Cancer Survivor Creates Fund That's Helped 118 People

When Dorothy Paredes was diagnosed with cancer at 26, she had a good job and health insurance, but still had to sell her car and move back in with her parents. "I was lucky. I had someplace to go," says the Jacksonville, Oregon resident.

Too many cancer patients aren't that fortunate. Even with insurance, the costs of taking time off work, plus expenses like reconstructive surgery or counseling, can destroy families financially.

After her third cancer diagnosis in 2014, Dorothy decided to change that reality for others. She told her husband she wanted to create something where she could see exactly where the money went and make sure it reached people who truly needed it.

The Atrium Foundation launched in 2021 with a simple mission: get money to cancer patients before financial crisis becomes financial catastrophe. The organization provides up to $1,000 for expenses other charities typically don't cover, like mortgage payments, living expenses, counseling, and alternative therapies.

Five years in, the numbers tell a powerful story. The Foundation has supported 118 people with more than $117,000 distributed. Every dollar donated goes directly to patients because the organization runs entirely on volunteers.

Dorothy knows from experience how cancer financial toxicity forces impossible decisions. Patients skip medications or treatment altogether. They cut back on meals and nutrition just to pay bills. These choices undermine their ability to fight the disease when they need every advantage.

"Our whole goal is getting money to people facing a financial crisis, ideally before they get to that point," Dorothy explains. The Foundation now aims to raise $50,000 annually to expand its reach.

Why This Inspires

The emotional impact goes beyond dollars. Dorothy describes calls with recipients where both are crying, connecting in a moment of shared understanding. "A lot of people are feeling alone in this situation, so it's another way we can connect," she says.

The Foundation welcomes the bittersweet nature of its work. "We'd love to not have this situation, but when we do help people, we really feel their joy," Dorothy reflects.

Those interested in supporting the Atrium Foundation can donate at atriumfoundation.org or reach out about sponsorships and fundraising events at support@atriumfoundation.org.