About Us
North Bay Cancer Alliance is the only cancer-focused nonprofit providing patient assistance to cancer patients at every hospital and oncology center in Sonoma, Marin, Napa, Lake and Mendocino counties.
Most cancer organizations focus on research. While this work is vital, it often overshadows the harsh realities that cancer patients and their families face daily: sudden financial and logistical burdens, coupled with the debilitating physical and emotional toll of the disease.
A cancer diagnosis often unleashes a wave of intense emotions — shock, disbelief, confusion, sadness, anger, guilt, and even resignation. As treatments begin, the physical toll can disrupt the ability to perform basic tasks, from working and caring for children to driving a car or managing daily responsibilities online. These challenges frequently lead to heightened anxiety, depression, and an overwhelming sense of helplessness.
These practical, day-to-day struggles often stand in the way of receiving the very treatments patients desperately need. That’s where NBCA steps in. As a trusted healthcare resource in the North Bay and beyond, we provide immediate, no‑application, no‑wait assistance. Our support relieves financial strain while offering emotional comfort, ensuring patients and their families have access to the practical help they need — when they need it most.
How NBCA helps cancer patients
We try and cut out the red tape and get the money where it’s needed.”
—Kent Corley, Executive Director of North Bay Cancer Alliance
We work closely with social workers, patient navigators, nurses and oncology teams to provide them with a variety of tools, programs, and most importantly financial support for their cancer patients who are living on the margin of health and income.
NBCA has created a system of assistance that cuts out the bureaucratic red tape and lengthy wait times, avoiding applications, and puts critical funds into cancer patient’s hands when they need it most – right now.
We have a saying at NBCA that “the most important part of the oncology appointment is getting there.” Under our unique model, NBCA provides funds directly to oncology offices on the front lines so they can deliver financial support to patients on a moment’s notice. NBCA also provides funds directly to patients by meeting them where they live or where it’s most convenient for them.
NBCA has put more than $900,000 into the hands of cancer patients, helping them with transportation expenses, co-pays, gas and grocery, lodging, dental work, special and final wishes, funeral expenses, rent assistance, nutrition, yoga and sound healing classes, Spanish translation, STRENGTH Blankets and more.
Executive director Kent Corley talks about NBCA
KZST’s Ted Williams interviews North Bay Cancer Alliance’s Executive Director, Kent Corley, on “Sonoma County’s Talking”. Kent talks about NBCA’s role in helping cancer patients and their families in the north Bay Area.