Interested in being a board member? Contact us at info@alwaysbekind.info

Our Mission by our Founder, Larry Ross

The Power of Kindness by Larry Ross

My name is Larry Ross. Last year, my life changed forever with a devastating injury I suffered during a routine  workout. After the surgeons put my arm back together, my wife and doctors told me of my cancer diagnosis. I  was scared out of my mind. But from the horrific moment of my injury, through my treatment, to today, the kindness extended to me by so many people was overwhelming. I believe THAT kindness is directly related to my cancer being in remission. 

While going through treatment I learned the financial and mental impact of cancer. While I felt so sick and some days were just awful, I still knew that not everyone in my same situation was as fortunate as me. With the help of my loving family and friends, I was able to handle the weekly expenses and mental strain associated with cancer.  Far too many people cannot say the same. I will NEVER forget my good fortune and want to repay it. I want to help as many people as possible to feel the good fortune that I felt. That is why my family and I formed Always Be  Kind – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that raises money for cancer patients and their families. 

What makes us different? We will solve the seemingly small problem of “we need $20 today for parking at the hospital and don’t have it”. Or “we have tuition to pay today but also have to pay for prescriptions”. Brutal choice for anyone. Sad situations like this start small but over time devastate a family’s budget and bring stress to those who can least afford an additional burden. We are the place to go for help. And we are just beginning.

How can you help? 

  • First, please know that kindness matters. No gesture is too small. Spread kindness. It matters.  Trust me.  
  • Second, if you can, please make a donation and know that the money will be appreciated and put to the best use. 

We will build Always Be Kind into an organization that helps many – not just with financial help but by spreading the idea that kindness can help to heal – I am living proof. From the bottom of my heart and on behalf of my family – thank you for supporting Always Be Kind.

Northwestern Memorial Foundation's Patient Family Assistance Fund

The Patient Family Assistance Fund reaches some of the most underserved patients undergoing cancer treatment. It helps uninsured, underinsured and low-income patients in need who require financial support due to barriers to care, which can include difficulties accessing medication, expenses not covered by insurance, child care, housing needs and transportation to and from appointments. Please contact us if you want to get help from this fund. We will work with you and your Care Coordinator at Northwestern to ensure you get the help you need.

Always Be Kind Family Assistance Fund

We started Always Be Kind with the purpose to alleviate some of the financial stress you may be feeling from the daily and weekly expenses associated with receiving your care. If you or someone you know needs help at any hospital or care center, please contact us and we will help you find the help you need at any facility of your choice across the country. We will help you navigate the process of getting financial help so that you can focus on your care. This is a general fund, so no request is too large or small as our core values is at the end of the day to help through random acts of kindness.

The UChicago Medicine's Adult Cancer Patient Emergency Fund

The Adult Cancer Patient Emergency Fund is used to purchase parking passes, order nutritional supplies, pay for medicines, and more. There are many costs outside of direct patient care that can add up and cause an additional stress in an already stressful time. This fund helps to alleviate some of those stressors. We have built a partnership with a direct connection to the UChicago system where we can provide assistance in a rapid manner. Please contact us to start the process of getting help from the UChicago Medicine Adult Cancer Patient Emergency Fund.
A word from our supporters
"I have known Kristen and Larry for decades and they are the most caring, loving, and generous people I know. Their desire, through Always Be Kind, to help patients with their struggles during a cancer journey is nothing short of inspirational."

Claudia Tellez, MD

Northwestern Medical Group Hematology and Medical Oncology

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Thank you to our generous partners

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Please allow up to 1-2 business days for a response to your inquiry. Emails sent during non-office hours will be responded to on the next business day. We thank you for your kindness.