Helpful Links
The following are links to some websites that many have found to be helpful in coping with cancer. I invite you to explore them for yourself. Click on the website address to open a new window for that link.
American Cancer Society
www.cancer.org
1-800-227-2345
Through their Cancer Resource Network, ACS provides day-to-day help, (like rides to treatment and lodging, help with financial aid and insurance questions, and referral to local community resources), emotional support, (like local support groups, online community for cancer patients and families, and cancer education classes), and information and education, (like information on managing cancer pain and fatigue, information about clinical trials matching service, and education on understanding cancer for patients and caregivers).
Cancer Community Center
www.cancercommunitycenter.org
(207) 774-2200
The Cancer Community Center “provides a warm and friendly place where people with cancer, their families and friends can come together to build social and emotional support as a complement to their regular medical care.” The Center offers free support and networking groups, creative expression & educational workshops, wellness programs, a one-to-one support program, work place support, a resource library and social events in a comfortable, caring setting. I worked at CCC for four years…it’s really a great place. I would encourage you to check it out.
Livestrong
www.livestrong.org
(512) 236-8820
The Lance Armstrong Foundation’s mission is to “inspire and empower people affected by cancer.” There are lots of great resources on this site, including a “Survivorship Notebook” to help you get organized. I particularly like their “Lotsa Helping Hands” program–an online calendar that allows people to sign up to help you when you are going through cancer treatment…with things like meals, transportation, babysitting, etc. You let friends, family, and neighbors know what you need and they can sign up to help on this calendar. This is a great way to handle those questions people ask: “Is there anything I can do?” Answer yes, and send them to your website page.
Cancer Care
www.cancercare.org
1-800-813-HOPE (4673)
CancerCare is “a national nonprofit organization that provides free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer: people with cancer, caregivers, children, loved ones, and the bereaved. CancerCare programs – including counseling, education, financial assistance and practical help – are provided by trained oncology social workers and are completely free of charge.” They offer 4 main services: CancerCare Connect, expert-led educational programs on a variety of topics; CancerCare Counseling, professional counseling and facilitated support groups; CancerCare Inform, resources and strategies for finding help; and CancerCare Assist, financial assistance for those who need it most.
National Cancer Institute
www.cancer.gov
1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
The NCI, established under the National Cancer Institute Act of 1937, is “the Federal Government’s principal agency for cancer research and training. The National Cancer Institute coordinates the National Cancer Program, which conducts and supports research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer, rehabilitation from cancer, and the continuing care of cancer patients and the families of cancer patients.”
Cancer and Careers
www.cancerandcareers.org
Cancer and Careers is “committed to changing the face of cancer in the workplace by providing a comprehensive website, free publications, and a series of support groups and educational seminars for employees with cancer.”
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
www.canceradvocacy.org
888.650.9127 (toll-free)
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship is “the oldest survivor-led cancer advocacy organization in the country, advocating for quality cancer care for all Americans and empowering cancer survivors.”
Cancer.Net
www.cancer.net
888-651-3038
Cancer.Net, formerly People Living With Cancer (PLWC), “brings the expertise and resources of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the voice of the world’s cancer physicians, to people living with cancer and those who care for and care about them. ASCO is composed of nearly 25,000 oncologists globally who are the leaders in advancing cancer care. All the information and content on Cancer.Net was developed and approved by the cancer doctors at ASCO, making Cancer.Net the most up-to-date and trusted resource for cancer information on the Internet.”
Caring Bridge
www.caringbridge.org
651-452-7940
Caring Bridge offers “free, personalized websites that support and connect loved ones during critical illness, treatment and recovery.”
Tender Living Care Program–Center for Grieving Children
www.cgcmaine.org/docs/tlc.html
(207) 775-5216
The Tender Living Care Program “helps children, teens, and adults cope with the changes and losses that come at times of serious illnesses.” They offer peer support groups, telephone support, educational materials, visits and/or presentations to schools, community organizations, conferences, and in the workplace.
Maine Cancer Foundation
www.mainecancer.org
(207) 773-2533
The Maine Cancer Foundation (MCF), founded in 1976, is “a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and well being of Maine people by funding scientific laboratory and clinical research, professional and public education, and patient support programs.” 100% of funds raised remain in Maine.
Bruce Hopkins–Metta Massage Therapy
www.mettamassagetherapy.com
(207) 831-8067
Bruce Hopkins offers “therapeutic and relaxation massage, specializing in cancer and chronic conditions.” He offers reduced rates for people affected by cancer, as well as medical and teaching professionals.
eHope
www.ehope.nu
207-856-7340
This Maine-based program helps by “forming care-giving communities which provide non-medical physical, social, and emotional support, for a loved one who faces a life-threatening illness.” If you have a need for help and support, eHope can help to organize a group of people to support you. If you have lots of help, eHope can help by streamlining the communication between groups of caregivers and be the gatekeeper for you and your family, by ensuring that your needs are clearly and continuously communicated and that care is provided where you and your family need care. This wonderful, free-of-charge program can help prevent the sense of feeling overwhelmed that can be so common for people with cancer.
Living Well Center
www.livingwellcenter.info
(207) 856-0090
“A center for cultivating mind/body health and spiritual growth through practices of mindful awareness, creative expression, and holistic care.” I am a practitioner at this center and share office space here. Check out the schedule for upcoming workshops, seminars, and programs.
Planet Cancer
www.planetcancer.org
512-452-9010
Planet Cancer is “an online community of young adults with cancer.” The web site provides “a unique voice for young adults who have been affected by cancer: fresh and irreverent, but always honest.” The site offers information, connections, entertainment and support. Planet Cancer states, “The heart of the site is the Forum, a thriving online community where users find and communicate with other young adults around the world about what’s on their minds.” I particularly like their “Cancertainment” page. They also offer retreats.