Our Commitment
“Equitable Pathways to Breast Cancer Care” is Ellie Fund’s commitment to ensuring that every person facing breast cancer in Massachusetts can access treatment with dignity, stability, and meaningful support, regardless of their background, income, language, or zip code.
This initiative began in response to the disparities that became more visible during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, it serves as a guiding framework for how we support patients every day.
Our Priorities
Equitable Pathways shapes how we partner with hospitals and community health centers, how we design referral systems that remove barriers to care, and how we deliver flexible, culturally responsive services that meet the needs of the whole household. This same commitment to equity guides how we operate as an organization — informing decisions about staffing, board leadership, vendor partnerships, and the voices we elevate as speakers and collaborators.
Equitable Pathways Into Action
Since 2020, Ellie Fund has been advancing Equitable Pathways through four strategic areas designed to reach people who face the greatest barriers to care — barriers that can lead to missed appointments, treatment delays, and worse health outcomes.
Investors
In recognition of its impact, Equitable Pathways received the 2023 Nonprofit Excellence Award from the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network.
2022
- Arbella Insurance (2022–2024)
- Direct Federal Credit Union (2022–2024)
- Genentech
- David and Wendy Giunta
- Hologic
- Sophia Romero Trust
- William P. Anderson Foundation
2021
- Boston Scientific Foundation
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA
- Brighthouse Financial
- Cape Cod Foundation
- Community Foundation of North Central MA
- Direct Federal Credit Union
- Eastern Bank Foundation
- Genentech
- George W. Wells Foundation
- Greater Lowell Health Alliance
- Greater Worcester Community Foundation
- Highland Street Foundation
- Hologic
- Feldgoise Family
- Judd/Paly Family
- William P. Anderson Foundation
- Women’s Fund of Essex County
If you want to learn more about the initiative please contact Nekia Clark, Director of Patient Services and Outreach, at nekia@elliefund.org
Community Health Center (CHC) Referral Programs
We are developing and expanding automated referral partnerships with community health centers across Massachusetts. They are often where many vulnerable patients first receive their breast cancer diagnosis. These partnerships help ensure patients are connected to Ellie Fund services quickly and equitably.
Clinical Trials Access
Ellie Fund services are integrated into select clinical trial recruitment efforts to provide additional support to patients. This helps reduce financial and logistical barriers, making participation more accessible and improving diversity in research.
Expanded Hospital Collaborations
We work closely with clinical staff across hospital systems to increase awareness of Ellie Fund services and create new, earlier referral points within the care journey.
Self-Referral Platform
Launched in 2023, our online self-referral platform allows patients to apply directly to Ellie Fund. It is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French. This option helps address cultural, privacy, and trust barriers that may prevent some individuals from seeking support through traditional clinical pathways.
