Getting treatment away from home

6. Raise your own funds
   For years, Canadians have been volunteering to raise funds for breast cancer in countless ways, from dragon boat racing to quilting. If you need extra cash to go to for treatment, why not recruit your friends, neighbours, family members or co-workers to throw a barbecue party, knit hats, wash cars -- whatever it takes to raise money.
   
   
7. Get preferred rates
   MedExtra is a Quebec-based company with connections and preferred rates at more than 100 medical institutions across America. It can find a hospital, clinic or specialist in the United States where you can get treatment or a second opinion (long-distance or face-to-face). Also, if you think you've paid too much for your treatment, the company has a service to help you reduce the hefty hospital bills. Expect to pay an hourly rate or a portion of the savings you get by using the company's services.

Travel assistance
Hope Air, a Canadian nonprofit organization, can arrange free flights to the city where your treatment institution is located. You may apply online. You must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the services:

• Be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant.
  
• Demonstrate financial need.
  
• Have a scheduled appointment for medical treatment or diagnosis covered under a provincial medical plan.

For more details, visit Hope Air or call 1-877-346-4673.

Finding accommodation
Christine Koserski of the Canadian Cancer Society says that most cancer treatment centres will often help you find reasonably priced accommodation nearby. Check with the treatment centre.