Cancer Justice
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to advocate for individuals impacted by cancer. We strive to provide resources, support, and a voice for those in need.
About
What is Cancer Justice?
Cancer Justice is a vital program offered by the Disability Rights Legal Center (DRLC), the nation’s oldest disability non-profit, now in its 50th year.
At DRLC, we empower people living with disabilities and cancer, centering our work around our clients’ needs to create lasting change. The Cancer Justice program is specifically dedicated to providing legal services for people with cancer.
We believe that cancer patients and their families deserve clear, accessible, and exceptional legal resources. For the millions of people living with cancer, a diagnosis can raise overwhelming questions about the security of their jobs, savings, or housing. Cancer Justice is here to help address these critical challenges.


resources
How DRLC Helps
The Cancer Justice program provides essential legal support, emphasizing access to:
A dedicated helpline:
Connecting you with immediate assistance and guidance.
Comprehensive resource materials:
Providing in-depth information on your rights and options
Future education components:
Offering valuable insights and knowledge to empower you.
Testimonials
“As a Metastatic Breast Cancer patient and as a human being, I enjoyed the down-to-earth style of sharing this critical information and I’m looking forward to combing through the resources.”
- Julia Hughes
- Breast Cancer Patient
“The Cancer Justice Helpline was a lifeline. I never imagined a lawyer could change my healthcare experience, but DRLC made sure I received care with dignity and fairness.”
- James
- Cancer Justice Client
“DRLC’s Cancer Justice program gave me hope when I felt lost. Their team guided me through insurance denials and helped me get the treatment I needed. They fought for me when no one else would.”
- Maria
- Cancer Justice Client
“DRLC doesn’t just offer resources, they change lives. Their Cancer Justice work transforms fear into empowerment by making sure people know their rights and have the support to demand them.”
- Sophia
- Cancer Justice Advocate
“This is incredibly helpful, I am very grateful for your hard work. There are many difficult issues when having cancer that go beyond medical-related issues, and it is so very helpful to have assistance with them.”
- Email to DRLC
“Of all the referrals from ACS, you were the most helpful… you hit the exact spot I needed the most help with. I never thought I’d say this, but thank those lawyers for me.”
- Anonymous Caller
“I’ve been with City of Hope for the past 10 years and have referred many patients to DRLC that have received such beneficial assistance.”
- Nicole Peeke
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
“I am nearly speechless in absolute gratitude and appreciation for what DRLC does. Thank you for responding so quickly and for this wonderful resource. Truly THANK YOU!”
- Kelli
- Cancer Justice Advocate
Impact
Transforming Lives
Through
Cancer Justice
Cancer Justice is an integral part of the Disability Rights Legal Center’s broader mission and civil rights work. DRLC focuses on impact litigation cases that protect and create access, bringing justice in public and private spaces. We carefully select cases that create systemic change.
Our Civil Rights Litigation program educates, advocates, and litigates to protect and advance civil and human rights. Over 90 percent of DRLC clients are considered indigent by federal poverty guidelines and have limited access to legal representation. Cancer Justice is part of DRLC’s crucial work prioritizing systemically neglected communities.
Providing legal support through Cancer Justice aligns directly with DRLC’s mission to bring justice to a vulnerable population facing significant legal hurdles.

Join the Fight for Justice
DRLC’s work, including the Cancer Justice program, is supported through a variety of funding sources. Specifically for Cancer Justice, Gilead Sciences has generously provided $125,000 for program revitalization, enabling us to enhance our services and reach.
Get Help or
Learn More
Get Help or Learn More
If you or a loved one is impacted by cancer and needs legal assistance, please reach out to the Cancer Justice program. Our support includes access to our dedicated helpline and comprehensive resource materials.
