A new initiative honoring the legacy of pharmacist Nicolette Baldovino is expanding support for Guam’s cancer community through a dedicated medication assistance program. 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.

Baldovino was a pharmacist and founder of Island Family Pharmacy who passed away in 2022 at the age of 36.

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.The program provides financial assistance to Guam residents who require cancer-related maintenance and supportive cancer medications.

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.

The program is funded through the Guam Cancer Trust Fund, and each medication request requires certification of medical necessity from the patient’s treating oncologist, the foundation said.

Baldovino was a doctor of pharmacy, and a 2003 Academy of Our Lady of Guam Alumna who opened her own pharmacy here on Guam in December 2021. Local businesswoman and restauranteur, Nenita Baldovino, told the Post about the efforts of her daughter, “(Nicolette) worked so hard off-island for 18 years, and she returned to create her pharmacy as form of community service.”

With her mother’s resilience and inspired by her daughter’s vision, the Nicolette Baldovino Community Foundation was created to carry forward a simple but powerful mission: to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people of Guam, especially those who need it most.

Applicants for assistance must be residents of Guam, have a documented cancer diagnosis, and have an oncologist prescription for maintenance and supportive oncology medication.

For more information, email the foundation at community@nicolettebaldovinofoundation.com.