Twin Cities nonprofit steps up to help cancer patients during COVID-19 pandemic

A Twin Cities nonprofit is stepping up to help cancer patients who have hit hard times during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Angel Foundation, based in Mendota Heights, told 5 EYEWITNESS News they had received many calls from cancer patients who are struggling financially due to lack of work and medical bills.

They started the Angel in Action Emergency Fund, raising more than $56,000 so far.

"One hundred percent of the proceeds are going right back to the families, helping them during this crisis," said Angel Foundation CEO Dave Becker. "In ten days, we've helped over 70 families."

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Mark Andert, a musician with stage four cancer, is one of the recipients. He said every show he had scheduled this year has now been canceled due to the pandemic. 

"You find yourself using the energy you need to get well worrying about who's going to pay the bills," Andert said.

The Angel Foundation said one in three families deplete their savings while battling cancer, and it's an even larger concern now with unemployment skyrocketing because of the pandemic.

"The need that were seeing is around basic needs, housing, putting food on the table, utility bills," Becker explained.

Andert said he is incredibly grateful for the help he's received through the Angel Foundation.

"You're lying there and, all of a sudden, you physically feel your shoulders come down with relief from knowing there are people that are going to help out," Andert said. 

"One thing I always think about is Fred Rogers saying, 'Look for the helpers,'" Becker said. "There are so many helpers right now and we're happy to be one of them."

If you would like to donate to the Angel in Action Emergency Fund, click here.