When someone hears the words, “You have cancer,” their world changes instantly. While much attention is given to medical treatments, appointments, and recovery, another reality often unfolds quietly in the background: the financial burden that comes with fighting the disease.
For many patients, cancer doesn’t just threaten their health; it threatens their ability to pay rent, keep the lights on, or provide for their families. Cancer of Many Colors, a Lexington-based nonprofit organization, was created to address overlooked financial needs by providing support to local cancer patients experiencing financial hardship during active treatment.
Founded in 2014 by Paulette Criscione, Cancer of Many Colors plays a critical, much-needed role in the community by providing financial assistance for those fighting cancer. The assistance spans essential living expenses, including rent, mortgage payments, utilities, and other basic household bills. The heart and mission of this organization are dear to Criscione, who is a two-time cancer survivor herself, having faced both breast and lung cancer. During her own journey, she witnessed firsthand how quickly financial challenges can become overwhelming when treatment makes it impossible to continue working.
Her family’s experiences made this calling even more personal. She lost her father to breast cancer and two brothers to leukemia and bile duct cancer. Through those losses and conversations with countless patients from every walk of life, one common thread emerged: the fear of not only fighting cancer but also falling behind on life’s basic necessities. Rather than focusing on research or funding a cure, Cancer of Many Colors focuses on helping patients remain financially stable so they can continue receiving treatment without the increased stress of wondering how they will keep a roof over their heads.
The organization’s name is very special to her as well. She said, “The name Cancer of Many Colors has a deeply personal meaning. In my immediate family, we have been affected by five different types of cancer, and each colored ribbon represents one of those cancers. Through those experiences, I came to realize that while cancer has many names and many colors, it does not discriminate. It affects people of every age, race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic background.”
Cancer of Many Colors works closely with hospitals, cancer centers, oncology social workers, nurse navigators, and physicians throughout the community. Rather than patients applying on their own, referrals come directly from members of their healthcare team. These medical professionals verify that the individual is actively receiving cancer treatment and has a financial need. Once approved, the organization pays the approved expenses directly to the service provider who filed the application. This form of payment handling ensures funds are used for their intended purpose while allowing patients to concentrate on their treatment and recovery.
Although Criscione serves as Founder and CEO, she describes the work as far more than a job and more of a personal calling. Much of her time is devoted to building relationships with hospitals, physicians, social workers, donors, sponsors, foundations, and community partners to make sure resources are available whenever patients need assistance.
Cancer of Many Colors is powered by a Board of Directors and many dedicated volunteers who help carry out the mission through fundraising, community outreach, events, and organizational support. By keeping administrative costs low, Cancer of Many Colors strives to ensure that the greatest possible percentage of every donated dollar goes directly toward assisting local cancer patients. The mission is sustained by an entire community working together. Donors, sponsors, healthcare providers, volunteers, businesses, foundations, churches, civic organizations, and schools all play an important role in making assistance available when it is needed most.
One particularly meaningful partnership has developed with Lexington One Students in Action. “These remarkable students created the Linking Lexington event, which continues to grow each year and now includes participation from many schools throughout the district. We are incredibly proud of these students and their commitment to raising funds and awareness to help local cancer patients with essential living expenses while they are in treatment,” said Criscione.
She shared that she has so many amazing memories, but what stands out most is when patients get in touch to say thanks. Hearing their overwhelming relief when they have been given financial help to keep their home or their lights on is very impactful. The financial assistance given through Cancer of Many Colors allows families to breathe a little easier during one of the most difficult seasons of their lives. “Moments like these remind me why I started this organization,” said Criscione. “It’s not just about paying a bill—it’s about giving someone hope, dignity, and peace of mind during one of the most difficult times of their life.”
Criscione continued, “Every act of kindness—whether it’s volunteering, donating, or simply sharing our mission—has the power to change someone’s life. Together, we can ensure that no one faces cancer alone.”
Community participation remains vital to the future of Cancer of Many Colors. For more information on how to get involved, visit their website.