Home \ Results (15) \ Support Groups (14)

The American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO) provides information about childhood cancer, treatment protocols, medication, and research to families with children or adolescents with cancer. Through hospital and community-based programs, local affiliates provide direct support to patients and their families. Support resources include face-to-face and online support groups, childhood cancer camps, as well as free publications and kits. Affiliates may also provide emergency financial assistance for rent or mortgage payments, car repairs, transportation, pre-paid gas cards, and groceries. More information on financial assistance is available on ACCO’s website.

Cancer and Careers empowers and educates people with cancer to thrive in the workplace. A variety of programs provide cancer patients and survivors with information needed to navigate the practical and legal challenges that follow a diagnosis. Online resources, available in English and Spanish, include career coaching, information on conducting a job search, resume review services, interviewing tips, free publications, support groups, and educational seminars. There are also resources specific to healthcare providers, employers, and coworkers. Callers may be asked to send an email with questions, or to leave a message.

The Cancer Support Community (CSC) is dedicated to providing emotional support for individuals affected by cancer, including their families and friends. With its online community and global network of 175 locations, the CSC offers a variety of free services, including: support groups, counseling, cancer education, navigating costs, publications, webinars, personal patient websites (MyLifeLine), and healthy lifestyle programs. The CSC also conducts research and advocates for those whose lives have been disrupted by cancer. Select online resources are available in Spanish, Chinese, and other languages.

The Cancer Support Helpline’s licensed counselors provide guidance, resources and support to cancer patients or their loved ones. Counseling is available in over 200 languages. For longer-term support, referrals to local mental health professionals are available.

CancerCare provides free, professional support services and information to help anyone affected by cancer. Services include individual and group counseling, support groups, educational workshops, publications, practical help and referrals. Limited financial assistance may be available for select cancer-related expenses. Information on current programs is available online or by calling CancerCare directly. Short-term counseling is provided by oncology social workers and is available in-person (at their local offices), online or over the telephone.

Many resources, including counseling, are available in 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 International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is dedicated to improving the quality of life of myeloma patients while working toward prevention and a cure. The IMF Hotline answers questions from patients and family members and provides information about medical services, pharmaceutical access, and patient support groups. Free IMF publications include the IMF Multiple Myeloma Patient Handbook; Multiple Myeloma: A Concise Review of the Disease and Treatment Options; and the Understanding Series – treatment specific brochures on new therapies and clinical trials. The Foundation conducts Patients & Family Seminars to educate patients on the latest information about current therapies, research advances, and emerging treatment options. A comprehensive network of support groups from around the world are also available to assist patients and their families. The IMF 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.

The Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) is a charitable organization made up of patients, family members, physicians, 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. Contact the Nurse Hotline to find answers to questions about the treatment of kidney cancer and referrals to physicians in the United States. The KCA Web site provides free publications, calendars for support groups and patient conferences, online forums and chat rooms, and videos and podcasts. KCA responds to calls in English and Spanish.

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 Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) provides information for patients with multiple myeloma and other types of plasma cell disorders. In addition to resources specific to the disease, including information on signs and symptoms, initial diagnosis, and treatment options, a variety of publications and educational programs are available for patients and their caregivers. The MMRF also provides information on finding a treatment center, support groups, and financial assistance programs. Nurse Patient Navigators offer information and support over-the-phone, via email and through social media. Select publications 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.

Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the emotional and physical needs of people with oral and head and neck cancer. The organization offers support groups facilitated by local chapters; current information on oral and head and neck cancer through its newsletter, "News From SPOHNC,"; free publications on topics such as treatment for head and neck cancer and dental care, recipes and resource guide to cope with eating challenges, and a survivor’s guide. SPOHNC also offers a National Survivor Volunteer Network, which pairs survivors or family members with volunteers who have had a similar diagnosis and treatment program.

The Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc. (ThyCa) is a national nonprofit organization of thyroid cancer survivors, families, and health care professionals dedicated to educate, communicate, and support early detection for thyroid cancer. ThyCa offers a toll-free survivors’ line, publications, e-mail support groups, local support groups, a person-to-person network, newsletters, and conferences. ThyCa also offers a free packet of educational materials for newly diagnosed patients. In addition, ThyCa is active in raising funds and providing grants for thyroid cancer research. The organization has volunteers who are fluent in Spanish, and sections of the Web site are available in Spanish.

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.

The Young Survival Coalition (YSC) focuses on issues unique to young women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. YSC works with survivors, caregivers, and the medical, research, advocacy, and legislative communities to improve the quality of life for breast cancer patients age 40 and younger. YSC can help young survivors find a support group, or match survivors with volunteers who’ve had a similar experience. YSC offers online resources including educational and support materials, discussion boards, and information about conferences and symposia.

Some publications are available in Spanish, and Spanish-speaking volunteers are available to serve as survivor matches in its peer-support program.