Financial Assistance for Families of Children with Cancer

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, families face far more than medical challenges. Lost income, travel expenses, meals away from home, parking, and household bills can quickly become overwhelming. Liv Like a Unicorn Foundation helps ease that burden through financial assistance for eligible families in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Our program helps cover essential expenses such as rent, mortgage payments, utilities, transportation, groceries, and other household needs so parents can focus on caring for their child instead of worrying about how to pay the bills.

Applications are reviewed monthly by our Board of Directors based on financial need and available funding.

THE FINANCIAL IMPACT OF PEDIATRIC CANCER ON FAMILIES

1 IN 4

families report losing more than 40% of their income as a result of treatment-related work disruption.

1 IN 3

families face other work disruptions like having to quit or change jobs.

1 IN 5

children who receive a new diagnosis of childhood cancer are already living in poverty.

$833K

is the average cost associated with childhood cancer.

Who Can Apply?

If you meet the eligibility requirements below, complete the application form. Our team reviews every application with compassion and confidentiality.

* Children under 18 * Diagnosed with Cancer * Residents of NJ, NY, or PA

*Applications accepted once per calendar year

Apply for Financial Assistance

Applications are reviewed on a continuous basis. Financial assistance is awarded based on demonstrated financial need, supporting documentation, and available funding. When possible, our goal is to provide ongoing support rather than a single month of assistance. The amount and duration of assistance vary based on each family’s circumstances and the funds available.

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

*You and your child will not be discriminated against or denied assistance because of your age, religion, color, gender, or political affiliation. Liv Like A Unicorn will rely on this information in relation to the charitable purposes for which it is recognized as a section 501c3 tax exempt organization.

From Liv’s Mom, Emma

As Liv’s mom, I know firsthand how quickly the financial burden of childhood cancer can become overwhelming. On November 6, 2019, my husband and I walked out of the hospital without our 8-year-old daughter. Before we even left the parking garage, we were met with a parking bill of nearly $3,000. That was just one of the many unexpected expenses we faced during Liv’s treatment. Between lost income, travel, meals away from home, and everyday household bills, the financial stress can be just as overwhelming as the diagnosis itself. That’s why we created the Liv Like a Unicorn Foundation Financial Assistance Program, to help ease that burden so families can focus on what matters most: caring for their child.

Our foundation is proud to offer our financial assistance program to qualifying families. If your family lives in New Jersey, New York, or Pennsylvania and is in need of financial assistance, please complete the form on this page. Applications must be completed in full, and will be processed in the order they are received.

From Giavanna’s Mom

“We are so lucky to have you guys, and it’s not just about the gifts and financial support. It’s about the love, care, and support you continue to pour into our family. Knowing we have Liv Like A Unicorn standing beside us during all this gives us strength and hope in ways words cannot capture.

You’ve been there for us time and time again, and we want you to know how much that means to us. The impact you’ve had on our lives goes far beyond and the reminder that we are never alone in this journey, and for that we are endlessly grateful.

From the bottom of our hearts thank you for all that you do. We truly feel like apart of the family, and we will never forget the love and kindness you have show.”

The Reiff Family from

New Jersey

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      Frequently Asked Questions

      How much financial assistance can I receive?

      Every family’s situation is different. The amount of assistance awarded is based on financial need, available funding, and the recommendations of our review committee.

      What expenses can financial assistance cover?

      Financial assistance may be used for essential expenses related to your child’s cancer diagnosis, including:

      • Rent or mortgage payments
      • Utilities
      • Transportation and gas
      • Medical bills
      • Groceries
      • Other essential household expenses

      Each request is reviewed individually to determine eligibility.

      Who receives the payment?

      To protect both our families and our donors, payments are made directly to creditors, landlords, mortgage companies, utility providers, or other approved vendors whenever possible. We do not typically issue payments directly to applicants.

      Can I apply more than once?

      Yes. Families may submit one application per calendar year. When funding allows, our goal is to provide support beyond a single month whenever possible. Ongoing assistance is based on financial need, available funding, and previous support received.

      How are applications reviewed?

      Applications are reviewed on a continuous basis by the Liv Like a Unicorn Foundation team and Board of Directors. Funding decisions are based on demonstrated financial need, supporting documentation, and the amount of funding available at the time of review.

      How long does it take to hear back?

      Applications are reviewed in the order they are received. While response times may vary depending on application volume and available funding, our team works to review each application as quickly as possible. If additional information is needed, we will contact you directly.