CancerCare,
in partnership with the Avon Foundation, operates the AVONCares Program
for Medically Underserved Women. This program provides financial
assistance to low-income, under- and uninsured, underserved women
throughout the country who need supportive services (transportation,
child care, or home care) related to the treatment of breast and
gynecological cancers (cervical, endometrial, ovarian, uterine, vaginal,
vulvar). To apply for funds from the AVONCares Program, download an
application form online or contact CancerCare to receive the
application. The application is available online at: http://www.cancercare.org/pdf/assist_app/financial_assist_app_en.pdf.
The mission
of the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) is to eliminate brain
tumors through research and to meet the needs of brain tumor patients
and their families. The ABTA offers printed materials about the research
and treatment of brain tumors for cancer patients, family members, and
health professionals. Resource materials are also available for
caregivers and adolescents and young adults. Information on where to
obtain insurance, financial support, and support groups is also
provided. A limited selection of Spanish-language publications is
available.
The American
Cancer Society (ACS) is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health
organization. The ACS offers a variety of services and programs for
patients and their families. The ACS also supports research, provides
printed materials, and conducts educational programs. Staff can accept
calls and distribute publications in Spanish. A local ACS unit may be
listed in the white pages of the telephone directory under “American
Cancer Society.”
The
Cancer Survivors Network® (CSN) is an American Cancer Society (ACS)
Web-based service for cancer survivors, their families, caregivers,
and friends. CSN is a noncommercial, private, secure way to find and
communicate with others who share your interests and experiences.
Membership in CSN is free, but in order to access all areas of CSN,
registration with a valid e-mail address is required. Services
provided include discussion boards and access to chat rooms; ability
to create your own “CSN My Space” where you can tell your story,
blog, or recommend resources; and a free monthly CSN newsletter.
The
Health Insurance Assistance Service (HIAS/ACS) aids cancer patients
who have lost or are in danger of losing their health care coverage,
along with identifying policy solutions to help others in similar
situations. The service, a joint effort of the ACS and the
Georgetown University Health Policy Institute, connects cancer
patients who call the ACS cancer information number with health
insurance specialists who work to address their needs.
Hope
Lodges are free, temporary housing facilities for cancer patients
who are undergoing treatment and their families. Hope Lodges provide
guests with private rooms, kitchen facilities, and, in some
locations, transportation to treatments. Many lodges have room for a
family member to stay with the patient. Perhaps the most important
thing that a Hope Lodge provides is a supportive and home-like
atmosphere. Accommodations and eligibility requirements may vary by
location. To find a Hope Lodge and learn more about a specific
facility, please look at the Hope Lodge Web site (see URL) or call
the American Cancer Society toll-free at 1-800-227-2345
(1-800-ACS-2345).
I Can
Cope is a program of the American Cancer Society (ACS). It provides
support for cancer patients and their loved ones on topics such as
diagnosis and treatment, side effects of treatment, emotions and
self-esteem, cancer and intimacy, communication skills, community
resources, financial concerns, pain management, nutrition, and
fatigue. The program offers courses that are designed to increase
the knowledge, positive attitude and skills of cancer patients and
families. Taking Charge of Money Matters is one of the classes
available through the I Can Cope program. This class covers money
issues that arise during or after a person's cancer treatment and is
designed to address the concerns of people with cancer and their
loved ones, regardless of health insurance status. The session
provides an opportunity to discuss key money matters with guest
speakers who are knowledgeable about financial planning. All courses
are free.
Organization:
Look Good...Feel Better®(LGFB)
Telephone:
1-800-395-5665 (1-800-395-LOOK) (available 24 hours a day)
Look
Good...Feel Better® is a program of the American Cancer Society (ACS)
that was developed by the Personal Care Products Council Foundation
in cooperation with the ACS and the National Cosmetology
Association. The program is a free public service program that helps
women offset appearance-related changes from cancer treatment. A
toll-free information and referral line, group programs,
one-on-one's, and self-help kits are some of the services provided.
The program also has a self-help brochure for men who are seeking
information on appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment.
Look
Good…Feel Better® for Teens is an American Cancer Society (ACS)
program (based on Look Good...Feel Better) that is a nonmedical,
public service to help teens aged 13-17 who have cancer, deal with
the possible appearance-related, social, and nutritional side
effects of treatment. The program addresses the needs of both boys
and girls, including tips on skin care, hair, and makeup, plus
information about nutrition, exercise, fitness, and teen social
issues. For more information or to locate a local program, use the
toll-free number or visit the Web site.
Organization:
Luzca Bien…Siéntase Mejor (Look Good...Feel Better®)
Telephone:
1-800-395-5665 (1-800-395-LOOK) (available 24 hours a day)
Luzca
Bien…Siéntase Mejor (Look Good...Feel Better®) is a free, bilingual
group program (English and Spanish) for Hispanic women that helps
women offset appearance-related changes from cancer treatment. The
program is available in 19 locations: Albuquerque, Austin,
Brownsville (TX), Chicago, Dallas, Denver, El Paso, Fresno/Visalia
(CA), Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia,
Phoenix, Orlando, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, and
Washington, D.C. Spanish-language materials are available nationwide
upon request.
Man to
Man is an American Cancer Society (ACS) program designed to help men
cope with prostate cancer by providing community-based education and
support to patients and family members. A major part of the program
involves self-help and/or support groups. Program services and
activities vary depending on the location. A local ACS program may
be listed in the white pages of the telephone directory under
“American Cancer Society,” or go to http://www.cancer.org/asp/search/mla/mla_global.asp?navToScreen=mla_0
on the Internet.
Reach
to Recovery is an American Cancer Society (ACS) program designed to
help both women and men cope with breast cancer. Trained volunteers
support patients through face-to-face visits or by phone before,
during, and after breast cancer treatment. Program services and
activities vary depending on the location. To locate a Reach to
Recovery program in your area, visit "In My Community" at
www.cancer.org, or call the toll-free number. Also, a local ACS unit
may be listed in the white pages of the telephone directory under
“American Cancer Society.”
The
Road to Recovery is an ACS service program that provides
transportation for cancer patients to their treatments and home
again. Transportation is provided according to the needs and
available resources in the community and can be arranged by calling
the toll-free number or by contacting the local ACS office.
“tlc”,
Tender Loving Care, is part of ACS Products, Inc., an affiliate of
the American Cancer Society (ACS). It is a “magalog”
(magazine/catalog) that combines helpful articles and information
with products for women coping with cancer or any cancer treatment
that causes hair loss. It allows women to order products for special
needs that are sometimes difficult to find in the community.
Products include wigs, hairpieces, breast forms, prostheses, bras,
hats, turbans, swimwear, and helpful accessories at the lowest
possible prices.
The
American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) provides information about
cancer prevention, particularly through diet, physical activity, and
weight management. Nutritional information is also available for cancer
patients that are in treatment and those that have completed treatment.
The Institute offers a toll-free nutrition hotline, quarterly
newsletter, public seminars, and funding of research grants. The AICR
also has a wide array of consumer and health professional brochures.
AICR produces CancerResource, an information and resource guide that
consists of a package of publications that helps newly diagnosed cancer
patients and their families understand more about cancer, its treatment,
dietary factors associated with cancer and its treatment, and other
resources available. The CancerResource guide is produced in four
different editions, each targeting one of the following cancer types:
breast, colon, lung, and prostate. A limited selection of
Spanish-language publications is available.
The mission
of the American Psychosocial Oncology Society (APOS) is to advance the
science and practice of psychosocial care for people with cancer. APOS
strives to ensure that all people with cancer have access to
psychosocial services as a part of their quality cancer care. APOS
provides toll-free referral assistance for cancer patients, their
caregivers, and advocacy organizations to obtain referrals for local
counseling and support services (psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses,
social workers, and counselors) throughout the United States. In
addition, APOS promotes the education and training of health
professionals in the psychological, social, behavioral, and spiritual
domains of cancer by increasing their awareness, offering educational
programs, and developing standards of care.
Organization:
American Urological Association Foundation(AUA
Foundation)
The mission
of the American Urological Association Foundation (AUA Foundation) is to
improve the prevention, detection, and treatment of urologic diseases.
To achieve these goals, the AUA Foundation supports research; provides
education to patients, the general public, and health professionals; and
offers patient support services for those who have or may be at risk for
a urologic disease or disorder. The Foundation provides information on
urologic disease and dysfunctions, cancer (i.e., bladder, ureter/renal
pelvis, prostate, kidney, penile, testicular, urethral), bladder health,
and sexual function. The Urology Health On-line Resource Center allows
the public to access valuable educational materials. UrologyHealth.org,
http://www.urologyhealth.org/, is an information and education site
accessible via the AUA Foundation that is written and reviewed by
urology experts in partnership with the American Urological Association.
Visitors can search by choosing from adult or pediatric conditions, or
by entering a condition in the search box. Content is accompanied by
medical illustrations when appropriate. Some Spanish-language
publications are available.
The Bladder
Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) serves bladder cancer survivors,
caregivers, and families. BCAN is the first national patient-based
advocacy organization for bladder cancer. BCAN’s mission is to raise
awareness of bladder cancer within the general public and medical
community; and to advocate for additional government and private funding
for research programs directed toward diagnosis, treatment, and cure for
bladder cancer. The BCAN Web site provides bladder cancer information,
clinical trial listings for bladder cancer, and a quarterly online
newsletter. BCAN also offers a weekly online chat room where survivors
can share their experiences.
Organization:
Breast Cancer Network of Strength™
Address:
Suite 1000
212 West Van Buren Street
Chicago, IL 60607
Breast
Cancer Network of Strength™, formerly known as Y-ME National Breast
Cancer Organization®, is a national nonprofit organization with the
mission to ensure -- through information, empowerment, and peer support
-- that no one faces breast cancer alone. The organization has
affiliates throughout the United States. YourShoes™ encompasses the
organization’s peer support services. It includes the 24/7 breast cancer
support center for telephone conversations; match programs; support via
e-mail; the ShareRing Network, a monthly 1-hour teleconference; and
survivor-facilitated support groups. Breast Cancer Network of Strength’s
newsletters, other publications, and Web site provide information and
support to those touched by breast cancer. Network of Strength Advocacy™
works to increase breast cancer research funding, supports breast
cancer-related clinical studies, and ensures quality health care for
all. The Wigs & Prosthesis Bank provides products for those with limited
resources; and A Day for You is Breast Cancer Network of Strength’s
program for the medically underserved. A section of the Web site and
publications are available in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog,
Russian, and Vietnamese.
C3:
Colorectal Cancer Coalition pushes for research to improve screening,
diagnosis, and treatment of colorectal cancer; for policy decisions that
make the most effective prevention and treatment available to all; and
for increased awareness that colorectal cancer is preventable,
treatable, and beatable. C3 provides patients with information about
clinical trials and treatment options, colorectal cancer research and
policy news and events, and opportunities for advocacy on behalf of the
colorectal cancer patient community.
The Cancer
Hope Network provides individual support to cancer patients and their
families by matching them with trained volunteers who have undergone and
recovered from a similar cancer experience. Matches are based on the
type of cancer, the similarity of treatment(s), side effects
experienced, and overall demographics (age, gender, etc.).
The Cancer
Information and Counseling Line (CICL), is a national free telephone
counseling service designed to help recently diagnosed cancer patients,
cancer patients who are in or who have finished treatment, family
members and friends, and members of the public. Professional counselors
provide up-to-date medical information, emotional support through
short-term counseling, and national and local resource referrals to
callers.
Organization:
The Cancer Project
Address:
Suite 400
5100 Wisconsin Avenue, NW.
Washington , DC 20016
The Cancer
Project is a collaborative effort of physicians, researchers, and
nutritionists to educate individuals, families, and the public on the
benefits of a healthy diet for cancer prevention and survival. The
Cancer Project provides classes, books, video programs, fact sheets,
brochures, and other educational materials on cancer prevention and
survival. The organization also conducts research studies to investigate
dietary issues and publicize the need for cancer prevention and the
value of healthy diet changes. The Cancer Project’s free hands-on
nutrition classes (Food for Life) help cancer survivors and their
families learn new tastes and easy food preparation skills. A limited
selection of Spanish-language publications is available.
CancerCare
is a national nonprofit organization that provides free support,
information, financial assistance, and practical help to people with
cancer, caregivers, children, loved ones, and the bereaved. Services are
provided by oncology social workers and are available in person, over
the telephone, and through their Web site. CancerCare also provides
education information and assistance to health care professionals.
Limited grants are available for homecare, childcare, or transportation
costs to men, women, and children in active cancer treatment. A section
of the CancerCare Web site and some publications are available in
Spanish, and staff are able to respond to calls and e-mails in Spanish.
The
CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation is affiliated with
CancerCare and was established to address the needs of individuals who
cannot afford their insurance co-payments to cover the cost of
medications for treating cancer. Specifically, the Foundation assists
patients who have been prescribed an oral or intravenous medication
(chemotherapy), but are unable to afford the out-of-pocket costs or
co-payment responsibility required by their insurer or Medicare. The
Foundation currently provides financial help to persons with breast,
colon, head and neck, lung, and pancreatic cancers. The types of cancer
and the medications covered by the Foundation are subject to change. For
the latest information on the funding available, contact the Foundation.
The
Candlelighters® Childhood Cancer Foundation (CCCF) is a nonprofit
organization that provides information, peer support, and advocacy
through publications, an information clearinghouse, and a network of
local support groups. CCCF maintains a list of organizations to which
eligible families may apply for financial assistance.This list is
available at: http://www.candlelighters.org/financialassistance.stm on
the Internet. In addition, some local CCCF affiliates offer financial
assistance.
The
Children's Brain Tumor Foundation (CBTF) is a nonprofit organization
whose mission is to improve the treatment, quality of life, and long-
term outlook for children with brain and spinal cord tumors through
research, support, education, and advocacy. CBTF has a free publication,
A Resource Guide for Parents of Children with Brain and Spinal Cord
Tumors, and also co-sponsors conferences, teleconferences, and webinars
for families, survivors, and health care professionals. CBTF offers a
toll-free support line where you may speak with pediatric neuro-oncology
social workers. CBTF's Parent-to-Parent Network allows families to share
their experiences with those having similar concerns. CBTF also hosts
and sponsors events, such as the Kids Cruise or Brain Tumor Week at Camp
Sunshine, which offer families fun while building relationships within
the community. CBTF funds research to identify the causes of brain
tumors in children and to find effective treatments.
Children's
Hospice International (CHI) provides education, training, and technical
assistance to health care providers and organizations that engage in the
treatment of children with life-threatening conditions. CHI's programs
include support systems and a referral network for children with
life-threatening conditions and their families, as well as for those who
have encountered the sudden loss of a child through accident or
violence. CHI provides a clearinghouse of information on research,
programs, support groups, and education and training programs. CHI has
also developed the Children's Hospice International Program for
All-Inclusive Care for Children and their Families® (CHI PACC®). Under
the CHI PACC model, families of children with life-threatening
conditions are not forced to choose between curative care and
hospice/palliative care, but instead CHI PACC allows palliative care to
be offered along with disease treatment. Currently, the CHI PACC program
is available in Colorado and Florida.
Organization:
Co-Pay Relief Program(CPR)
Address:
700 Thimble
Shoals Boulevard
Newport News, VA 23606
The Patient
Advocate Foundation's Co-Pay Relief (CPR) program provides co-payment
assistance to insured Americans who financially and medically qualify.
CPR provides direct financial assistance to qualified patients,
assisting them with prescription drug co-payments their insurance
requires. The program offers personal service to all patients through
the use of CPR call counselors. The call counselor works directly with
the patient, as well as with the provider of care, to obtain necessary
medical, insurance, and income information to advance the application
process. An online application may be completed at: https://portal.patientadvocate.org.
The Colon
Cancer Alliance (CCA) is a national patient advocacy organization. To
increase rates of screening and survivorship, CCA provides patient
support, education, and advocacy across North America. The CCA provides
a Helpline that educates people about screening, genetic testing options
in the caller's area, standards of treatment, the body's response to
surgery and treatment, and guidance regarding what to expect in the
coming months. CCA offers colorectal cancer educational materials, and
its Buddies Network matches survivors and caregivers with others in a
similar situation for one-on-one emotional support. CCA’s Online
Colorectal Community is a virtual home that enables people to connect
with thousands of others from across the world. Membership in CCA's
Online Colorectal Cancer Community is free. Members can participate in
live chats and message boards and can create personal pages with photos,
videos, and blogs.
Organization:
Colorectal CareLine
Address:
Suite 101
700 Thimble Shoals Boulevard
Newport News, VA 23606
The Patient
Advocate Foundation's Colorectal CareLine is a patient/provider hotline
designed to provide assistance to patients who have been diagnosed with
colorectal cancer and are seeking education and access to care. The
Colorectal CareLine is staffed by a team of case managers who have both
nursing and social work backgrounds and who provide individualized
service to colorectal cancer patients, their caregivers, and providers
who are seeking information and/or assistance. Through its Financial Aid
Fund, the Colorectal CareLine offers financial aid for specific
treatment-related expenses for those diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
Organization:
CureSearch
Address:
Suite 600
4600 East West Highway
Bethesda, MD 20814
CureSearch
National Childhood Cancer Foundation supports the life-saving work of
the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), the world's largest cooperative
cancer research organization that treats more than 90% of all children
with cancer. In addition to raising funds for childhood cancer research
for the COG, CureSearch provides treatment information and support
resources to patients, families, and health professionals. A searchable
Resource Directory is available on their Web site at: http://www.curesearch.org/resources.
The Directory lists local, national, and international organizations
that offer resources for helping community members, parents, and kids
with childhood cancer. Users enter in their ZIP Code on the Web site to
locate local and regional organizations. CureSearch sponsors the Walk
for Childhood Cancer in September, which is Childhood Cancer Awareness
Month. Information on the Web site is available in Spanish.
Organization:
FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered(FORCE)
Address:
PMB #373
16057 Tampa Palms Boulevard, West
Tampa, FL 33647
Telephone:
954-255-8732
1-866-824-7475 (1-866-824-RISK) (helpline) or 1-866-288-7475 (toll free
voice mail)
FORCE is a
national nonprofit organization for individuals and families affected by
hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. FORCE is a resource for people
considering genetic testing, those with a personal or family history of
breast or ovarian cancer, or a BRCA mutation. In addition to providing
information and an online chat room, FORCE offers a peer-supported
toll-free information line for women who have a hereditary risk of
developing breast and/or ovarian cancer.
Fertile
Hope is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing
reproductive information, support, and hope to cancer patients whose
medical treatments present the risk of infertility. Fertile Hope
fulfills its mission by increasing awareness of fertility risks and
preservation options, providing educational resources and fertility
preservation financial assistance options, and helping patients cope
with the physical and emotional issues associated with infertility,
fertility preservation, assisted reproduction, family planning, genetic
counseling, pregnancy, adoption, and other related issues.
Gilda’s
Club Worldwide provides meeting places where men, women and children
living with cancer, along with their families and friends, can join with
others to build a personal network of social and emotional support as an
integral part of cancer treatment. Free of charge and non-profit,
Gilda's Clubs offer support and networking groups, lectures and
workshops, specialized children's programs and social events, in a
nonresidential and home-like setting. Funding is solicited from private
individuals, corporations and foundations.
Organization:
Hospice Education Institute(HEI)
Address:
Three Unity
Square
Post Office Box 98
Machiasport, ME 04655
The Hospice
Education Institute (HEI) serves a wide range of individuals and
organizations interested in improving and expanding hospice and
palliative care throughout the United States and around the world. The
Institute works to inform, educate, and support people seeking or
providing care for the dying and the bereaved. HEI provides HOSPICELINK,
a toll-free service that can provide information on available hospice
and palliative care programs in the United States and general
information about the principles and practices of good hospice and
palliative care. HOSPICELINK can be contacted at 1-800-331-1620 or via
e-mail at HospiceLink@hospiceworld.org. HEI has a Small Gift Program
which makes immediate gifts to hospice patients and families for
nonmedical needs, as identified by local hospice staff members. These
gifts are made without delay and within one working day after the
request is reviewed and approved. The nature of the nonmedical
assistance is limited only by the needs of patient and family, and the
ingenuity of the hospice caregiver.
Organization:
International Association of Laryngectomees(IAL)
Address:
Suite 316
925B Peachtree Street, NE.
Atlanta, GA 30309
The
International Association of Laryngectomees (IAL) is a nonprofit
voluntary organization composed of member clubs and recognized regional
organizations. These clubs are generally known as "Lost Chord" or "New
Voice" clubs. Clubs are composed of 10 to more than 300 laryngectomees.
The purpose of the IAL is to assist these local clubs in their efforts
toward the total rehabilitation of the laryngectomee. The IAL promotes
and supports the total rehabilitation of the laryngectomee by exchanging
ideas and disseminating information to member clubs and to the public,
facilitating the formation of new clubs, fostering improvement in
laryngectomee programs, and improving the minimum standards for teachers
of post-laryngectomy speech. The IAL Voice Institute has distinguished
itself as the premiere training opportunity for comprehensive
instruction in all methods of alaryngeal speech restoration. It is an
intensive five-day course which emphasizes speech restoration as the
central component to multidisciplinary total rehabilitation of the
laryngectomized individual. A directory of laryngectomee-experienced
speech instructors in the U.S. and other countries is available on the
IAL Web site at: http://www.larynxlink.com/Main/speechma.htm.
Organization:
International Myeloma Foundation(IMF)
Address:
Suite 206
12650 Riverside Drive
North Hollywood, CA 91607
The
International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is dedicated to improving the
quality of life of myeloma patients while working toward prevention and
a cure. The Foundation conducts Patients & Family Seminars to educate
patients on the latest information about current therapies, research
advances, and emerging treatment options. The IMF has helped establish
and maintain a comprehensive network of support groups around the world
to assist patients and their families. The IMF Hotline answers questions
from patients and family members and provides information about medical
services, pharmaceutical access, and patient support groups. The IMF has
educational materials on myeloma and disease management in more than 13
languages, including Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese,
Korean, Polish, Russian, and Turkish. Publications include the IMF
Patient Handbook; Multiple Myeloma: A Concise Review of the Disease and
Treatment Options; Myeloma Today – the IMF quarterly newsletter; and the
Understanding Series – treatment specific brochures on new therapies and
clinical trials. The IMF also operates Bank-On-A-Cure, a unique global
gene bank to advance myeloma research. The IMF's research grant program
funds research projects around the world for both multiple myeloma and
amyloidosis.
Organization:
International Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Foundation(IWMF)
The
International Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Foundation (IWMF)provides
encouragement and support to people with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
(WM) and their families, and works to increase awareness of issues
related to WM. The IWMF also encourages and supports increased research
toward finding more effective treatments and ultimately a cure, and
provides funding for various research projects. The IWMF offers
publications, including a quarterly newsletter, The IWMF Torch, and
bulletins. Through its Internet Talklist, regional support groups, and
telephone Lifeline Project, the Foundation also helps people with WM
contact others with this disease. People may also participate in the
IWMF’s annual Educational Forum to hear prominent researchers and other
speakers, and to share their experiences with other participants.
Information on the Web site is available in French and Spanish.
Organization:
Kidney Cancer Association(KCA)
Address:
Suite 203
1234 Sherman Avenue
Evanston, IL 60202
Telephone:
847-655-4495
1-800-516-8051 and 1-866-400-5151 (Nurse Hotline)
The Kidney
Cancer Association (KCA) is a charitable organization made up of
patients, family members, physicians, survivors, researchers, and other
health professionals globally. The KCA offers a variety of services:
educating patients and families and helping those with kidney cancer
cope with the disease, advancing medical research and providing
education for physicians and nurses, and serving as an advocate on
behalf of patients at the state and federal level. Contact the Nurse
Hotline at 1-866-400-5151 for physician referrals and answers to medical
questions about kidney cancer. The KCA Web site provides free literature
and access to the latest information about kidney cancer, calendars for
support groups and patient conferences, online forums and chat rooms,
and videos and podcasts. KCA responds to calls in English and Spanish.
Organization:
Lance Armstrong Foundation(LAF)
Address:
Post Office
Box 161150
Austin, TX 78716
Telephone:
512-236-8820
1-866-235-7205 or 1-866-673-7205 (LIVESTRONG SurvivorCare)
The Lance
Armstrong Foundation (LAF) helps survivors face the challenges and
changes that come with cancer. LAF helps them understand what to expect
from the cancer experience while providing support along the way and
guides them in asking the right questions. Through the LAF's online
education resource on LIVESTRONG.org, cancer survivors can learn about
their cancer-related concerns, such as the physical and emotional
effects of cancer and its treatment and managing day-to-day matters. In
addition, survivors can download worksheets to organize and guide their
cancer experiences and hear stories shared by other cancer survivors.
LIVESTRONG SurvivorCare is partnership between CancerCare, Patient
Advocate Foundation, EmergingMed and the Lance Armstrong Foundation and
it provides financial assistance to cancer survivors. For patients who
are 6 months post-treatment with no evidence of disease, limited
financial assistance is available for transportation to follow-up
appointments, medical copays, cancer-related medications, and
neuropsychological evaluation. To speak to a case manager, call
LIVESTRONG SurvivorCare toll-free at 1-866-235-7205 or visit http://www.livestrong.org/survivorcare
to submit a request for help online.
The goal of
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is to find cures for leukemia,
lymphoma, Hodgkin disease, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative
disorders, and other blood cancers and to improve the quality of life of
patients and their families. The Society supports medical research and
provides health education materials, as well as the following services:
patient financial aid for specified treatment expenses and
transportation; a Copay Assistance Program that provides funds for
paying insurance premiums, copays, and certain prescription drugs for
people meeting specific criteria; family support groups; First
Connection (a professionally supervised peer support program);
referrals; school re-entry materials; and public and professional
education.
CancerCare
has partnered with Susan G. Komen for the Cure to create the Linking
A.R.M.S. program. The program provides limited financial assistance for
hormonal and oral chemotherapy, pain and anti-nausea medication,
lymphedema supplies, and prostheses for women with breast cancer. A
reimbursement grant is available for up to $325 per year. To apply for a
reimbursement grant, download an application form online or contact
CancerCare to receive the application. The application is available
online at: http://www.cancercare.org/pdf/assist_app/financial_assist_app_en.pdf
Organization:
Living Beyond Breast Cancer(LBBC)
Address:
Suite 224
354 West Lancaster Avenue
Haverford, PA 19041
Telephone:
484-708-1550 and 610-645-4567
1-888-753-5222 (1-888-753-LBBC) (Survivors Helpline)
Living
Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) is an educational organization that aims to
empower women living with breast cancer to live as long as possible with
the best quality of life. LBBC provides specialized programs and
services for the newly diagnosed, young women, women with advanced
breast cancer, women at high risk for developing the disease, and
African-American and Latina women. The LBBC offers an interactive
message board and information about upcoming conferences and
teleconferences on its Web site. In addition, the organization has a
toll-free Survivors' Helpline, Networking Programs for women diagnosed
with breast cancer who are age 45 or younger, women of color and women
at high risk for developing breast cancer, and outreach programs for
medically underserved communities. The LBBC also offers a quarterly
educational newsletter; culturally sensitive books in consultation with
community-based groups and healthcare providers, and programs for
caregivers and health care professionals to help them better meet the
needs of women affected by breast cancer.
Organization:
Lung Cancer Alliance(LCA)
Address:
Suite 150
888 16th Street, NW.
Washington, DC 20006
Telephone:
202-463-2080
1-800-298-2436 (Lung Cancer Information Line) 1-800-698-0931 (Clinical
Trials Matching Service)
The Lung
Cancer Alliance is a national non-profit organization dedicated to
providing patient support and advocacy for people living with or at risk
for lung cancer. LCA offers programs designed to improve the quality of
life for people with lung cancer and their families. Programs include
the Lung Cancer Information Line, a toll-free information and referral
service; the Phone Buddy program, a peer-to-peer mentoring support
program that matches survivors or caregivers to others who have similar
experiences; and the LCA Survivors Support Community, a free on-line
interactive support community at: http://www.inspire.com/groups/lung-cancer-alliance-survivors.
Other services of LCA include lung cancer education forums and tool
kits; national awareness programs, including Lung Cancer Awareness
Month, a national education and advocacy campaign; Lung Cancer Alliance
Times, the Alliance's quarterly newsletter; and LCA Advocacy Action,
where advocates can receive alerts to participate in or respond to
important lung cancer issues. LCA also offers a "Clinical Trials
Matching Service," which is designed to help lung cancer patients and
their families identify possible clinical trials.
Organization:
The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research
The
Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research is dedicated to
advancing the science related to the diagnosis, treatment, cure, and
prevention of pancreatic cancer. The Lustgarten Foundation concentrates
on stimulating the scientific and medical communities to conduct the
research necessary to find a cure for pancreatic cancer. The Lustgarten
Foundation has a Patient and Caregiver Education Program (P.A.C.E.)
which links patients and caregivers to community-based services. A
designated public and patient information manager is available to send
patients and caregivers a complete information package and to provide
individualized referrals to community-based services for information,
support, and clinical trials searches. The Foundation's Web site has an
‘Ask An Expert' series that provides in-depth information from leading
experts in the field of pancreatic cancer. A free patient handbook,
"Understanding Pancreatic Cancer: A Guide for Patients and Caregivers,"
is also available in hard copy or electronically. In addition, the Web
site provides links to organizations that provide publications,
financial assistance, and support services.
Organization:
Lymphedema CareLine
Address:
Suite 101
700 Thimble Shoals Boulevard
Newport News, VA 23606
The Patient
Advocate Foundation's Lymphedema CareLine is a patient/provider hotline
designed to help patients who are diagnosed with lymphedema or who are
at risk of developing lymphedema after breast surgery and are seeking
education and access to care. The Lymphedema CareLine is staffed by a
team of clinical case managers who have both nursing and social work
backgrounds. These case managers provide individualized service to
patients, their caregivers, and providers who are seeking information on
education resources or help navigating through the reimbursement system
or locating local, state, and/or national resources that provide
financial assistance.
The
Lymphoma Foundation of America (LFA) is an independent, nonprofit
charitable organization formed in 1986 that serves lymphoma survivors
and families. LFA offers one-on-one counseling, peer counseling, support
groups, referrals for legal advice and second opinions, and treatment
information for lymphoma patients, survivors and their families. They
also monitor and disseminate information about research into possible
causes of lymphoma.
Organization:
Lymphoma Research Foundation (Patient Services)(LRF)
Address:
Suite 207
8800 Venice Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90034
The
Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) is a voluntary health organization
devoted to funding lymphoma research and providing patients and health
care professionals with critical information on the disease. LRF
provides educational and support programs for patients and their
families, including the Lymphoma Helpline, clinical trials information
service and free publications, the Lymphoma Support Network (a
one-to-one peer support program), conferences, and the patient aid grant
program. The patient aid grant program provides up to $250 for “quality
of life” expenses, including travel and transportation, temporary
lodging, childcare, homecare, cosmetic aids, medical devices, and
hygiene products. In addition, uninsured or underinsured applicants
should indicate on their application if they have accumulated medical
debts and discuss with the Program Coordinator. Funds are available to
reimburse healthcare providers for patients’ hospital or physician bills
that insurance will not reimburse. The LRF also offers informational
webcasts featuring lymphoma researchers, teleconferences, publications,
and newsletters.
Organization:
Lymphoma Research Foundation (Research and Advocacy)(LRF)
The
Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) is the nation's largest voluntary
health organization devoted to funding lymphoma research and providing
patients and health care professionals with critical information on the
disease. The research goals of LRF are focused on supporting the
training of young professionals in lymphoma, bringing together
investigators focusing on specific diseases or other focal points, and
providing seed money and support leading to external funding and/or
public private partnerships. The Foundation also advocates for
lymphoma-related legislation and created LymphomADVOCATES, a grassroots
action network. This network is the voice of individuals across the
country who take action in support of finding a cure and helping those
touched by the lymphoma. To join the network, call the toll free number
or email advocacy@lymphoma.org.
Organization:
The Mautner Project
Address:
Suite 710
1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW.
Washington, DC 20009
The mission
of the Mautner Project is to improve the health of lesbian, bisexual,
and transgender (LBT) women through advocacy, education, research, and
direct service. The Mautner Project offers phone and online support,
nationwide community outreach, and health-related publications targeted
for the LBT community. Support groups are provided on various subjects,
including bereavement, caregivers to cancer patients, tobacco cessation,
and more. The program also helps newly diagnosed LBT cancer patients,
their families, and caregivers navigate the health care system. Removing
the Barriers is a training program offered to physicians and health care
staff to educate them about the health care needs of lesbians. The
Spirit Health Education Circle is a new national health education
program focused on African-American women who partner with women.
Organization:
Melanoma International Foundation(MIF)
Address:
250
Mapleflower Road
Glenmoore, PA 19343
Telephone:
610-942-3432 (Philadelphia area)
1-866-463-6663 (outside Philadelphia region)
The
Melanoma International Foundation (MIF) creates and supports melanoma
programs for the prevention, early detection, and treatment of melanoma.
The MIF provides a hotline to help melanoma patients and their families
understand their pathology, what clinical trials are available, and how
to get the best palliative care. MIF also provides early detection
education and teaches skin self-examination and sun safety. A new
education program, Sprouts, for grades K-5 teaches about the skin as a
body organ and smart ways to protect it. In addition, MIF is involved
with teaching new parents how to role model sun safe behavior. Working
in close partnership with MIF, SEED (Support through Education, Events &
Development) volunteers host fundraising events, show early detection
instructional videos, and distribute informational materials throughout
their communities nationwide. MIF also spearheaded a "Prom Pledge"
program to educate young women going to the prom to avoid tanning
salons.
The
Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) supports innovative research
efforts in the most promising areas of multiple myeloma research through
several grant-making programs. MMRF also provides patient support by
producing brochures on multiple myeloma, publishing the quarterly
newsletter Myeloma Focus, and supporting a team of MMRF Myeloma Mentors.
Myeloma Mentors are patients who have been trained and certified to
share their experiences with other patients, physicians, industry
representatives, and others in the myeloma community. The MMRF also has
an Institutional Insight program that educates clinicians, patients, and
caregivers on the latest advances and treatments in multiple myeloma.
Organization:
National Asian Women's Health Organization(NAWHO)
Address:
Suite 500
One Embarcadero Center
San Francisco, CA 94111
The
National Asian Women's Health Organization (NAWHO) is working to improve
the health status of Asian women and families through research,
education, leadership, and public policy programs. NAWHO has designed
and implemented national health promotion campaigns and programs on
breast and cervical cancer, diabetes risk, HIV, immunization coverage,
mental health, osteoporosis, reproductive health, sexual violence and
intimate partner violence prevention, and tobacco control. The NAWHO Web
site has links to organizations that provide breast cancer materials for
Asian women in the following languages: English, Cambodian, Cantonese,
Farsi, Hmong, Japanese, Laotian, Tagalong, Thai, Tongan, Vietnamese, and
Korean.
Organization:
National Bone Marrow Transplant Link(nbmtLINK)
Address:
Suite 108
20411 West 12 Mile Road
Southfield, MI 48076
The
nbmtLink is a nonprofit organization specifically serving stem cell
transplant patients, their caregivers, families, and health
professionals. The nbmtLink provides vital information and support
services, including an extensive volunteer peer support program,
resource referrals for patients and health professionals, educational
booklets (including a resource guide to stem cell transplants, a
survivor's guide, and a caregiver's guide), a comprehensive Web site,
telephone support groups, educational forums, and videos. The free
nbmtLINK Online Library contains hundreds of journal articles, booklets,
and reference materials, as well as comprehensive links to additional
online information. Information on how to become a donor is also
available. Staff can respond to calls in Spanish.
Organization:
National Brain Tumor Society(NBTS)
Address:
Suite 612
22 Battery Street
San Francisco, CA 94111
The
National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS), which was formed by the merger of
the National Brain Tumor Foundation and the Brain Tumor Society, is a
comprehensive resource for patients, families, caregivers, researchers,
and medical professionals. NBTS provides free publications, such as The
Essential Guide, a comprehensive publication that provides information
on brain tumors in a colorful, easy to read magazine format. NBTS has a
Medical Information Specialist on staff who provides phone and e-mail
consultations. The Society also has a patient and caregiver peer-support
network that matches newly diagnosed patients and their caregivers with
volunteer survivors or caregivers for information and support over the
phone or e-mail. NBTS's Financial Assistance Program helps brain tumor
patients with treatment-related expenses such as medication copays,
transportation to treatment, home health care and home adaptations
(related to a brain tumor diagnosis), and childcare. Financial
assistance applications are reviewed on a monthly basis, and grants
range from $100 to $500. All applicants are eligible to receive up to
two grants, but must wait 6 months before applying for the second grant.
NBTS responds to calls in Spanish and provides brochures and fact sheets
in Spanish. The peer-support network also includes Spanish-speaking
volunteers.
Organization:
National Breast Cancer Coalition(NBCC)
Address:
Suite 1300
1101 17th Street, NW.
Washington, DC 20036
The
National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) is the nation's largest breast
cancer advocacy group with hundreds of member organizations and tens of
thousands of individual members. NBCC's sister organization, the
National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund (NBCCF), empowers and trains NBCC
members by giving them the tools they need to make their own informed
decisions and to work beside legislative, scientific, and clinical
decisionmakers. Once trained, these advocates represent NBCC as they
influence public policies that impact breast cancer research, diagnosis,
and treatment. The NBCCF booklet, How to Get Good Care for Breast
Cancer, contains essential messages about quality care and focuses on
empowering patients to ask questions and learn about evidence-based
care. It is available at: http://www.stopbreastcancer.org/pdf/revised_good_breast_cancer_care.pdf.
This booklet is also available in Spanish at: http://www.stopbreastcancer.org/pdf/NBCCF-spanish.pdf.
Organization:
The National Children's Cancer Society(NCCS)
Address:
Suite 800
One South Memorial Drive
St. Louis, MO 63102
The mission
of the National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS) is to improve the
quality of life for children with cancer and their families by providing
financial and in-kind assistance, advocacy, support services, and
education. The NCCS Pediatric Oncology Program provides support to pay
health insurance premiums, lodging, food, transportation, and telephone
expenses. Educational materials provided include information about
cancer, healthy lifestyle habits, and survivorship. The NCCS's Care to
Share Cancer Connection is an online support network for families to
share their experiences, offer encouragement, and learn from others.
TheBeyond the Cure Program helps childhood cancer survivors to integrate
the cancer experience into their new lives as survivors, to educate
survivors and their families about the late effects related to diagnosis
and treatment, and to celebrate survivorship. The Global Outreach
Program (GOP) distributes donated pharmaceuticals and medical supplies
to facilities internationally.
Organization:
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship(NCCS)
Address:
Suite 770
1010 Wayne Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20910
The
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) is a survivor-led
cancer advocacy organization. NCCS’s primary goal is to inform and
empower cancer survivors with accurate information. NCCS’s new Surviving
with Confidence program was created to dispel some of the common
misconceptions about chemotherapy. Survivors who have undergone
chemotherapy treatment share their experience during and after
treatment. NCCS’s Cancer Survival Toolbox is a free audio program that
helps people with cancer meet the challenges of their illness. The
toolbox is available in English and Spanish (Chinese transcripts are
also available). Cancer: Keys to Survivorship is a free program that
teaches participants how to be proactive about their health. NCCS’s
Cancer Advocacy Now! is a grassroots network that advocates for better
access to high-quality therapies and clinical trials; Medicare coverage
and reimbursement for anticancer drugs and treatments; and better
palliative and end-of-life care. The NCCS also has an online Resource
Guide located at: http://www.canceradvocacy.org/resources/guide/. A
listing of long-term follow-up cancer care clinics is available by
selecting “Long-Term Survival Clinics” from the Cancer-Related
Information drop down list.
Organization:
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization(NHPCO)
The
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) is a
membership organization representing programs and professionals that
provide hospice and palliative care in the United States. NHPCO's
mission is to lead and mobilize social change for improved care at the
end-of-life. NHPCO offers publications, information about how to find a
hospice, and information about the financial aspects of hospice. On the
NHPCO Web site you are able to search for hospice/palliative care
programs in the United States. The organization also maintains a
consumer focused Web site called Caring Connections at: http://www.caringinfo.org.
Caring Connections provides a wide range of free materials about
end-of-life care (such as hospice and palliative care information,
advance care planning, caregiving, etc.). Some Spanish-language
publications are available, and staff are able to answer calls in
Spanish.
Organization:
National Lymphedema Network(NLN)
Address:
Suite 1111
1611 Telegraph Avenue
Oakland, CA 94612
The
National Lymphedema Network (NLN) provides education and guidance to
lymphedema patients, health care professionals, and the general public
by disseminating information on the prevention and management of primary
and secondary lymphedema. The NLN provides a toll-free support hotline,
a referral service to lymphedema treatment centers and health care
professionals, a quarterly newsletter (LymphLink) with information about
medical and scientific developments, support groups, pen pals,
educational courses for health care professionals and patients, and a
computer database. Some Spanish-language materials are available.
Organization:
National Marrow Donor Program®(NMDP)
Address:
Suite 100
3001 Broadway Street, NE.
Minneapolis, MN 55413
Telephone:
612-627-5800 612-627-8140 (Office of Patient Advocacy)
1-800-627-7692 (1-800-MARROW-2) 1-888-999-6743 (Office of Patient
Advocacy)
The
National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP) is funded by the Federal
Government and was created to improve the effectiveness of the search
for bone marrow donors. It maintains a registry of potential bone marrow
donors and provides free information on bone marrow transplantation,
peripheral blood stem cell transplant, and unrelated donor stem cell
transplant, including the use of umbilical cord blood. NMDP's Office of
Patient Advocacy assists transplant patients and their physicians by
providing information, referrals, support, and advocacy. Physicians are
able to search the Registry to find the best match for their patients.
The Marrow Foundation Patient Assistance Program (fund-raising partner
of the NMDP) provides financial assistance to help patients pay for
searching the National Marrow Donor Program Registry and/or some
post-transplant costs. Applications for Patient Assistance Program funds
must be submitted by an NMDP transplant center. Eligible patients may
ask their transplant center coordinator to apply for one or both
programs. The NMDP Web site contains a list of participating transplant
centers at: http://www.marrow.org/PATIENT/Plan_for_Tx/Choosing_a_TC/US_NMDP_Transplant_Centers/tc_list_by_state.pl
on the Internet. This list includes descriptions of the centers, as well
as their transplant experience, survival statistics, research interests,
pretransplant costs, and contact information. The NMDP Web site also has
a list of international NMDP transplant centers located outside of the
United States. Information on the NMDP Web site is available in Spanish,
Korean, Tagalog, Chinese, and Vietnamese.
The
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) raises awareness about ovarian
cancer and promotes education about this disease. Committed volunteers
continue to build a network of NOCC Divisions throughout the country to
advance the ovarian cancer awareness movement in local communities. In
September, NOCC sponsors an aggressive national public information
campaign for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. NOCC has a toll-free number
for information, referral, support, and education about ovarian cancer.
NOCC also offers support groups, a national newsletter, a link to a
database of gynecologic oncologists searchable by state, and educational
materials on issues such as symptoms, risk factors, and treatment. The
Coalition provides Continuing Medical Education programs for physicians
and health care professionals. A limited selection of Spanish-language
publications is available.
Organization:
National Patient Travel Center(NPTC)
Address:
Suite One
4620 Haygood Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
The
National Patient Travel Center (NPTC) provides the National Patient
Travel Helpline, a telephone service that facilitates patient access to
charitable medical air transportation resources in the United States.
The NPTC also offers information about discounted airline ticket
programs for patients and patient escorts, operates Special-Lift and
Child-Lift programs, and brings ambulatory outpatients to the United
States from many overseas locations.
The Oral
Cancer Foundation (OCF) is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to
saving lives through public and professional awareness, education,
research, prevention through lifestyle changes, early detection
initiatives, advocacy, and support. A major focus of OCF is the
promotion of an annual oral cancer screening, along with an outreach to
the dental and medical communities to provide this service as a matter
of routine practice. OCF provides an online Oral Cancer Forum, which
includes a message board and chat room that connects newly diagnosed
patients, family members, and the public.
Organization:
Ovarian Cancer National Alliance(OCNA)
Address:
Suite 1190
910 17th Street, NW.
Washington, DC 20006
The Ovarian
Cancer National Alliance (OCNA) works to increase public and
professional understanding of ovarian cancer and to advocate for
research to determine more effective ways to diagnose, treat, and cure
this disease. The Alliance distributes informational materials; sponsors
an annual advocacy conference for survivors and families; advocates on
the issues of cancer to the ovarian cancer community; and works with
women's groups, seniors, and health professionals to increase awareness
of ovarian cancer. The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance Clinical Trials
Matching Service provides a way for women to find and link to clinical
trial options for ovarian cancer. The Service is available by calling
1-800-535-1682 or through the Alliance's Web site under Clinical Trials.
Organization:
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network(PanCAN)
Address:
Suite 7000
2141 Rosecrans Avenue
El Segundo, CA 90245
The
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is a nonprofit organization
dedicated to working together to advance research, support patients and
create hope for those affected by pancreatic cancer. Services provided
by PanCAN include Patient and Liaison Services (PALS), a comprehensive,
free call-in information program; the Survivor and Caregiver Network;
support groups; and conferences and telephone workshops. PanCAN
advocates for increased funding of pancreatic cancer research and
promotes access to and awareness of the latest medical advances, support
networks, clinical trials, and reimbursement for care. PanCAN also
provides funding for pancreatic cancer research.
Organization:
Patient Advocate Foundation(PAF)
Address:
Suite 200
700 Thimble Shoals Boulevard
Newport News, VA 23606
The Patient
Advocate Foundation (PAF) is a national nonprofit organization that
provides professional case management services to Americans with
chronic, life threatening, and debilitating illnesses. PAF case managers
(assisted by doctors and health care attorneys) serve as active liaisons
between the patient and their insurer, employer, and/or creditors to
resolve insurance, job retention, and/or debt crisis matters as they
relate to the patient's diagnosis. The PAF seeks to safeguard patients
through effective mediation to ensure access to care, maintenance of
employment, and preservation of financial stability.
The Prevent
Cancer Foundation funds research that focuses on the prevention of
cancer, educates the public about how to prevent cancer, and reaches out
to communities across the country with resources, events and
partnerships with other organizations. The Foundation focuses its
energies and resources on those cancers—including breast, cervical,
colorectal, lung, oral, prostate, skin, testicular—that can be prevented
through lifestyle changes or detection and treatment in their early
stages.
The
Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) advocates for greater awareness of
prostate cancer and provides funding for research projects to improve
methods of diagnosing and treating prostate cancer, as well as finding a
cure. The PCF produces free publications that highlight news about
prostate cancer, including detection and screening, treatment, research,
clinical trials, and nutrition. The "Report to the Nation on Prostate
Cancer: A Guide for Men and Their Families" highlights key issues that
men with prostate cancer face, and includes a set of tear-out,
wallet-sized cards with questions to ask their doctors at each stage of
the disease. A report for health professionals is also available.
The R.A.
Bloch Cancer Foundation matches newly diagnosed cancer patients with
trained, home-based volunteers who have been treated for the same type
of cancer. They also distribute informational materials, including a
multidisciplinary list of institutions that offer second opinions.
Sisters
Network® Inc. (SNI) addresses the breast health needs of African
American women through its affiliate chapters, which are organized by
breast cancer survivors, and partnerships with existing service
providers. A list of SNI chapters is available at: http://www.sistersnetworkinc.org/chapters.asp.
Teleconferences are held to update chapters on the latest information
and to share new ideas. The organization's national educational outreach
program includes the Gift for Life Block Walk, the Pink Ribbon Awareness
Initiative, and the annual National African American Breast Cancer
Conference. SNI has a national partnership with HealthTalk and is
collaborating on a “Stop the Silence” initiative. SNI is also a partner,
along with nine other breast cancer organizations, in Lifetime
Television’s commitment to ‘Stop Breast Cancer for Life’. Another
national partnership, with The University of Texas M.D. Anderson
Cancer Center, is the Sisters Peer Counseling in Reproductive Issues
After Treatment (S.P.I.R.I.T) research study aimed at determining
whether trained peer counselors (members of Sisters) can help African
American breast cancer survivors. SNI also assists the Sister Study, the
only long-term national study of women ages 35 to 74 whose sisters had
breast cancer. The study is one of the first to focus on how environment
and genes affect the chances of getting breast cancer.
The mission
of The Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) is to reduce the incidence of skin
cancer by promoting prevention, early detection, and effective
treatment. The Foundation's educational materials – brochures, posters,
and books – provide essential information on all forms of skin cancer,
sun protection strategies, skin cancer prevention, and self-examination.
In addition, SCF strives to improve skin cancer care by offering
physician education and training programs, supporting research into new
diagnostic techniques and therapies, and promoting public education
programs abroad. The Foundation sponsors two international conferences
on skin cancer, the International Dermatology Exchange Program and the
World Congress on Cancers of the Skin.
Organization:
Starlight™ Children's Foundation
Address:
Suite M100
5757 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Starlight™
Children's Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving
the quality of life for children with serious medical conditions by
providing entertainment, education, and family activities that help them
cope with the pain, fear and isolation of prolonged illness. Starlight
builds playrooms and teen lounges in hospitals, and provides PC Pals and
Fun Centers for kids to play games, e-mail, and chat with friends.
Entertainers and parties are provided for children in the hospital. The
organization stays connected with the kids through online chat rooms and
special outings for the entire family. Available on the Foundation's Web
site are videos and games that provide information on illnesses and
treatments. Chapters are located in many U.S. states and in other
countries.
Organization:
Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer(SPOHNC)
Support for
People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC) is a self-help
organization dedicated to addressing the emotional and physical needs of
oral and head and neck cancer patients. The organization offers support
groups facilitated by local chapters; current information on oral and
head and neck cancer through its newsletter, "News From SPOHNC," as well
as other newsletters and articles; the free resource booklet "We Have
Walked in Your Shoes"; and teleconferences. A new book, “Meeting The
Challenges of Oral and Head and Neck Cancer: A Survivor’s Guide,”
focuses on oral and head and neck cancer survivorship and the recovery
process. SPOHNC also offers a National Survivor Volunteer Network, which
pairs survivors or their family members with volunteers who have had a
similar diagnosis and treatment program.
Susan G.
Komen for the Cure is a grassroots network of breast cancer survivors
and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality
care for all and energize science to find the cures. The 1-877 GO KOMEN
toll free line provides information relating to breast health, breast
cancer, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Susan G. Komen for the Cure has
funded research grants and community-based outreach projects that focus
on breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment for
the medically underserved. Staff can respond to calls in Spanish, and
some publications are available in Spanish.
Organization:
Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc.(ThyCa)
The Thyroid
Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc. (ThyCa), an all-volunteer
organization, provides a network of services to thyroid cancer
survivors, caregivers, family members, friends, and health care
professionals. These services include various e-mail support groups,
person-to-person support, local support groups, and a toll-free
survivors' telephone line. ThyCa also offers a free packet of
educational materials for new patients, a low-iodine cookbook,
newsletters, conferences, and workshops. In addition, ThyCa is active in
raising funds for thyroid cancer research and provides research grants
for thyroid cancer. The organization has volunteers who are fluent in
Spanish.
Us TOO®
International, Inc. is a prostate cancer education and support network
organization. Goals of Us TOO are to increase awareness of prostate
cancer in the community, educate men newly diagnosed with prostate
cancer, offer support groups, and provide the latest information about
detection and treatment for this disease. To achieve these goals, Us TOO
offers Newly Diagnosed Patient Resource Kits, newsletters, and Web-based
communities. In addition, Us TOO is an active advocate for increased
funding for early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and research. Us TOO
has over 320 support group chapters worldwide. A limited selection of
Spanish-language publications is available.
Organization:
Vital Options® International
Address:
Suite I
4419 Coldwater Canyon Avenue
Studio City, CA 91604
The mission
of Vital Options is to facilitate a global cancer dialogue by using
communications technology to reach people dealing with cancer. A weekly
syndicated call-in cancer radio talk show (which is also simulcast on
the worldwide Web and XM Satellite) called "The Group Room" provides a
forum for patients, long-term survivors, family members, physicians, and
therapists to discuss cancer issues. Listeners can participate in the
show during its broadcast every Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.,
Eastern time, by calling either of the telephone numbers. A live Web
simulcast of "The Group Room" can be heard by logging onto the Vital
Options Web site. Vital Options also produces a series of brochures, The
Professor and the Survivor, to humanize the clinical trial experience.
Currently, there are two brochures in the series, one on colorectal
cancer and one on breast cancer. Vitaloptions.org also includes a
section dedicated solely to young adults.
Organization:
The Wellness Community®(TWC)
Address:
Suite 54
919 18th Street, NW.
Washington, DC 20006
The
Wellness Community (TWC) is an international nonprofit organization that
provides support, education and hope to people with cancer and their
loved ones. TWC offers professionally-led support groups, educational
workshops, nutrition and exercise programs, and stress-reduction
classes. All TWC classes and programs are free. Programs are offered at
TWC centers in the United States and at a few international locations
with satellite and off-site programs. A list of TWC centers can be found
at: http://www.thewellnesscommunity.org/corporate/worldwide.php. TWC
also offers The Virtual Wellness Community, which provides free,
professionally-led online support groups for people affected by cancer.
Group Loop is an online resource for teens with cancer and their
parents, and provides online support groups, chat rooms, educational
resources, and more. Visit Group Loop at: http://www.grouploop.org for
more details.
