Resources for People Affected by Cancer

by Geralyn O’Brien, Cancer Survivor, Licensed and Oncology-Trained Esthetician

Cancer patients and survivors face many challenges which can include financial hardships from lack of income, co-pays and out of pocket expenses. During treatment, and after treatment ends, the lingering effects of treatment, emotional turmoil, medication side effects, along with the fear of recurrence are just some areas where additional support and resources are needed to move forward.

Over the years, I have become aware of many resources available to cancer patients to help support their physical, emotional and financial needs. I have put together a list of organization and hospitals to help navigate your cancer journey. Resources include financial, transportation, scholarships, integrative care, educational support and fun, free activities.

Cancer-focused Nonprofits Serving Patients, Survivors, Families, Friends and Caregivers

Many of the organizations listed are non-profits that were started by people facing their own challenges in life. It has been so inspiring to meet many of the founders of some of these foundations and organizations through my connections to the oncology world–not only as a patient but as an oncology-focused esthetician.

I have put together this list of resources for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers– only the tip of the iceberg of the potential services that are available. I encourage everyone to become familiar with some of these sites and help a cancer patient apply for services, funds or activities that pertain to their specific situation, as some of the funds available will be limited and require applications and verification. I also list some that are local to my area in Illinois. Many churches, social service agencies, hospitals, your own health care team, nurse navigators, social workers and cancer resource centers in your area are all great resources to connect with and direct you to different agencies pertaining to your needs.

I started my list years back on a piece of paper, moved to a file folder, then to a box, then a bin. I needed my living room back as the piles keep on growing, so I decided it was time to put my list together and I would keep my resources to 100—well, sort of, just a few extras on some lines. Many of the sites I have chosen have additional resource lists on their sites, which brings the resources to well over 1,000. Since I was trying to keep my list to 100, I didn’t include a complete list of all the websites on nutrition, yoga, meditation, books and CD’s etc. that are also vital in your cancer journey (that is a list of 100 for another time).

You will find resources in all these areas on many of the websites I have included….including here on Integrative Cancer Review’s site, where you will find a huge range of resources listed and reviewed. I have tried to put my list in somewhat of an order, but many sites cover numerous topics. A list of comprehensive cancer centers is listed at the end to help search out more information pertaining to each individual cancer.

The next time you or your business is looking to make a donation, consider some of the organizations listed below. Get a group together and donate your time to a fundraiser for a non-profit in your area. We will all face challenges in our lives and learning when and how to seek out services will help us all live a happier, healthy life– one day at a time.

One of my favorite observations is seeing the ripple effect when survivors give back and support others who have just begun their journeys. Become an advocate for a cause that you feel passionate about so you can empower others.

To suggest your organization or favorite resources to the Integrative Cancer Review listings, please contact info@integrativecancer.org.

What Can One Expect at a Non- profit Cancer Resource Center?

Cancer-focused nonprofits offer a huge range of services. One type of cancer-focused nonprofit is the cancer resource center, which offers a range of support services, typically to cancer patients and their families/caregivers, at reduced fees or without charge.

Kelly Huggins, LCSW, Program Development and Operations Manager at the nonprofit Waterford Place Cancer Resource Center in Aurora, Illinois, states that Waterford Place provides services and support free of charge to anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis. For most people, facing this disease is filled with fear, indecision, and often, treatment plans that can be physically and emotionally demanding. Waterford Place’s staff and volunteers aim to provide comforting, understanding and fortifying resources for those in any stage of treatment or survivorship–along with a multitude of services for their loved ones. Waterford Place is where help meets hope.

Inside Waterford Place, participants will find a warm, welcoming space that offers an array of information and programs on specific cancer types. Programming focuses on the practical, from what to expect from treatment to how to balance practical concerns such as finances, working, and health insurance, as well as the emotional side of the disease. Regular lectures from clinical specialists and other health professionals help keep you informed on the latest research and treatment options, and on topics such as how to help caregivers and maintain relationships.


Integrative Cancer Review

 

Resources for Cancer Patients and Caregivers

By Geralyn O’Brien,
Licensed and Oncology-Trained Esthetician and Cancer Survivor

 

Educational and Wellness Websites for Cancer Support

  1. American Cancer Society 1-800-227-2345 cancer.org ACS provides a wealth of services for cancer patients and their families. Calls taken 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  2. American Breast Cancer Foundation 1-844-219-2223 abcf.org
  3. American Institute for Cancer Research aicr.org
  4. Annie Appleseed Project 1-800-749-0084 annieappleseedproject.org Provides information, education, advocacy and awareness for people with cancer.
  5. Association of Cancer Online Resources acor.org
  6. Cancer and Careers cancerandcareers.org Provides education and advice.
  7. Cancer 101 (1-646-638-2202) CANCER101.org Planner for people with cancer.
  8. Cancer Fighting Kitchen cookbook rebeccakatz.com
  9. Cancer Support Community Websites myhopechest.org www.breastcancer.org www.breastreconstruction.org
  10. Dragon Fly Angel Society dragonflyangelsociety.com Cancer survivorship resource website.
  11. Environmental Working Group ewg.org/– Living healthier. www.ewg.org/skindeep/ (Review and rates skincare products).
    • Download free “Toss The Toxins Toolkit” on Kristen Arnett’s Green Beauty Team site:  greenbeautyteam.com
    • Additional websites on the forefront of removing toxins from our environment:
  12. Hope For Young Adults With Cancer hope4yawc.org
  13. Imerman Angels 1-877-274-5529 imermanangels.org Cancer support community. IA can put you in touch with someone just like you who’s already been through your cancer experience.
  14. Integrative Cancer Review integrativecancer.org – Multiplying the power of healing by promoting safety and accessibility with complimentary and integrative cancer care modalities.
  15. Kris Carr kriscarr.com Download healthy living tips. Documentary film called Crazy, Sexy Cancer. Many books by Kris Carr including Crazy, Sexy Juice.
  16. Livestrong livestrong.com Support programs. Print out your own survivorship care plan.
  17. My Life Line mylifeline.org List of resources. Patients and caregivers create your own free website.
  18. National Lymphedema Society lymph.org L.A.N.A Society www.clt-Lana.org (Certified Lymphedema Therapists) Lymphedema Guru www.lymphedemablog.com Living Beyond Breast Cancer www.lbbc.org Lymphedema products www.lymphedemaproducts.com www.solideamedical.com
  19. National Cancer Institute cancer.net Navigating cancer care. Decision making.
  20. National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship canceradvocacy.org
  21. Macmillan Cancer Support macmillan.org.uk – One of the largest and most comprehensive websites worldwide. Covers most cancer types.
  22. Oncolink oncolink.com Educational website for patients, families, and health care providers.
  23. Patient Resource Guides 1-800-497-7539 patientresource.com Mission to empower people with cancer with the most comprehensive and up to date guides
  24. Society of Integrative Oncology integrativeonc.org Evidence-based, comprehensive integrative healthcare.
  25. Stupid Cancer stupidcancer.org List of resources, assistance programs, cancer publications, books and feature films. Mission to empower those affected by young adult cancers.
  26. Triage Cancer http://triageCancer.org National non-profit that provides info on cancer survivorship issues through an international speakers bureau, education events, and online tools and resources.
  27. Young Survivor Coalition (YSC) 1-877-972-1011 youngsurvival.org Dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women.

Financial, Insurance and Medication Assistance

  1. Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund http://bmcf.net Provides financial assistance to patients 18-40 to meet daily needs not covered by insurance.
  2. Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition (CFAC) 1-800-813-4673 cancerfac.org Group of national organizations that provide financial help to patients. Also a list of wish fulfillment organizations for adults and children with chronic or advanced disease.
  3. Cancer Care cancercare.org 1-800-813-4673 Government assistance programs. Directory of resources including financial assistance programs and co-pay assistance.
  4. Cancer Legal Resource Center 1-800-843-2572 CancerLegalResourceCenter.org Provides free webinars and publications about insurance, finances, health care, family and employment.
  5. Ellie Fund 1-781-449-0100 http://elliefund.org Support services for breast cancer patients.
  6. Fifth Season Financial Corporation 1-866-803-6095 fifthseasonfinancial.com Offers the funds for living and giving (FLAG program) that provides a quick and easy way to use the death benefit of your life insurance policy to give you the money you need. Also, a nice list of resources on the site for cancer patients.
  7. HealthWell Foundation 1-800-675-8416 healthwellfoundation.org – Financial assistance for underinsured patients for premiums, co-pays etc.
  8. Needy Meds 1-978-281-6665 needymeds.org and www.RXHope.com
  9. Patient Access Network Foundation 1-866-316-7263 panfoundation.org Underinsured
  10. Patient Advocate Foundation 1-800-366-7741 patientadvocate.org Healthcare and insurance problems.
  11. Senior Services Associates http://seniorserviceassoc.org/programs/information/assistance
  12. You Caring youcaring.com Financial help for cancer patients.

Transportation and Housing Assistance when Traveling for Treatment

  1. Air Charity Network 1-877-621-621-7177 http://aircharitynetwork.org
  2. Joe’s House 1-877-563-7463
  3. Hospitality Homes 1-888-595-4678
  4. National Association of Hospitality Houses 1-800-542-9730
  5. Patient Airlift Services (PALS) 1-631-694-7257
  6. Road to Recovery Program and Hope Lodge through American Cancer Society 1-800-227-2345

Cancer Centers, Hospital-based and Cancer-Specific Websites

  1. National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) nccn.org – Alliance of the world’s leading cancer centers, dedicating to improving the quality and effectiveness of care provided to people with cancer. Clinical guidelines for professionals. Additional list of comprehensive cancer centers below.
  2. Ronald McDonald House Charities rmhccni.org Chapters around the world creating country-specific programs.
  3. St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org
  4. Clinical Trials clinicaltrials.org
  5. Dana Farber Cancer Institute danafarber.org
  6. Esophageal Cancer Network (ECAN) ecan.org
  7. Gynecological Oncology Group gog.org
  8. John Hopkins johnhopkins.com
  9. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society 1-800-955-4572 lls.org
  10. National Bone Marrow Donor Program 1-888-999-6743 bethematch.com
  11. National Organization for Rare Disorders 1-203-744-0100
  12. Patient Advocate Foundation’s Colorectal care-line 1-866-657-8634 colorectalcareline.org
  13. Sarcoma Alliance 1-415-381-7236

Wish Granting Sites, Vacations, Freebies and More

  1. Little Pink Houses of Hope littlepink.org Promoting breast cancer recovery by offering opportunities for survivors to reconnect and celebrate life.
  2. Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine breastcancerwellness.org/thieves-cruise/cruise-contest/ Sponsors one or two cruises a year complete with speakers, workshops, and mastectomy-wear fashion shows. Cruises are not free, but each year they sponsor a contest to give away a free cruise. Also offers scholarships to stage four breast cancer survivors.
  3. Breast Cancer Freebies breastcancerfreebies.com
  4. Caring Bridge caringbridge.org Create a free website to keep family and friends connected during your cancer journey.
  5. Castings for Recovery http://castingforrecovery.org Founded by a breast cancer surgeon who felt that by offering breast cancer patients the opportunity to spend a week fly fishing they would learn valuable coping skills and connect with others.
  6. Credit Card Exchange cancercardxchange.org Collects monetary and gift card collections and distributes to verified cancer patients.
  7. Cleaning for a Reason cleaningforareason.org Program available in 50 states which gives the gift of free house cleaning for four months while undergoing treatment.
  8. Cure Magazine curetoday.com Free magazine dealing with subjects during and after cancer treatments.
  9. Dream Foundation dreamfoundation.org Serving adults and their families by providing end of life dreams.
  10. Ellie Fund 1-781-449-0100 http://elliefund.org Support services for breast cancer patients.
  11. Good Wishes 1-888-778-5997 GoodWishesScarves.org Provides a free beautiful “It’s a Wrap” or “Good Wishes Scarf” to anyone experiencing the thinning or loss of hair as a result of illness or treatment.
  12. Happy Chemo happychemo.com Happy Chemo identifies companies and organizations that are willing to provide products, services and resources to cancer patients. Discounts, free gifts and samples.
  13. Healing Rainbow Hands 1-800-828-524-1100 rainbowhealinghands.com A wellness co-op located in the Smokey Mountains of Western North Carolina.
  14. Heavenly Hats heavenlyhats.org Collects and distributes new hats to cancer patients.
  15. Inheritance of Hope inheritanceofhope.org – Offers free, fun vacations to families with children under 18 who has a parent with a life threatening illness.
  16. Knitted Knockers http://www.knittedknockers.org – A free pair of –yes, just what it says– knitted knockers.
  17. Lotsa Helping Hands http://lotsahelpinghands.com Help organizing meals and support.
  18. Make a Wish Foundation wish.org and Cal’s Angels www.calsangels.org (Illinois) These two sites are dedicated to wish granting for children.
  19. Strings For a Cure stringsforacure.org Educate and financial support for breast cancer patients.

Oncology Spa Treatments for Facials, Massage, Reiki, Wigs and Yoga

Read more about the importance of oncology trainings for Facials, Massage and Yoga during and after treatment. 

Oncology trained therapists can help educate you on the safety precautions to follow during and after cancer treatments for Facials, Massage and Yoga.

  1. Beauty Bus Foundation beautybus.org (California-based) in-home beauty and grooming treatments for people who are housebound.
  2. Heaven’s Door Cancer Foundation heavensdooropen.com (Texas-based) Free spa services or gift certificates to be seen by oncology trained therapists.
  3. Hello Gorgeous hellogorgeous.org (Indiana-based) Professional makeovers and cosmetic education to women battling cancer.
  4. HUGS Foundation (Arizona-based) candicedrake.com Enrich the lives of cancer patients with wigs, spa treatments, skincare and make-up.
  5. Lipstick Angels (California-based) lipstickangels.org – Using the power of beauty to transform and heal.
  6. Looking and Feeling Fab, Inc. lookfeelfab.org (Massachusetts-based) – Providing comfort and relief to those suffering with cancer through integrative therapies.
  7. Reiki Share Project thereikishareproject.org – Empowering others toward healing the body, mind and spirit with the practice of reiki.
  8. Society Of Oncology Massage S4OM.org
  9. Suite Hope Suitehope.com (Texas-based) Helping oncology patients esthetically. Wig Ed www.wiged.com Book on what to look for when purchasing a wig.
  10. Touch, Caring and Cancer Partnersinhealing.net Book, CD and music. Teaching family safe massage.
  11. Wigs for Cancer Patients cancer.org American Cancer Society’s free wig program. Locations through-out the USA in hospitals and cancer centers. Visit ACS website to find a location near you.
  12. Yoga Bear http://www.yogabear.org Yoga Bears mission statement “Connecting cancer fighters and survivors with healing yoga.” Started in San Francisco and now offers yoga classes in 25 states in over 200 studios.

Illinois/Chicagoland-Based Cancer Programs

  1. Cancer Resource Centers In Chicagoland area – where all services are free to cancer patients and their families, visit each site to learn more. Waterford Place, Aurora www.waterfordcrc.com , LivingWell, Geneva www.livingwellcrc.org , Wellness House, Hinsdale www.wellnesshouse.org , Cancer Wellness Center, Northbrook www.cancerwellness.org , Cancer Support Center (Homewood and Mokena) www.cancersupportcenter.org Faye’s Light (Hazel Crest) www.fayeslight.org;  Gilda’s Club (Chicago) gildasclubchicago.org 
  2. Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope alyssaalvinfoundationforhope.org Alyssa’s family carries on her memory by collecting and distributing musical instruments and art supplies to cancer patients.
  3. Angel Bears of Hope  Angel bears for patients. Recently closed due to illness of founder Maralee Halterman of Ottawa, Illinois who provided over 30,000 angel bears to sick children and adults since 2011. Best of luck to Maralee and thank you for providing the gift of hope to so many.
  4. Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation rizzo44.com Foundation to raise funds for research and support children and their families who are battling cancer.
  5. Becca’s LEGacy beccaslegacy.org Becca’s family carries on her memory with a toy drive each year and toys are distributed to hospitalized kids with cancer. Visit the website to learn more about placing a collection box in your business if you live in the Chicagoland area.
  6. Breast Intensions of Illinois breastintentions.org Helping individuals find medical info, support, hope, and financial relief. Chapters in other parts of USA.
  7. Bright Pink brightpink.org Education for early detection of breast and ovarian cancers. BRCA positive (genetic mutation) support. Additional BRCA website Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE) www.facingourrisk.org
  8. Fox Valley Food for Health Foxvalleyfoodforhealth.org Supporting people in need who are dealing with a serious illness by providing (3) meals a day for 8-12 weeks. Exclusive to Fox Valley area in Illinois.
  9. Fox Valley Hands of Hope 1-630-232-2233 fvhh.net Grief supportive care, medical equipment loans. Similar program in all states. Program exclusive to Fox Valley area in Illinois.
  10. Happiness Project happinessprojecttoolbox.com
  11. Illinois Hardest Hit www.illinoishardesthit.org Mortgage Assistance Program
  12. Illinois State Medical Society 1-800-782-1654 www.isms.org Individual rights as a patient.
  13. Science of Mindfulness www.michaeltoddfink.com Seminars, workshops and training sessions. Todd Fink (Mindfulness education) Group at Linden Oaks, Plainfield, IL on the last Tuesday of each month 7:00-8:00 and by appointment.
  14. 100 Women Who Care www.100womenwhocare.org Chapters all over the USA. 100 Women donate $100.00 four times a year and $10,000.00 is given each quarter to a non-profit. Also have men’s and children’s chapters. Chapters in Geneva and Fox Valley area in Illinois.

Comprehensive Cancer Centers

  1. M.D Anderson Center, Houston, Texas 1-877-632-6789 www.mdanderson.org
  2. Memorial Sloan Kettering, New York, N.Y. 1-212-639-2000 mskcc.org
  3. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 1-480-301-8000 mayoclinic.org Offers appointments in Arizona, Florida, Minnesota.
  4. Dana Farber Cancer Center, Boston, MA 1-617-632-3400 dana-Farber.org
  5. UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 1-800-UCLA-MD1 uclahealth.org
  6. Moffit Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida 1-888-663-3488 moffitt.org
  7. Seattle Cancer Care, Seattle, WA 1-800-804-8824 seattlecca.org
  8. Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 1-216-444-2200 clevelandclinic.org
  9. John Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 1-410-955-5000 hopkinsmedicine.org
  10. UCSF Medical Center, San Francisco, CA 1-415-476-1000 ucsfhealth.org
  11. Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 1-617-726-2000 massgeneral.org
  12. Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, PA 1-215-662-8000 pennmedicine.org
  13. Stanford Health Care, Stanford, CA. 1-408-426-4900 and Palo Alto, CA 1-650-498-6000 stanfordhealthcare.org
  14. Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL 1-312-695-0990 nm.org
  15. Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis , MI 1-855-925-0631 barnesjewish.org
  16. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 1-866-869-1856 uncmedicalcenter.org
  17. New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 1-212-305-2500 nyp.org
  18. USC Norris Cancer Hospital, Los Angeles, CA 1-323-865-3000 uscnorriscancer.usc.edu
  19. Wake University Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 1-336-716-2011 wakehealth.edu
  20. City Of Hope, Duarte, CA 1-800-826-4673 cityofhope.org
  21. University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 1-720-848-0000 uchealth.org
  22. Cancer Treatment Centers Of America, Atlanta, GA, Zion, IL., Philadelphia, OA, Phoenix, AZ, Tulsa, OK. 1-888-552-6760 cancercenter.com
  23. University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. 1-773-702-6180 uchospitals.edu
  24. University Hospital Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, Ohio 1-800-641-2422 uhhospitals.org/seidman
  25. Roswell Park Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 1-877-2757724 roswellpark.org
  26. NCI-Designated Cancer Centers A group of 69 cancer research institutions in the United States supported by the National Cancer Institute. As of 2017…47 are comprehensive cancer centers, 15 cancer centers and 7 basic lab centers among the top 4 percent of the 1500 cancer centers in the United States. Listed by state.  cancer.gov
  27. List of 895 Cancer Centers – the top 50 hospitals are ranked, the rest are listed alphabetically. usnews.com/best-hospitals

 

Integrative Cancer Review

 

For More Information and Resources, also see: 

Integrative Cancer Review Resources Directory

Integrative Cancer Review National and Local Resources

Integrative Cancer Review Resources for People Affected by Cancer

Integrative Cancer Review Resource Articles