BOSTON -- The Ellie Fund is a program for any Massachusetts resident who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. They help women and men, through grant funding, to pay for things like child care, rides and groceries while they are in treatment. 

“They shouldn't have to choose between feeding their families or treating their breast cancer. And a lot of our patients do. And so in the near future, we really hope to prevent that so that we're a trusted partner and people know where to go when they need us,” said Meredith Mendelson, the executive director of the Ellie Fund.

The Ellie Fund hosted a panel at the Massachusetts State House to focus on disparities in survival rates of Black women who are diagnosed with the disease. 

According to a recent study by the American Cancer Society, Black women have a 38% higher breast cancer mortality rate than white women, despite a 5% lower incidence. Michele Lopez is a survivor and has worked with the Ellie Fund to create a support group for women of color after diagnosis. 

“It was very difficult to navigate a new diagnosis so that was the beginning,” said Lopez. “So, I felt like I had to be there and help navigate for other women of color.”

Massachusetts is known for some of the best hospitals in the world. Dr. Steven Isakoff of Mass General Hospital said most new cancer treatment comes from, at least in part, Massachusetts researchers. 

“In Massachusetts, we're really lucky. We live in the epicenter of research between all of the academic institutions,” said Dr. Isakoff. "Many of the new therapies, if they didn't originate from labs here or in the clinic here, certainly, centers in Boston have played a major role in their development.”

The Ellie Fund is available for anyone in the state who has received a breast cancer diagnosis, or anyone who is seeking treatment in the state. They want to continue to raise awareness for their resources and continue to help all patients finish cancer treatments.