 families in the South Puget Sound Region. The Mayday Foundation works with medical social workers in Aberdeen, Centralia, Lacey, and Olympia Washington to identify families, most of which have never asked for help before. The Mayday Foundation steps in to provide financial support for non-medical expenses like rent, utilities, groceries, transportation costs, and other household expenses.

On the podcast, Amy shared how to prepare yourself in case of a medical emergency.

1. Know your individual and family deductible

2. See if you have access to health savings account and contribute the max amount you can

   • Some have investment opportunities associated with them

3. Save enough to cover your deductible(s)

Amy also shared some helpful ways to help those who are going through cancer treatment or struggling through a hard time. She shared that while it is individual to the person it can be helpful to

• Ask specific questions or offerings of help, like “can I pick up the kids from school” or “can I grab something for you at Costco,” etc.

• If you’re bringing food, making sure it’s something the family will eat and bring it in disposable containers

• Continue to connect and provide support as time goes on. They need support longer than just after a diagnosis

• Meal delivery services like Hello Fresh or Blue Apron are helpful especially when GrubHub or Uber Eats don’t deliver to an area

You can find more information about The Mayday Foundation on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or on their website.