About CAN

Mission

CAN partners with young adults to confront issues inherent to a cancer diagnosis by reducing the related financial burden and providing vital community resources.

We provide financial assistance to individuals between 18 and 40 years old whose fertility may be compromised and connect those affected by a cancer diagnosis with community support.

History of CAN

CAN was born out of a young couple’s battle with cancer in 2005. Two days after returning from their honeymoon, Candi and Tony Caporal found themselves sitting in the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center listening to a doctor explain that he really did not know what was wrong.

A few weeks and many medical tests later, the couple’s worst fear was realized and Candi, a founder of CAN, was diagnosed with stage II–B Non–Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Making matters worse, Candi had a 60% chance of becoming infertile as a result of the chemotherapy treatment. Not only was the couple struggling with a cancer diagnosis, but they also had to quickly learn how to navigate the world of fertility preservation in the few weeks before Candi’s cancer therapies began.

Perhaps the most frustrating part was that a price tag was very quickly placed on the possibility of starting a family. With in–vitro fertilization procedures costing up to $15,000, the young couple was forced to take out a loan to ensure that they might be able to start a family.

This experience inspired Candi to start the Caporal Assistance Network.