The Tutu Project announced today that we are releasing $15,000 for immediate relief to breast cancer patients struggling to feed their families during the pandemic. Fund distribution will be managed through a partnership with Vital Options International, whose team will be vetting breast cancer applicants and distributing funds for short-term support.
Both nonprofits recognize that the communities they serve are among the high-risk populations for COVID-19 because they may be immune-compromised due to cancer treatment, and want to support any effort to ensure they are home focusing on their health.
Expediting Your Application – Mention The Tutu Project
Vital Options requires that patients are vetted before receiving a grant. We selected a partnership with them because their process is straightforward and can be done on their website. IN ORDER TO EXPEDITE YOUR APPLICATION, please mention our name in the “Optional Message” section of the application.
About Vital Options International
Vital Options International (VOI) is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit cancer communication, education, and advocacy organization with a special mission: Generating global cancer conversations. Today, through its Advocacy in Action®, Vital Conversations, and Living With Cancer platforms, Vital Options International continues to lead the most meaningful panel discussions and engaging one-on-one interviews about clinical trials, treatment advances, psychosocial issues, and access to care – all the vital challenges faced by everyone in the global cancer community. www.vitaloptions.org.

Marcela Shine is Founder of Avanzar Ventures, Business Manager of The Tutu Project and an advisor to the Carey Foundation. Her company, Avanzar Ventures, has been supporting the project by providing operational, social media and technical implementation strategy since the inception of the project.
What about other types of cancer? Like 4th stage lung cancer? I have been searching for help and can’t find any at all. It seems I have the wrong type of cancer?
Hi Debi. Our charity focuses on breast cancer, but our partner, Vital Options, does provide grants to other types of cancer patients. Please follow the link in the article and apply. Good luck and we hope that you are staying as well as possible during these difficult times.
I would like to find out if my application was accepted. I sent it in through this portal about 5 or 6 weeks ago but I don’t remember if I mentioned the Tutu Project.
I did receive an email from Vital Options International that it was received but I haven’t heard anything since then. I did try to call and leave a message but have not had any call returned as yet. Thank you if you would respond.
Hi Paula,
I apologize for the delay in responding. Have you heard from Vital Options?
If not, can you email me directly at linda@thetutuproejct.com?
All the best,
Linda