NAVIGATING FERTILITY PRESERVATION FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE DURING CANCER

A cancer diagnosis during the reproductive years brings forth numerous challenges, one of which is the potential impact on fertility. Fertility preservation options—such as sperm banking, egg or embryo freezing, and ovarian tissue preservation—offer hope for future parenthood. However, these procedures can be both costly and time-sensitive, and are often not covered by insurance. Fortunately, several financial assistance programs exist to help ease this burden. Yet, it's essential to understand both the benefits and limitations of these programs, as shared by patients who have navigated them. Before committing to any program, readers are strongly encouraged to thoroughly investigate eligibility requirements, timing, and out-of-pocket costs to ensure the support offered aligns with their clinical and financial needs.

Understanding the Costs of Fertility Preservation

Before exploring assistance programs, it's crucial to grasp the typical costs associated with fertility preservation:

Sperm banking: $1,000–$2,000 for initial collection and testing; $300–$800 annually for storage.
Egg freezing: $8,000–$15,000 per cycle, plus $500–$1,000 per year for storage.
Embryo freezing: $12,000–$20,000 per cycle.
Ovarian/testicular tissue preservation: $5,000–$15,000.
Fertility medications: $2,000–$5,000 per cycle.

These costs can be prohibitive, especially when treatment must commence promptly. Financial assistance programs can provide crucial support, but understanding their scope and limitations is vital.

Financial Assistance Programs: Benefits and Patient-Reported Challenges

1. Livestrong Fertility

Website: www.livestrong.org/fertility
Phone: 855-844-7777

Overview: Livestrong Fertility partners with clinics and sperm banks to offer discounted or donated services for sperm, egg, and embryo preservation. They also assist with fertility medications through pharmaceutical partnerships.

Patient Feedback:

Positive: Many patients appreciate the reduced costs and the network of participating clinics.
Challenges: Some patients report difficulties with the application process and limited availability of participating clinics in certain regions. Additionally, the program may not cover all associated costs, leading to unexpected expenses.

Considerations: Patients should verify the availability of partner clinics in their area and clarify which services and costs are covered. Early application is recommended to accommodate processing times.

2. The Samfund (via Expect Miracles Foundation)

Website: www.thesamfund.org
Email: info@expectmiraclesfoundation.org

Overview: The Samfund provides grants up to $4,000 to young adult cancer survivors for various needs, including fertility-related expenses post-treatment.

Patient Feedback:

Positive: Recipients value the financial support during the challenging post-treatment phase.
Challenges: The application process is competitive, and not all applicants receive funding. Some patients find the eligibility criteria restrictive, particularly the requirement to be at least one year post-treatment.

Considerations: Applicants should prepare comprehensive applications and explore additional funding sources due to the competitive nature of the grants.

3. Heart Beat Program (EMD Serono)

Website: www.fertilitylifelines.com
Phone: 1-866-538-7879

Overview: This program offers free fertility medications to eligible women diagnosed with cancer, aiming to reduce the financial burden of fertility preservation.

Patient Feedback:

Positive: Patients commend the program for significantly lowering medication costs.
Challenges: Some patients experience delays in receiving medications, which can be critical given the time-sensitive nature of fertility preservation. Additionally, the program is limited to women, excluding male patients from this assistance.

Considerations: Early application is crucial to ensure timely receipt of medications. Male patients should seek alternative resources for medication assistance.

4. Team Maggie’s Dream

Website: www.teammaggiesdream.org
Email: info@teammaggiesdream.org

Overview: Team Maggie’s Dream provides grants up to $2,500 to young men and women diagnosed with cancer, assisting with fertility preservation procedures and storage fees.

Patient Feedback:

Positive: Beneficiaries appreciate the financial support and the organization's focus on young adults.
Challenges: Some applicants report limited funding availability and the need for detailed documentation, which can be burdensome during treatment planning.

Considerations: Applicants should prepare necessary documentation in advance and apply promptly due to limited funding cycles.

5. Oncofertility Consortium

Website: www.oncofertility.northwestern.edu

Overview:
The Oncofertility Consortium, based at Northwestern University, serves as a national and international resource connecting patients with fertility clinics that offer fertility preservation services. They provide extensive educational materials, patient navigation services, and a referral network that includes centers offering discounted services for cancer patients.

Patient Feedback:

Positive:
Many users praise the site’s role in educating patients and guiding them toward appropriate care. Several patients said it was the only place they found reliable information quickly after diagnosis. Healthcare providers also report using the site as a trusted referral source.
Challenges:
The Consortium does not directly provide financial assistance. Some patients express frustration that while the information is helpful, referrals may lead to facilities with costs still beyond their means or with limited availability of discounted care. Others noted a lack of transparency about which centers offer meaningful discounts.

Considerations:
Use the site as a navigation tool but always confirm costs, discounts, and eligibility directly with the referral centers. If time is short, reach out to their patient navigators, who can help expedite the process.

Quick Reference: Side-by-Side Program Summary

Program	Max Support	Focus	Notable Limitations
Livestrong	Varies	Men & women pre-treatment	Limited to partner clinics
Samfund	$4,000	Survivors post-treatment	Only 2 cycles per year
Heart Beat	Full meds	Women only, pre-treatment	Not for men; occasional delays
Team Maggie	$2,500	Ages 15–37, all genders	Small budget, high documentation
Oncofertility	Referrals only	All genders	No direct funding

Advice on Seeking Support from Family, Friends, and the Community

Many patients hesitate to ask loved ones for financial help due to concerns about privacy, pride, or a desire not to burden others. But help can be given—and accepted—respectfully and discreetly.

Practical Tips for Preserving Privacy While Raising Funds:

Create a private crowdfunding campaign:
Use platforms like GoFundMe, Fundly, or GiveSendGo with restricted sharing settings. Use initials or pseudonyms and limit updates to invite-only supporters.
Enlist a trusted friend to manage communication:
Let someone else handle fundraising, updates, or coordination so you can focus on treatment and care.
Present the ask broadly:
Phrases like “help with urgent medical costs” or “supporting long-term family planning” can help avoid the need to disclose intimate details.
Religious or community groups:
Ask for general donations or organize events such as community dinners or raffles with a friend or family member coordinating on your behalf.

What If It’s Too Late to Bank Sperm, Eggs, or Embryos?

If you or your loved one already completed cancer treatment without preserving fertility, options still exist—but assistance can be harder to find.

Options for Post-Treatment Support:

1. The Samfund

Provides financial grants for post-treatment fertility procedures including IVF, donor egg/sperm use, and adoption.

2. Baby Quest Foundation

Website: www.babyquestfoundation.org
Provides grants to individuals and couples struggling with infertility, including cancer survivors. Awards range from $2,000 to $15,000.

3. Clinic-Specific Survivor Discounts

Some fertility clinics offer special pricing for cancer survivors—even years after treatment. Ask if they participate in programs like Livestrong’s IVF Discount Network or offer in-house grants.

4. Employer or State-Based Infertility Mandates

Check if your employer-provided insurance includes infertility treatment. Some cancer survivors have successfully advocated for post-treatment coverage as a medical necessity.

Urgency Is Key: What Providers and Families Can Do

For Healthcare Providers:

Act fast. Refer patients to financial support programs during or immediately after the initial cancer consult.
Assign a nurse navigator. Designate a staff member to help patients complete applications and schedule preservation procedures.
Use standard referral templates. Many organizations require a physician letter to validate diagnosis. Have one ready for immediate use.

For Patients and Families:

Be proactive. Ask about fertility preservation early—even if your doctor doesn’t bring it up.
Get a written timeline. Ask your oncology team when treatment starts and how long you realistically have to complete preservation.
Contact multiple programs. Apply to more than one resource simultaneously. Combining grants and discounts is common and often necessary.

Final Thoughts: You Deserve a Chance at a Future Family

Preserving your fertility is an important part of survivorship. With short timelines and high costs, it may feel overwhelming—but there are resources that can help. Whether you’re just starting your journey or seeking options years after treatment, knowing where to turn and what to expect makes a difference.

These financial assistance programs may not cover everything, and challenges are real—but for many patients, they’ve opened a door to future parenthood.

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, don’t wait. Talk to your doctor. Ask about fertility. And reach out to these organizations. Hope starts with one question—and one step.