Did You Know About These Resources?
October is the month of autumn and Halloween, but it is also the month of Breast Cancer Awareness. While the number of deaths has declined, breast cancer is still considered the second-leading cause of cancer in women. It is important to be aware of any signs of breast cancer in yourself and your family members.
For those afflicted by or know of someone who has breast cancer, know that you are not alone and that you will be able to fight it. It may seem bleak at first, but there are many doing their best to find new and effective treatments. There are many who have dedicated themselves to helping those affected by breast cancer. These are only a few of the many resources available for not just breast cancer but any cancer-related illness.
The American Cancer Society is the leading organization against cancer, whose mission is to improve the lives of those afflicted by cancer through prevention, detection, and treatment. The American Cancer Society offers three programs to better aid those during this stressful time, which include:
Road to Recovery
A program that was created to transport cancer patients to treatment via an American Cancer Society volunteer driver
Eligibilities include:
Must be traveling to a cancer-related medical appointment.
Call in advance to schedule a ride at 1-800-227-2345.
Reach to Recovery
A program created to support those with breast cancer, as early as their first diagnosis and continuing for as long as it remains a personal concern, with breast cancer survivors as volunteers who went through everything and understand what you are feeling
American Cancer Society Patient Lodging Programs
A program that was created to provide aid to those traveling away from home and support both the patients and caregivers in this tough time
Hope Lodge (30+ communities) offers a free place to stay during treatment, including guest suites with private baths and a communal kitchen, dining area, and laundry room.
Extended Stay America offers discounted rooms for patients, with an equipped kitchen, free Wi-Fi, on-site guest laundry, and the option of pet-friendly rooms.
CancerCare is the leading national organization that provides free professional support and information to help those with emotional, financial, and practical challenges due to cancer. They have many services available to all:
Counseling
Licensed oncology social workers provide free individual and support group counseling for anyone affected by cancer.
Counseling is available in English and Spanish.
Eligibilities include:
Residing in either New York or New Jersey
Patients
Caregivers
Newly bereaved
Children as young as five
Resource navigation
A free telephone resource navigation system for people living with cancer, post-treatment survivors, and caregivers affected by cancer
Available in English and Spanish
They provide:
Cancer-focused guidance
Improve communication with your medical team and loved ones.
Practical information about treatment
Resources in your community
Eligibility:
People affected by cancer in the United States (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Territories)
Patients
Caregivers
Financial assistance
Offered limited financial assistance for cancer-related costs and co-pays
Transportation, home care and child care
Men, women and children with all diagnoses in New York City
Men with all diagnoses in New Jersey and Connecticut
Transportation (air and car) and lodging
Men and women with mesothelioma
Transportation (gas, car service or public transportation)
Men and women with bladder cancer
Men and women with brain cancer
Men and women with multiple myeloma
Pet Assistance and Wellness (PAW) Program
People with cancer who have a cat or dog
Support groups
A way for cancer patients, loved ones, and people who have lost a loved one to connect
Online support groups take place in a message board format and are led by professional oncology social workers who offer support and guidance.
Community programs
Local (New York and New Jersey) programs and events that provide support and information to people coping with cancer
Specialized programs
CancerCare offers numerous programs to support specific populations and the challenges that people affected by cancer face.
Pet Assistance & Wellness Program (PAW)
CancerCare for Kids
Caregiver Program
Disparities Program
Healing Hearts Family Bereavement Camp
Men's Cancers Program
Older Adult Program
Resource Navigation
Wig and Breast Prosthesis Clinics
Women's Cancers Program
Young Adult Program
Coping circle workshops
Coping Circle Workshops are virtual educational and supportive workshops led by oncology social workers and qualified co-facilitators.
These workshops cover numerous topics and are offered in English and Spanish.
Contact 800-813-HOPE (4673) or email info@cancercare.org for any questions, comments, or concerns.
Little Pink Houses of Hope strives to empower breast cancer patients and their loved ones to live each day to the fullest, to find a purpose, and to have hope throughout the cancer journey. To do so, they have a free week-long vacation retreat. These retreats take place away from the stressful environments of constant schedules of medical appointments and other burdens. Their purpose is to give people some time to breathe, to connect, and to create relationships with each other, the volunteers, and other families at these retreats.
October is almost over, but breast cancer is still a battle to be fought. To help those affected by breast cancer, please continue to spread awareness about it and share these resources with whomever you believe it may help.