For the friends of the Frozen Pea Fund, a bag of frozen peas symbolizes pain relief. Cancer often inflicts other kinds of pain: emotional devastation and the inability to cope with things that once seemed simple; debilitating fatigue that results in isolation; or the financial burden of lost income coupled with out-of-pocket expenses of treatments not covered by insurance, or the fact that even co-pays on medications can add up to a staggering amount.

Last week we learned of a cancer patient who lost his home in a fire. The family stored what few possessions they had managed to salvage in the car and headed to Houston for a scheduled treatment at MD Anderson. While staying at a hotel, they endured yet another loss: someone broke into their car and stole the rest of their belongings.

Dr. Michelle Calabretta of MD Anderson started a fund to help the family purchase some basic necessities. “He is a lovely man whom we all adore,” she said, “and my coworkers are trying to raise some money to help him rebuild. You can imagine how hard it is to deal with cancer when you have all of your comforts, but now this man truly needs our help. If you are moved to help this man and his family, please consider donating whatever you can manage. We will pool all the funds and get a Visa gift card that they can spend on whatever they need.”

PLEASE NOTE: Today is the last day you can contribute through this ChipIn widget. I encourage all of the people who have helped the Frozen Pea Fund to give what you’re able today–even $5 (the cost of two bags of frozen peas) can make a powerful statement to this family, and the entire cancer community, that we care and want to help.

UPDATE: The original ChipIn widget has been closed in order to purchase a Visa gift card for the patient today. A new ChipIn widget will be open until May 25 for additional donations. It’s not too late — please chip in a few dollars to help this family in need.