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The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization. In addition to providing a wide variety of services and programs for cancer patients, family, friends, and caregivers, the ACS also supports cancer research, advocacy, and education. The Cancer Helpline, available 24 hours/day, connects callers with trained staff that can help answer general questions about cancer, recent diagnoses and treatment. Cancer Information Specialists can also provide information on support services and assist in finding local and national financial assistance programs.

Information is available in both English and Spanish, with select topics available in 11 other languages.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, some services and programs may have been suspended. For up-to-date information on available services, visit the Support Programs and Services web page or contact the ACS at the phone number above.

ACS programs and services include:
Health Insurance Assistance Service: health insurance specialists provide information for those who have lost, or are in danger of losing, their health care coverage
Hope Lodge: lodging for patients and caregivers
I Can Cope: online cancer education classes for patients and loved ones
Online Support Communities
Reach to Recovery: breast cancer support
Road to Recovery: rides to treatment
tlc (Tender Loving Care): catalog and website of hair loss and mastectomy products

The Colorectal Cancer Alliance is a national nonprofit organization that provides support to patients and families, caregivers, and survivors. It works to raise awareness of preventive measures, and to inspire efforts to fund research. Online resources provide information on screening, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, as well as a variety of support services and information on financial assistance programs (including screening and treatment-related expenses). The Buddy Program matches survivors and caregivers with others in a similar situation for one-on-one support. Over-the-phone and online resources are available in English and Spanish.

GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer (formerly the Lung Cancer Alliance) is dedicated to improving the lives of those living with or at risk of lung cancer. Through the Lung Cancer Helpline, callers can access free one-on-one support, educational materials, guidance on screening, treatment and clinical trials, referrals and a variety of other resources. Programs include peer-to-peer support, support groups and online patient communities, clinical trial matching, webinars, and monthly presentations. Most resources, including their Helpline, are available in English only.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) is dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and services to patients and caregivers. Support services include local support groups, online chat, an online patient community, and peer-to-peer support that links patients and their families with a trained volunteer who has experienced a similar situation.

Additional resources include educational programs, publications, home-care services, financial assistance, and information tailored to caregivers. Information specialists are available over-the-phone to assist with questions related to diagnosis and treatment, financial and social challenges, and support. Information is available in Spanish, with language interpretation available in 170 languages. LLS has chapter offices located throughout the United States and Canada.

The Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) is a voluntary health organization devoted to funding lymphoma research and providing patients and health care professionals with information on the disease. LRF’s support programs include the Lymphoma Support Network, a one-to-one peer support program that matches lymphoma patients or caregivers with volunteers who have had similar lymphoma-related experiences. Trained staff members are available to answer questions, offer individual support, and search for clinical trials on the Lymphoma Helpline and Clinical Trials Information Service. LRF’s Patient Aid Grant program provides limited assistance to lymphoma patients currently undergoing treatment for help with medical bills, transportation, temporary lodging, and childcare.

The research goals of LRF are focused on engaging and educating junior researchers and bringing together investigators focusing on specific diseases or other focal points. The Foundation has launched several special research programs, including an initiative to study mantle cell lymphoma, a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is especially challenging to treat. The Foundation advocates on behalf of the lymphoma community to increase federal funding for lymphoma research and education, and to ensure access to high-quality cancer care for every patient.

The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation) is a nonprofit collaboration of patients and families, physicians, advocates, and researchers dedicated to eradicating mesothelioma. The Meso Foundation aims to provide up-to-date information on the disease and its treatment, as well as to connect patients and families with specialists, support resources and community. Mesothelioma experts are available over-the-phone and via email. Patients traveling for an initial consultation and those enrolled in a clinical trial may be eligible for reimbursement of travel-related expenditures.

The National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving women with, or at risk for, cervical cancer and HPV disease. Its mission is to promote prevention through education about early vaccination, Pap testing and HPV testing, when recommended. Services include access to online educational materials (publications, videos and webinars), a variety of patient and family support resources, and information on free/low-cost Pap testing. Some resources are available in Spanish.

The National Lymphedema Network (NLN) provides education and guidance to lymphedema patients, health care professionals, and the general public by providing information on the prevention and management of primary and secondary lymphedema. The NLN provides referrals to lymphedema treatment centers, health care professionals, training programs, and support groups. Lymphedema garments are also available for patients who meet eligibility criteria. Limited information is available in Spanish.

Information is available on the website or via the toll-free number. If you call the toll-free number, you may need to leave a voicemail message.

Ulman Foundation creates a community of support for young adults, and their loved ones, impacted by cancer. Ulman Navigators (available by phone & email, or onsite in Maryland & D.C.) provide a person-centered approach to patient care. They help to facilitate communication, fertility preservation, emotional and practical support. Ulman sponsors meet-ups and support groups in the Maryland/DC area, offers a national scholarship program for survivors and loved ones between the ages of 15 - 39, and a free run/walk exercise program for cancer survivors.