The Raymond Wentz Foundation was established in late 2002 by Denver oncologist Dr. David Schrier in memory of his patient, Raymond Wentz, who fought cancer with a bravery and grace that continues to inspire all who helped care for him. Although Raymond lost his battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the age of 18, his memory lives on through bringing simple joys to those cancer patients in greatest need.

Because Raymond’s mother died when he was young and his father’s struggle with life’s challenges left him unavailable, Raymond and his sister had to fend for themselves. Though they both earned what they could at a local supermarket, making the rent payment and putting food on the table each month were constant challenges. Dr. Schrier called on his family and friends to help Raymond and his sister. So, when Raymond died just months after his diagnosis, it was only natural that Dr. Schrier continued the caring for cancer patients’ financial needs in Raymond’s memory.

The Foundation was created so that patients, who face not only the horrendous challenge of cancer, but also the financial insecurity associated with being in treatment, would have a place to turn for help. The Foundation helps single mothers who are receiving chemotherapy while working and looking after children, families and seniors who have no health insurance and face eviction from their homes, and indigent individuals who literally have nothing.