Program helps cancer patients get to needed treatment off-island

“This program is basically very specific. We help cancer patients who have been diagnosed who are being referred off island for treatment,” said former Senator James Espaldon. 

Epaldon is with the Ayuda Foundation, sharing insight on its program, 'Wings for Life.' which helps cover the airfare of the cancer patient and a caregiver.

Espaldon noted there are a lot of cancer patients on the island.

“Our capability to assist cancer patients- our residents, our friends, I'm sure all of you know someone who is afflicted with cancer...the program allows  us to help them go off-island to seek treatment that is not available on the island,” he added. 

He said like many of the non-profits who get assistance from the Guam Cancer Trust Fund, their services may cease as a result of underfunding by the legislature

“You’re gonna see a lot of these programs fall by the wayside including ours. We will not be able to get patients to treatment,” he said. 

Espaldon said they are seeing a lot more patients reaching out to Wings for Life.

“Our patients want to fight. for their life. Some of them want to give up. When they come to my office, I encourage them not to. I encourage them to go and seek assistance from the other organizations..I promise them I will help them to off-island treatment and I will do so as many times as it takes...as long as the budget is there,” he said.