Community partners come out and support Bill 246

A measure aimed at strengthening support for Guam families battling cancer is moving forward at the legislature. Supporters say Bill 246-38 would ensure funding for the Guam Cancer Trust Fund is released on time — so no patient is left waiting for critical care.

When a Guam family hears the words “you have cancer,” everything changes.  Senator Telo Taitague says beyond the diagnosis comes fear, financial strain, and uncertainty — and families shouldn’t have to worry about whether promised support will arrive on time. Bill 246-38 would exempt the Guam Cancer Trust Fund from allotment release controls, ensuring funds approved by lawmakers are accessed on a structured and predictable schedule.

Since 2022, more than 6,200 cancer patients have been directly impacted by the fund — supporting off-island treatment, medication, medical supplies, patient navigation, and caregiver respite services. But in recent fiscal years, allotments have reportedly been received sporadically or late — disrupting grant cycles and reimbursements for organizations serving patients.

Community partners like the Edward M. Calvo Cancer Foundation stressed that when patients need screening or treatment — every day matters. EMCCF foundation president Jennifer Calvo said, "These delays disrupt annual grant cycles and ultimately hinder our ability to deliver timely assistance to cancer patients in our community. For patients and families already facing the emotional and financial burden of a cancer diagnosis, any interruption in available resources can have devastating consequences."

Dr. Yvette Paulino, chairperson of the Guam Cancer Trust Fund, says timely and consistent funding ensures uninterrupted services for those in treatment. "Currently the FY2026 funding supports direct services, such as off island travel for treatment for cancer patients plus one escort through Ayuda Foundation, respite care services through Catholic Social Service, financial assistance for a broad range of needs, through the Edward M. Calvo Cancer Foundation, patient navigation services and supply and financial assistance through Guam Cancer Care, circle of care and psychooncology support services for cancer patients and caregivers, through Payless Community Foundation and cancer and cancer risk screening among our most vulnerable populations through Todu Guam Foundation," she said.

Remarkably, Paulino adds for the first time in the trust fund's history, "The awarding of over $1.1 million that can be applied to medication and treatment for cancer patients through grant awards through the E.M. Calvo Cancer Foundation. Of $726,000 , the Guam Cancer Care Financial Assistance Program of $250,000, and the Nicolette Baldavino Community Foundation of $150,000."

Former senator James Espaldon, representing Ayuda Foundation’s Wings for Life program, said, "I hope that you all take into consideration, what this truly really means to the very many types of cancer patients that we have. It's not just breast cancer, it's not just one kind of cancers and we dont have the facilities or the expertise to be able to treat it here. So we ask for your support."

Bill 246-38 now heads to the next stage of the legislative process as lawmakers consider measures aimed at strengthening one of Guam’s most critical lifelines for cancer patients and their families.