Ontario, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/11/2017 -- Rhonda Santifer started her Los Angeles-based non-profit organization for people who were in treatment for cancer. She wanted to provide home health care nurses and fill other needs that health insurance did not cover. "Some people can't drive and need a ride back and forth to the doctor. A taxi can be expensive. I wanted to make sure people were getting to their follow up appointments." says Santifer. Lately, she has found patients with a new problem: The ability to pay their co-pays and premiums even when they are covered with health insurance.

When a working person with health insurance goes into treatment for cancer, that person can be off work anywhere from six weeks to six months or more. They are not getting their regular paychecks and money begins to run low. Then some have to make adjustments to their budgets. Often forgoing additional costly doctor's visits to make sure the family has food. "Some medicines cost $300 for just ten pills. Some of the patients just don't have it. These drugs make it possible to recover quickly. "Says Santifer. She started a crowdfunding project at http://www.celebratelifefundraiser.com to help those in need.

This money is going for medicine, co-pays and in some cases premiums so that people can continue treatment and get well. All the patients have been vetted through Celebrate Life Cancer Ministry. Santifer knows exactly who is in need and how the money will be used. The crowdfunding project has been well received by the community, and she has a stretch goal of $4,500.

The campaign ends on May 14th, 2017. Rhonda Santifer considers it a success already. "People have been so supportive; I just want to help as many people as I can.