CARSON CITY — For families facing a cancer diagnosis, the challenges extend far beyond medical treatment. Transportation, travel for specialized care, utility bills, time away from work, and the everyday costs of supporting a loved one can place an enormous financial burden on patients and their families.
The non-profit Silver State Cancer Fund, founded by Carson City residents Jeremy and Stacy Branham, is working to help Nevada cancer patients and their families navigate those challenges with dignity, compassion, and practical assistance. The couple are both retired from the Nevada Department of Corrections and have their pensions.
The organization provides direct financial assistance, travel grants, essential supplies, and comfort packages to Nevada cancer patients, particularly those who must travel outside the state for specialized treatment.
Firsthand experience with cancer treatment leads to couple starting nonprofit
“We know firsthand what it is like for a family to hear the words ‘you have cancer’ and suddenly have your entire life turned upside down,” said Stacy Branham, President and Director of the Silver State Cancer Fund. “Our goal is to make sure that financial concerns don’t become another barrier standing between a patient and the treatment they need.”
The Branham’s mission grew from their own family experience. In February 2025, Jeremy Branham was preparing for surgery for a torn rotator cuff when doctors discovered cancer. He was subsequently diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow.
“My husband was 47 when he was diagnosed, and that is very young for a multiple myeloma diagnosis, which usually hits people when they are in their 60s, 70s and 80s,” she said.
After receiving treatment in Carson City, Jeremy traveled with Stacy to UC Davis for a stem cell transplant in August 2025. He completed the treatment in 22 days and was declared in full remission on Dec. 31, 2025.
During their experience, the Branham’s saw firsthand how extended cancer treatment can affect an entire family. Jeremy was unable to work for approximately six months, while Stacy needed to take time away from work to care for him during his recovery.
UC Davis, at this time, pays for the hotel so that the transplant can be done as outpatient, as patients heal faster with a loved one in a more comfortable setting than a hospital room, she said.
“We had family friends who stepped up and paid our rent while we were gone and for the month when we returned home. If UC Davis would not have paid for the hotel, we would have had to say no to the transplant,” she said.
Their experience inspired them to establish the Silver State Cancer Fund so that other Nevada families could receive assistance when cancer treatment creates unexpected financial and logistical challenges.
“My husband and I started this non-profit because we found out there are cancer patients in our community who turn down out-of-state treatment because they can’t afford to be out of work that long,” she said.
The organization currently focuses its support in three key areas:
- Financial Assistance: Direct assistance for qualifying expenses associated with a family’s cancer journey.
- Travel Grants: Assistance with transportation and other travel-related costs for patients who must travel for treatment.
- Material Support: Care packages containing essential supplies, nutritional support, and comfort items for patients undergoing intensive treatment.
“We want Nevada families to know that they don’t have to face every part of this journey alone,” she said. “Cancer treatment is difficult enough. Our hope is that by helping with some of the practical and financial burdens, we can give patients and their families one less thing to worry about.”
The Silver State Cancer Fund is based in Carson City and serves Nevada cancer patients and families. Community members can support the organization’s work through donations, volunteering, and assistance with local fundraising and outreach efforts.
Silver State Cancer Fund will host an inaugural gala on Feb. 13, 2027 at the Plaza Convention Center in Carson City from 5 to 8 p.m. It will be a Valentine’s Day theme.
About the Silver State Cancer Fund
The Silver State Cancer Fund is a Nevada nonprofit organization dedicated to providing direct financial and material assistance to cancer patients and their families. The organization provides financial assistance, travel grants, medical and comfort supplies, and other practical support to help Nevada families navigate the challenges associated with cancer treatment.
For information, email: info@silverstatecancerfund.org. Visit the website
silverstatecancerfund.org.
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