The mission of HealthLinks Foundation is to provide financial support, education and community outreach services that promote healthy, active survivorship for cancer survivors and their families.  We accomplish this mission by:

• Providing financial support for individual cancer survivors unable to afford post-surgical physical therapy, exercise rehabilitation or lymphedema treatment

• Funding programs and services through HealthLinks Clinic that provide community benefit to cancer survivors and their families

• Promoting educational opportunities that recognize Cancer Survivorship as a distinct phase of cancer care that requires consistent standards, clear protocols and reliable insurance coverage

Recent research indicates that cancer survivors who remain active and participate in regular exercise and support programs both during and after cancer treatment exhibit fewer signs of fatigue, improved immune function, less depression and a greater quality of life, even with small amounts of regular physical activity (Courneya, 2003) (Stricker, et al, 2004).   The foundation will provide charitable support for individuals seeking physical therapy, exercise rehabilitation and/or lymphedema treatment resulting from a cancer diagnosis who have no insurance benefits to cover such essential treatments or who have exhausted their benefits yet still require ongoing exercise rehabilitation and lifestyle counseling.  Secondly, the foundation will promote the development of community resources and programs designed to enhance cancer survivorship opportunities for survivors and their families. Lastly, the foundation will work to promote th collection and analysis of scientific data used to assess the role of exercise and nutrition in cancer survivorship.


HealthLinks Foundation will secure financial resources so that any cancer survivor, regardless of their ability to pay, may participate in and benefit from physical therapy, exercise rehabilitation, lymphedema treatment and lifestyle support.  When individuals faced with cancer and other debilitating diseases cannot engage in normal daily activities due to disability resulting from surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation their quality of life diminishes.  Research studies support such rehabilitative opportunities, resulting in faster healing times, more positive psychosocial behaviors and an improved quality of life.  The HealthLinks Foundation will subsidize these services by providing financial resources to individuals in need of but unable to afford rehabilitative support.  The foundation therefore will serve to facilitate the rehabilitation and recovery process for cancer patients while improving their overall quality of life.  Scholarships will be awarded to individuals based on evidence of financial need and availability of funds.


HealthLinks Foundation recognizes that therapeutic needs for cancer survivors extend out to the families and friends that support their recovery.  The foundation will support a variety of community-based services aimed to educate and support cancer survivors, friends, families and any individual who may be touched by cancer in their lives.  Current program ideas include community lectures, support groups, event sponsorships and exercise classes.


Numerous research studies have demonstrated that maintaining a healthy diet and participating in regular exercise while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation can significantly reduce some of the severe side effects of these treatments.  Other studies have shown that exercise and good nutrition can significantly decrease post-treatment side effects and the risk of cancer reoccurrences.  HealthLinks Foundation recognizes the importance of these findings in validating the need for quality physical therapy, exercise rehabilitation, lymphedema treatment and lifestyle counseling in treating cancer patients.  HealthLinks Foundation hopes to support new scientific research studies with the resources and client data available in our community.  The ability to conduct such research on physical therapy, exercise rehabilitation and lifestyle management amongst cancer survivors may provide new and long-term financial support for cancer survivor programs.  

HealthLinks Foundation, Fed ID# 84-1233841 is recognized by the Federal Internal Revenue Service and the State of Colorado as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization.