Merrill Oncology Travel Fund | Adirondack Health

Bringing treatment within reach for local cancer patients

Every mile shouldn’t feel like a mountain. Through the Merrill Oncology Center Travel Fund, the Adirondack Health Foundation helps local cancer patients overcome the cost and stress of getting to the care they need. The fund began in 2020 as part of a joint effort with the Scott Hamilton Cares Foundation after the Sk8 to Elimin8 Cancer event in Lake Placid .

Why this fund matters

Adirondack Health Foundation exists to remove barriers to care and advance the health of everyone who lives in or visits our region. In the Adirondacks, specialty cancer centers are often hours away; the Travel Fund turns distance into a solvable detail by reimbursing essential travel costs so patients can focus on healing.

Who can apply?

You are eligible if all of the following are true: 

Your primary residence is in the greater Tri‑Lakes region
You are currently under active care of an Adirondack Health provider
Your household income is $125,000 or less 
Assistance is needed only for travel‑related costs (not medical bills, equipment, or medications)

Grants are awarded without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin .

What the Travel Fund covers

The Travel Fund reimburses up to $2,000 per calendar year for each eligible patient, and that benefit automatically extends to one travel companion so patients never have to face treatment trips alone. Covered travel costs include mileage at the current IRS medical rate, train or airfare, ferry tickets, parking or tolls, lodging recommended by the treating hospital, and meals of up to $25 per person per day (alcohol is not reimbursable). To receive reimbursement, every expense must be supported by an itemized receipt submitted within 60 days of travel, and any costs reimbursed through the fund cannot also be claimed as deductions on your federal tax return.

How to apply

Download and print the application (PDF link below). If you need a printed copy mailed to you, please call the Foundation office.
Complete all sections and gather itemized receipts for each eligible expense.
Submit your packet — mail to the Adirondack Health Foundation, Attn: Travel Fund, PO Box 120, Saranac Lake, NY 12983 or hand‑deliver it to staff at the Merrill Oncology Center.
The Foundation’s review committee meets monthly; approved reimbursements are issued by check.

Need help with any part of this application? Have a question? Call the Foundation team at 518‑897‑2370. 

Merrill Oncology Travel Fund Digital Application

Patient's Name:

Date of Birth

Email:

Phone:

Address:

Travel Companion

Estimated Annual Household Income

Patient/Guardian's Employer

Reason for Travel

Physician Referring You Out of Area

Where is Care Being Provided?

Form Completed By:

Please upload a copy of page one and two of applicant's federal income tax return for the previous year (please remove sensitive information like SSNs)

Upload File

Please upload an itemized list of anticipated travel expenses

Upload File

Opt-In

By checking, I agree to share the above and attached information. A committee will review the application and you will be notified of the results. Please note that if approved, patient will be asked to provide receipts for transportation expenses and food. Reimbursement does not include alcohol. Patient will also need to provide proof of medical appointments. If you have any questions, please contact the Foundation Office.

Download Printable Application (PDF) To Mail