Hannah Woertink, BSW, RBSW
6/20/22 OHSU Grant
Komak is instrumental to the success of many of our cancer patient's treatment here in the Portland metro/Vancouver area. The assistance they provide allows patients to focus on healing instead of worrying about how they will stay housed or how they will keep the lights and heat on during treatments. Many hardworking patients are ineligible for government assistance and other forms of financial assistance but are left unable to pay their bills due to the effects of their cancer diagnosis and treatment. Komak fills in the gaps between societal safety nets that many of our patients find themselves falling through. Komak is an organization with heart. They truly care about the patients they serve while being conscientious about how they distribute funds. I am so grateful for all Komak does for the local cancer community, and I hope this organization continues to expand!
Hannah Woertnik, BSW, RBSW
Compass Oncology
Social Resource Specialist
02/25/2023 Vancouver Client Support
As the Social Services Resource Specialist for Compass Oncology, I speak with many cancer patients who are unable to work as they undergo treatment and who are in desperate need of assistance with their day-to-day bills. Many patients fear losing their housing, having their electricity shut off, or being unable to feed their children. Some patients even consider forgoing treatment as they are unable to make ends meet without employment-related income. Komak is an incredible resource for patients who fall through the cracks of the societal safety nets. The number of patients who are in precarious financial situations prior to their cancer diagnosis continues to rise due to increasing cost of living and inflation, and more patients than ever are in need of assistance. Komak has recently expanded their services to Vancouver, WA, and there are now even more patients in need within their service area. Komak has helped so many patients who would otherwise be in dire straits. I cannot sing their praises enough!
Hannah Woertnik, BSW, RBSW
Compass Oncology
Social Resource Specialist
