When it comes to finding free gas cards for cancer patients, many people are too overwhelmed to even know where to begin. If you are already struggling with the seriousness of the diagnosis, scheduling appointments, informing people who need to know, and worrying about the future, you probably don’t have the energy to search for free gas cards to get you to and from your treatment appointments.

That’s why we did the research for you! This list contains several ways that you may be able to obtain free gas cards to help you get where you need to go.

Free Gas Cards for Cancer Patients Nationwide

There are several organizations and programs that offer free gas cards for cancer patients nationwide. We’ll explore those widespread programs in this section, but don’t forget to check out the local resources below for even more ways that you can get support in your local community.

• Blood Cancer United offers help with trasnportation expenses like gas, tolls, parking, car rental, car maintenance and more. You must have a household income that is 600% of the FPL or less and be in treatment for a blood cancer diagnosis. Apply online here.
• Live Like Bella helps children who are battling cancer with financial expenses, including medical co-pays, basic needs, gas, groceries, utilities and other essential needs. In order to be eligible, you must have a child under 22 years old who was diagnosed with cancer prior to their 18th birthday. They must be in active treatment. Ask the social worker at your child’s treatment facility to apply on your behalf.
• Mercy Medical Angels can provide gas cards, train or bus tickets or rideshare assistance if you have a medical appointment that is at least 50 miles one-way (or if your total travel to the facility exceeds 100 miles per month). They may even be able to assist with airfare, too. You need a household income that is 300% or less of the Federal Poverty Level to qualify. Start your travel request here.
• OvarCome provides gas cards of up to $100 for patients who are in active treatment for ovarian cancer. You have to meet their income guidelines. They may also be able to provide you with grocery assistance and other financial grants as well. You can apply online.
• Pinky Swear Foundation provides free gas cards for childhood cancer patients through the All Star Fund. They may also be able to provide help with housing, groceries and other critical needs. In order to be eligible, your child must have a cancer diagnosis, be in treatment and be age 18 or under. Other conditions also apply. Get the details here.
• Touching Hearts Program can provide limited assistance with transportation, child care and other essential needs for women with cancer. It is funded by the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation, but it appears to be administered by CancerCare. Call CancerCare at 800-813-HOPE (4673) for details.
• Other gas card programs may be available to you. There are many programs that offer gas cards to low income people who need help with transportation, whether or not they have a cancer diagnosis. If you need help buying gas for your vehicle, check out our list of charitable organizations that offer gas cards.

Please remember that Medicaid is required to provide non-emergency medical transportation to help you get to your appointments. In some cases, that may include free gas cards. If you are a veteran, the VA also provides travel reimbursements for certain eligible veterans. Be sure to check with your health insurance to see if you are able to receive travel assistance.

Local Help for Free Gas Cards

To apply for free gas cards, be prepared to provide proof of diagnosis, details about appointments, and specifics about the needs which support is being requested. Applications may require diagnostic information to be presented on your hospital’s letterhead, or may require signatures directly from your doctor or hospital clinical team member.

• Hope Cancer Resources (Arkansas) can provide free gas cards to low income cancer patients who live in Benton, Carroll, Madison and Washington Counties. The cards are intended to help you get to your cancer-related appointments. They may also be able to help with medication, travel and lodging costs, dental care, or short-term living expenses. Apply on their website.
• Cannonballs for Kanye (Florida) provides a Family Assistance Grant to those who are affected by DIPG or DMG. The application can be found at this link on the CFK website. Submit an inquiry using this form and CFK will contact your social worker to determine next steps.
• Lung Cancer Initiative (NC & SC) provides up to $50 in gas cards or Uber gift cards. You may be able to get this help three times per year. In order to be eligible, you must be a lung cancer patient in North or South Carolina. Apply for the Tomma Hargraves Gas Card Program on their website.
• Children’s Cancer Fund of New Mexico may provide gas cards to families who have a child who has been diagnosed with cancer. These are intended to cover the cost of transportation to and from medical appointments. If you may be eligible, please visit their website to see all the ways CCFNM can help you.
• Special Disbursement Program (NYC) provides financial help with transportation, child careand more for indigent New Yorkers who have been diagnosed with cancer. This program is only available to those who live in the five boroughs of New York City. You’ll need to reach out to CancerCare for details at 800-813-HOPE (4673).
• Tenaciously Teal (Oklahoma) provides financial assistance, including gas and grocery gift cards, to cancer patients across Okalhoma. You can request a care pack on their website but for financial assistance, you’ll need to have your treatment facility fill out this form for you.
• Heavenly Mimi (Texas) provides up to $100 in gas cards and assistance for Texas residents who are receiving treatment for a cancer diagnosis. The application requires you to disclose your budget and monthly bills, so be prepared to have that information available. You will also need to provide contact information for your treatment provider. You can fill out the application on the Heavenly Mimi website.

Other Organizations That May Help

If you’ve reached out to the other organizations on this list and you’re not sure where else to turn, there are a few other agencies that may be able to assist you.

• Love INC is a nationwide charity composed of local chapters. We’ve heard, but could not confirm, that some of them offer transportation assistance for cancer patients. Find your local Love INC chapter here.
• American Cancer Society offers many different types of assistance, including the Road to Recovery program that provides free transportation provided by volunteer drivers. It appears they may also provide gas cards to local hospitals, so you may want to check with your treatment center to see if they have funding available. Call 1-800-227-2345 to check for availability.

Relief Recap

A cancer diagnosis brings about numerous stressors, and the last thing you should have to worry about is how you’ll afford to get to and from your appointments. Many organizations have been formed to provide support to address this need, and these resources also typically provide other types of support to help strengthen families in need.