ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
“Cancer care has both direct and indirect costs, and it all takes a human toll. Sometimes the health effects are heartbreakingly obvious, like when we see a patient’s cancer relapse after they had to pause or skimp on treatment due to cost or insurance issues. In other cases, the impact on someone’s psychological state and health-related quality of life manifests in their inability to pay for healthy groceries, safe living conditions, or medications that would alleviate chronic pain or other conditions.” - Austin Wesevich, MD, MPH, MS, Research exposes far-reaching toll of financial hardship on patients with cancer
We protect the livelihoods of cancer patients by helping them stay out of debt. As of December 2025, 103 people have been supported through their journey of survivorship, with over $101,440 in financial support provided!
Our Founding Story
Dorothy's experiences as a 3-time cancer thriver gave her the drive to form The Atrium Foundation. She is an advocate for cancer awareness, specifically Cancer Financial Toxicity. Before dedicating herself to The Atrium Foundation, she was a long-time volunteer for leading cancer organizations where she has given public testimony, fund-raised and volunteered to support their missions.
Dorothy’s dedication to building awareness for those impacted by the financial and emotional impacts of cancer led her to pen her first book, 26 & Fu¢ked.
Learn more about our Founding story and Dorothy’s experience through her first-hand account.
OUR TEAM
Founder & President
Dorothy Paredes
Operations Director
Diane Freeman
Alicia Wilson
Treasurer & Compliance
Renee Trepinger
Advisory Board Member
Financial Transparency
The Atrium Foundation
strives to be a trusted resource and is
deeply committed to using
donations for our beneficiaries and
to keep the organization running.
Volunteer Ran
Our organization is made of all volunteers
who dedicate their time, talent,
and resources to its mission.
To help us make a great impact,
consider joining us as a volunteer.
Help Us Do More
The Atrium Foundation
is recognized as 501(c)3
non-profit organization by the IRS.
Help us create more impact by sponsoring or donating to our mission.
Abigail & Ellie’s Story
"My 2-year-old daughter was diagnosed with Brain Cancer. I was fired from work because I needed to care for my daughter. We are juggling medical bills, travel expenses to get her treatment, and providing a good meal for my kids. It’s hard to ask for help but the founder of The Atrium Foundation messaged me and offered our family support. They personally reached out to me and talked to us. I felt genuine care and the feeling that we are not alone in this fight. I’m very grateful The Atrium Foundation helped us. "
Read more beneficiary stories to learn how your contributions make an impact.