John Anagnost lost his first wife to cancer. In gratitude for the care that she received at Bassett Medical Center’s Cancer Institute, he wanted to create a fund to help other patients. When he explored this option, he found that a similar fund already existed: the Bob Simon Fund. The Anagnost and Simon families combined resources to create the Bob Simon-Loretta Anagnost Patient Assistance Fund.
This fund honors both Mr. Simon and Mrs. Anagnost. It exists to help patients diagnosed with cancer who find themselves in financially challenging circumstances. A cancer diagnosis is daunting for anyone, but can be particularly frightening for patients who have few financial resources, as treatment can involve expensive medications, radiation therapy, and surgeries.
Today Rita Emanuel, John’s second wife, is his partner in philanthropy. Together they support the efforts of providers at the cancer institute and—most importantly—the healing of patients who pass through the doors there.
One woman in her early forties recently moved to the Cooperstown area from Pennsylvania and came to the cancer center for treatment, suffering from metastatic lung cancer. Because of her move, she had to wait a month to get health insurance, but needed medication during that month to continue with her treatment.
Counselors at the cancer center helped this patient to obtain health insurance, but she had to wait a month before it went into effect. Assistance from the Loretta Anagnost Fund helped this patient continue her treatments and continue to receive medications during the month when she had no insurance. Without assistance from the fund, this patient would not have been able to afford these life-sustaining medications.
She is deeply grateful for the assistance she received from the fund. Many other patients have also been helped.
You can help too, by sending a donation to the Friends of Bassett, 1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Let us know you want to support the Bob Simon-Loretta Anagnost Patient Assistance Fund. Thank you!
