Adults

Anyone affected by cancer and needing information

ACF™ is dedicated to the education, support and empowerment of those diagnosed with cancer by organizing and clarifying information. Provides information about:

• Living with Cancer
• Clinical Trials
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Nutrition and Exercise
• Oral Health

People affected by a cancer internationally; programs and services offered to patients and caregivers residing in the United States

In the U.S., ACS is a community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem.

• Provides educational materials both online and in print about cancer, including blood cancers, as well as related information on topics such as diet, exercise, complementary and alternative medicine, and disease statistics
• Offers support services via online discussion boards and in-person support groups through local chapters
• Cancer Survivors NetworkSM, a global online community, transcends geographic boundaries and builds bonds among cancer survivors and caregivers through shared experiences and feelings
• Road to Recovery, a program offered locally by some chapters, has volunteer drivers who transport patients to and from treatment appointments
• Hope Lodges are temporary housing accommodations for patients traveling far from home for treatment. There are more than 30 lodges
• American Cancer Society’s Wig Bank - Provides free wigs from limited supply to needy patients suffering hair loss due to cancer treatment. Intended for those with insufficient insurance coverage for cranial prostheses (wigs).

Health professionals

To improve patient care through education, clinical practice, advancement of science and advocacy.

• Provides members with the continuing medical education, health policy analysis, patient information resources and advocacy that they need to succeed in today’s ever-changing health care delivery system.

Patients and families living with Aplastic Anemia, Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH), and related bone marrow failure diseases

To support, connect and educate patients, caregivers and health professionals on bone marrow failure diseases worldwide

• Free educational materials: Information on research, treatment, and clinical trials
• Online Academy: Live webinars, webcasts, interviews with experts, and interactive learning modules
• Peer Support Network: Patients and caregivers can speak with trained patient volunteers who share treatment experiences and provide emotional support
• Community Connections: Volunteer-led regional support groups connecting patient and families
• Online Community: MarrowCommunity.org is an online community for patients with bone marrow failure and their families. Members can connect with others, share resources, learn about upcoming events and have their questions answered.
• Educational Conferences: Our free conferences in cities around the country offer learning opportunities from leading medical experts, and the ability to connect directly with other patients and caregivers
• Travel Assistance: To ensure that patients can see a specialist to seek the best course of treatment. Financial aid may be available for U.S.-based patients with demonstrated financial need

• Find A Specialist: online search tool.

People diagnosed with cancer and their families in the U.S.

To provide one-on-one support to people undergoing treatment for cancer and their families.

• Provides training to individuals who have recovered from cancer so they can be matched with cancer patients currently undergoing a similar experience.

People affected by cancer in the U.S. and Canada

To provide support, education and hope to people affected by cancer; to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community.

• Offers support through a network of more than 52 local affiliates and 175 locations
• Cancer Support Helpline® - offers resources and emotional support via phone or live chat, and is staffed by licensed mental health professionals
• MyLifeLine - create a private, personal webpage to help keep family and friends stay involved and informed
• Frankly Speaking About Cancer® – education series that provides trusted information on a variety of topics important to people affected by cancer; information is available in a variety of formats
• Virtual Home - resources to connect you to education, support, and action opportunities to enhance your health and well-being from the comfort of your computer
• Open to Options – provides general information about clinical trials, helps patients identify important questions about treatment options and decisions based upon personal needs
• CancerSupportSource® - a tool that assesses distress in key areas (such as sleep, nutrition, worry about the future) and provides referral and follow-up care for all patients
• Cancer Experience Registry - a unique online community that brings people impacted by cancer together to make their voices heard, connect with each other, share experiences, learn from and help others
• Cancer Transitions – an evidence-based programs for cancer survivors who have completed their treatment (in partnership with LIVESTRONG)
• In partnership with Airbnb, patients who must travel at least 100 miles or more for treatment, and who meet a strict income guideline, may be eligible for free housing.  Call (877) 793-0498 for details.

Individuals, families, caregivers and the bereaved in the U.S. affected by a cancer diagnosis

To provide free, professional support services to individuals, families, caregivers and the bereaved to help them cope with and manage the emotional and practical challenges of cancer.

• Oncology social workers are available for telephone counseling services to provide support, information and resources to help in coping with cancer
• Offers online support groups and educational publications
• Cancer Out Loud: The CancerCare Podcast features conversations with people living with cancer, caregivers, survivors, loved ones and the bereaved
• Connect Education Workshops in which leading experts in oncology provide up-to-date information in one-hour workshops over the telephone or online
• Financial assistance for transportation, medications, home care, child care, or durable medical equipment may be available for patients in active treatment. Eligibility guidelines vary depending on diagnosis, gender and geographic location. Call for details
• Healing Hearts Family Bereavement Camp - a free retreat for families with children coping with the loss of a loved one to cancer

• Financial assistance for insured cancer patients in treatment in the US to help with co-payments for chemotherapy and targeted treatment medications who meet certain financial, medical and insurance eligibility criteria. Check the website (http://cancercarecopay.org/) or call 866-552-6729 for details.

Caregivers

To provide information and support for people caring for aging parents, spouses and other loved ones.

• Provides elder care information and support, including information about senior living options and in-home care
• Offers an online section covering a wide variety of relevant caregiving-related topics (e.g. insurance, benefits, coping)
• Offers one-on-one guidance with a Family Advisor at no cost.

Anyone seeking information on chemotherapy or cancer

Chemocare.com® is a website designed to provide the latest information about chemotherapy to patients and their families, caregivers and friends. The site focuses on care during chemotherapy including information about FDA approved chemotherapy medications, nutrition, managing side effects and self-care tips. The content is continually updated and reviewed by oncology specialists.

Pediatric (age 4 and up) and adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in the US

To offer support and encouragement to cancer patients in treatment

• Volunteers send cards and uplifting messages to cancer patients via postal mail
• Website provides links to patient resources.

Older adults, caregivers in the U.S.

To connect older adults and their caregivers with trustworthy support resources.

• Links those who need assistance with state and local agencies on aging as well as community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers
• Provides information on topics such as housing, insurance, transportation, etc.
• Is a public service of the Administration on Aging, an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.

Patients with life-threatening illness and their caregivers

To increase the availability of quality palliative care services for all people living with serious illness. 

• Provides information about palliative care: specialized medical care which provides patients with relief from symptoms, pain and stress
• Explains how palliative care helps people with specific diseases
• Provides a directory of hospitals with palliative care teams
• Offers videos, blog, printed material and other resources including a quiz to help individuals know if palliative care is right for them.

U.S. troops and families affected by the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and other post-9/11 conflicts

Give an Hour™ asks mental health professionals nationwide to literally donate an hour of their time each week to provide free mental health services to military personnel and their families. Individuals who receive services will be given the opportunity to give an hour back in their own community.

• In addition to direct counseling services, the providers are working to reduce the stigma associated with mental health by participating in and leading education, training, and outreach efforts in schools and communities and around military bases.

People with blood cancer (and lung or head & neck cancer), caregivers, health professionals

To provide expert-mediated information on current and emerging cancer management options in order to empower patients, caregivers, and health professionals to become direct partners in cancer care.

• Offers cancer information and video library, podcasts, email newsletter and online discussion forums.

Anyone with cancer

To provide personalized connections that enable one-on-one support among cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers.

• Provides a unique matching program in which a “Mentor Angel” is partnered with an individual seeking cancer support. These one–on–one relationships inspire hope and offer support from someone who is uniquely familiar with the experience.

Anyone needing information on myeloma, including patients, caregivers and health professionals

To improve the quality of life of myeloma patients and their families while working toward prevention and a cure through four founding principles: research, education, support, and advocacy.

• Offers disease and treatment information via toll free number and publications in multiple languages
• Makes referrals to support groups and hosts an on-line support group
• Offers seminars, workshops and webcasts
• Provides Veterans Against Myeloma (VAM), a resource for patients who have served in the military and developed myeloma through their service
• IMF Advocacy group helps guide individuals to advocate for critical health issues that affect the myeloma community
• Supports research initiatives.

Cancer patients and survivors in the U.S.

To inspire and empower people affected by cancer; to provide support to guide people through the cancer experience, bring them together to fight cancer—and work for a world in which their fight is no longer necessary.

• Provides information on topics that influence the “physical, emotional and practical” effects of cancer
• Provides free, confidential, one-on-one support to anyone affected by cancer, not just patients, through education, referrals and counseling services
• Planet Cancer connects young adults and helps them access support, advocacy and resources.
• LIVESTRONG Fertility - Dedicated to providing reproductive information, support and hope to cancer patients and survivors whose medical treatments present the risk of infertility.
• Maintains a list of LIVESTRONG Survivorship Centers of Excellence, which is comprised of National Cancer Institute(NCI) Comprehensive Cancer Centers
• Offers The LIVESTRONG Guidebook to help cancer patients and survivors as they navigate the health care system.

Patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (Essential Thrombocythemia, Idiopathic Myelofibrosis, Polycythemia Vera), caregivers, professionals worldwide

To make a difference in the lives of those affected by myeloproliferative neoplasms.

• Offers disease, treatment and clinical trial information
• Website lists online and in-person support groups worldwide
• Offers an email digest, educational events and webcasts
• Provides outreach to the entire MPN community to grow awareness, understanding, and a better quality of life for MPN patients

• Engages legislators and governmental bodies on behalf of their constituents to ensure the MPN Community is represented.

Patients diagnosed with Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs), caregivers, professionals

To empower patients to better understand their disease and treatment options; to improve patient care

• Provides information about the MPNs such as Essential Thrombocythemia, Polycythemia Vera and Myelofibrosis
• Provides links to recent news, articles, Facebook groups and resources

Patients diagnosed with Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs), caregivers, professionals

To provide a directory of resources for people living with MPNs (Essential Thrombocythemia, Polycythemia Vera and Myelofibrosis)

• Curated by MPN patients and advocates
• Provides links to reputable MPN-related resources, such as for support services, financial assistance, clinical trials, transplant information, etc.

Patients with myeloma and caregivers

To empower patients each step of their disease journey – from diagnosis, through education, care and on to a cure.

• Myeloma Crowd is a division of The CrowdCare Foundation, a patient-driven nonprofit organization.  It provides online disease, treatment, clinical trial and research information, telephone/web education, articles, e-newsletter, videos, monthly meet-ups, and Facebook groups.  The website lists financial resources and myeloma specialists.  It also offers HealthTree, a patient-powered software tool to manage disease-related information such as medical history, test results and more.

Patients, caregivers who have had or will have a bone marrow/stem cell transplant in the U.S.

To help patients, caregivers, and families cope with the social and emotional challenges of bone marrow/stem cell transplant from diagnosis through survivorship by providing vital information and personalized support services.

• Offers educational publications, webcasts, online library
• Provides an extensive volunteer peer support program
• Offers Telephone Education and Support Group for Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant Survivors: Coping with Chronic Graft versus Host Disease (4 week program).

People touched by cancer in the U.S.

To advocate for quality cancer care for all people touched by cancer.

• Advocates for changes in how the nation researches, regulates, finances and delivers quality cancer care
• Empowers cancer survivors through its publications and programs, which provide tools for self-advocacy
• Convenes other cancer organizations to address nationwide public policy issues affecting cancer survivors
• Cancer Survival Toolbox is a free, self-learning audio program to help people develop important skills to better meet and understand the challenges of their illness.

Cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals in the US

To improve the lives of LGBT cancer survivors and those at risk by educating the LGBT community about increased cancer risks and the importance of screening and early detection; training health care providers to offer more culturally-competent, safe and welcoming care; and advocating for LGBT survivors in mainstream cancer organizations, the media and research.

• Resource library contains up-to-date research articles, webinars, videos, fact sheets, etc.
• Maintains directories of LGBT-welcoming cancer screening facilities and cancer treatment facilities in the US
• Provides LGBT cultural competency trainings for health and human service providers.

Young adult cancer patients ages 18-24 in the US

To provide enrichment opportunities and encouragement to young adult cancer patients

• Apply online to request a wish for respite, travel, technology or other needs.

Patients and caregivers

To empower people who are suffering with life-altering diseases by giving them the most comprehensive and up-to-date guides to treatment and facilities for their disease free of charge.

• Provides free educational materials, written for ease of understanding, in print and online.

Anyone affected by cancer in the U.S.

To brighten the day of a cancer patient with a gift of a cheerful, new hospital gown.

• Provides gowns in a variety of sizes to men and women battling cancer 

Patients, caregivers, survivors, healthcare professionals worldwide

To ensure all people are prepared and able to make informed medical decisions for themselves and their loved ones and to have a voice in their health care.

• Offers free easy-to-read advance directives for all 50 states in both English and Spanish
• Information is available in a step-by-step program with video stories
• Provides pamphlets, question guide, and movie with toolkit for group events
• Offers a newsletter and links to related research topics

Young adult cancer patients and survivors, caregivers

To empower, support, and improve health outcomes for the young adult cancer community

• Offers CancerCon - an annual 4-day gathering which includes informational workshops, educational breakout sessions, group discussions, networking opportunities, and social activities
• Organizes meet-ups - volunteer-hosted social gatherings of local groups of survivors
• Hosts the Stupid Cancer Show - a YouTube Channel featuring interviews with survivors, informational episodes, and radio show content
• Offers an online community including regional Facebook groups, online forums, blogs, and social media
• Stupid Cancer Summit: free, one-time events hosted at cancer centers to share information, provide resources, and bring together the local young adult survivor community
• Lists other organizations that provide financial, legal, reproductive, and other assistance.

Transplant patients and families, caregivers, survivors

To improve the quality of life for cancer and transplant patients and their families by providing vital financial assistance, comprehensive resources, educational information, physician referrals, and emotional support programs.

• Lifeline Fund provides financial support to help cover the costs of donor searches, medications, home and child care services, medical equipment, transportation, cord blood banking, housing costs and other expenses associated with transplant​
• Carelines provides social media tools for crowdfunding, journaling and a volunteer task calendar for anyone with a cancer diagnosis or receiving a bone marrow, stem cell or cord blood transplant 
• Airbnb Open Homes Medical Stays offers free temporary housing for cancer and transplant patients and their caregivers
• One-to-One Fund enables patients to reach out to family, friends and social networks for financial support
• Scholarship Grants help make educational aspirations a reality for bone marrow, stem cell or cord blood transplant survivors
• Clinical Care Counseling provides confidential individual and family supportive counseling, financial guidance and resource referrals for cancer, transplant patients, and family members
• Ask the Expert enables individuals to anonymously pose questions concerning transplantation and to have them answered by transplant specialists
• SupportLine links transplant patients and their families with volunteers who have gone through the transplant experience
• Support Groups provide patients, families and caregivers the opportunity to share experiences and draw support from one another
• Medical and Educational Handbooks provide comprehensive transplant information and resources

Parents with cancer in the US

To provide emotional and practical support to parents who have cancer. 

• Provides emotional support through online groups, guidance and tips on parenting with cancer and self-care
• Offers resource list of other assistance available for parents with cancer
• Parents with cancer who reside in New York or New Jersey may have a social worker or health professional inquire about possible one-time financial help toward childcare-related costs.

Patients with various types of cancer (including Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma), caregivers and interested individuals

To humanize every cancer diagnosis; to help improve quality of life and health outcomes

• Gives cancer patients and caregivers a sense of calm and control by showing them what their lives may look like post-diagnosis with FAQ-type answers and simple yet detailed visuals like timelines
• Provides cancer survivors a chance to share their stories with those who need that help the most, empowering them to help turn their experiences into something positive.

Widowed mothers and fathers with children in the home, professionals

To support widowed mothers and fathers with children in the home.

• Hosted by the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, the website offers information for parents and children about dealing with grief plus an online list of resources and supports.

All women cancer survivors

The Women Survivors Alliance has undertaken a national call to action to address the burdens of survivorship issues on women, their families, and by extension, society as a whole.

• Hosts an annual National Women Survivors Convention
• Develops a comprehensive resource with an online magazine format, its dynamic content will include nutrition, exercise, the latest in survivor news, a marketplace, a blog, a directory of cancer organizations across the internet, and more.
• One day educational events held in cities across the country, the first one scheduled for 2014. These events will be hosted in partnership with Triage Cancer.