July 01, 2026
“Cancer consumes your whole life. Every bit of it, every day.”
That’s how Doug describes this past year he spent fighting a rare breast cancer diagnosis — male breast cancer represents only about 1% of all breast cancer cases — while also losing his job, his medical insurance, and even his Social Security benefits to a paperwork error. At 63, living on his own, he found himself with zero income in the middle of chemotherapy.
Then BridgeWell Foundation stepped in. Because donors like you chose to build a bridge, Doug received direct financial assistance that covered:
- Rent
- Utility Bills
- Cell Phone Bill
- Stability during treatment
In his words: “I didn’t have to worry about how I was going to pay my bills. I could focus on my recovery.” That’s the whole point. When illness strips away a paycheck, a bridge is what lets someone keep fighting instead of also fighting to keep the lights on.
Today, more Northern Colorado families are facing that same crossroads. Since late 2024, applications to BridgeWell’s Patient Assistance Fund have surged by more than 1,000%, and demand has not slowed. Each approved application provides up to $1,000 in direct relief for a neighbor facing a serious health crisis: support that can help keep the lights on, preserve housing, cover basic needs, and allow a patient or family to keep moving forward.
The need is now growing faster than the available dollars. That is why we have set two urgent goals by August 1:
- Raise $50,000 to help 50 Northern Colorado families.
- Welcome 15 new monthly donors who will provide steady support long after this appeal ends.
This year, Independence Day also marks America’s 250th anniversary. We can think of no better way to honor that milestone than by helping our neighbors maintain their dignity, stability, and hope when illness threatens everything.
A gift of $1,000 can fully fund one approved application today. But a monthly gift — even $20 or $30 a month — is what lets BridgeWell say “yes” the next time a family calls, and the time after that, without waiting for the next appeal. One-time gifts meet today’s need; monthly gifts make sure we’re ready for whoever calls tomorrow.
Doug needed someone to show up for him so he could focus on healing instead of surviving. Right now, families across Northern Colorado need the same thing. Will you be the bridge? Give today!
Because of you, families like Doug’s don’t have to chose between healing and keeping a roof over their head.
Thank you for helping us build bridges to hope.
With gratitude,
Nate Lamkin
Executive Director