Post-treatment cancer patients can qualify for up to $2,500 in medication assistance through a new program launched by the Nicolette Baldovino Community Foundation.<\/p>\n
Baldovino was a pharmacist and founder of Island Family Pharmacy who passed away from cancer in 2022 at the age of 36.<\/p>\n
The foundation that was set up in her honor announced on Wednesday that it is now accepting applications for a cancer medication assistance and pharmacy support program for recovering patients.<\/p>\n
The program provides financial assistance to Guam residents who require ongoing cancer-related medications following primary treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, according to a news release.<\/p>\n
The foundation has also partnered with local oncologists and pharmacies to provide other help, including coverage of co-payments for insured patients, self-pay formulary rates for uninsured patients, and pharmacy counseling and support to continue with the medication regimen.<\/p>\n
The program is funded through the Guam Cancer Trust Fund, and each medication request requires certification of medical necessity from the patient\u2019s treating oncologist, the foundation said.<\/p>\n
Baldovino was a doctor of pharmacy and a 2003 Academy of Our Lady of Guam graduate who opened Island Family Pharmacy in December 2021 and passed away just three months later in March, according to Post files.<\/p>\n
During a posthumous grand opening ceremony of the pharmacy in July, her mother, local businesswoman and restaurateur Nenita Baldovino, told the Post, “(Nicolette) worked so hard off-island for 18 years, and she returned to create this pharmacy as a form of community service.”\u00a0<\/p>\n
“This is a memorable day for us because it’s not only the grand opening but (also) the founder’s birthday,” the mother added. “We have an excellent team, a top-notch team, and we will work hard to continue her legacy.”<\/p>\n
Applicants for assistance must be residents of Guam, have a documented cancer diagnosis, and have an oncologist prescription for post-treatment or maintenance oncology medication.<\/p>\n