Side Effects Project

Side Effects™

The financial crisis of cancer hiding in plain sight and how credit unions can help.

Little research into the financial crisis of cancer has addressed the role financial institutions like credit unions can play. That’s where Side Effects™ comes in.

Building on the Foundation’s 2018 work that offered a model for credit unions and the healthcare system to work together, this series is a deeper dive to help credit unions understand this link, explored through a medical issue all of us have experienced in one form or another: cancer.

  • Side Effects Page Introduction graphic

    Introduction | 12,614 Miles

    “On behalf of the National Credit Union Foundation, I’m honored to introduce you to some of the bravest, strongest, and most humble people I’ve ever known: Cancer patients who have endured overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial trauma.”

    Learn more.

  • Side Effects Page Act 1 graphic

    Act 1 | Car Crash in the Room

    The physical and psychological devastation of cancer is like that Chevy careening full-speed into your living room, annihilating your furniture and keepsakes and memories, before sputtering to a halt in the middle of what used to be your safe and secure home. Everything is broken. Nothing will be the same.

    Learn more. 

  • Side Effects Page Act 2 graphic

    Act 2 | Stones + Hope

    What would you hope your credit union would do for you and your family? While there are no easy answers to these questions, credit unions must ask and answer them responsibly, reasonably, and compassionately. Mission becomes legacy when we look beyond tiers and scores and see, with eyes and hearts wide open, a member’s tears and scars.

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  • Side Effects Page Interlude graphic

    Interlude | Lisa + Bernice

    Two women battling cancer discuss how much it would help if financial institutions took the time to listen to their customers and meet them where they are in life.

    Lisa’s Story.

    Postscript: Lisa passed away on May 13, 2022. Our deepest sympathies are extended to her family and friends.

    Bernice’s Story.

  • Side Effects Page Act 3 graphic

    Act 3 | Here Right Now

    In January 2018, a routine stomachache turned into an emergency room visit that led to the discovery of the softball-sized cancerous tumor blocking 95% of Elizabeth’s colon. She was only 41 years old when she got the worst news of her life.

    Learn more. 

    Post Script: Elizabeth passed away on August 3, 2021. Our love and deepest sympathy go to her family.

  • Side Effects Page Finale graphic

    Finale | Miles to Go

    Where do we go from here? The end of this documentary must herald some transformation that proves the financial crisis of cancer matters enough for us to fix it.

    Learn more.

    Read the Epilogue.

Get in touch

For more information on Side Effects

Contact Gigi Hyland, Executive Director

Gigi Hyland Updated Headshot 2022

Gigi Hyland, CUDE, CCUFC

Executive Director

Gigi serves as the Executive Director for the Foundation, inspiring credit union professionals to collaborate and incorporate financial health and cooperative principles into their business strategy.