Adapting to the changes that come from having cancer is easier for both patients and their families when they get helpful information and support services. Our list of cancer support groups and cancer associations is a good starting place for help with coping with cancer. Often, the social services office at the hospital can suggest agencies that will help with rehabilitation, emotional support, financial aid, transportation, or home care.
The links below offer information on the world wide web. If you know of or have a link that you would like listed here, please email us at info@choosehope.com.
American Brain Tumor Association
http://hope.abta.org/site/PageServer
Information about brain tumors, new treatments, and help living with the diagnosis of a brain tumor.
American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp
This is the official web site of the American Cancer Society. The site provides information on all types of cancer, cancer research, therapy, support groups and local community resources for cancer patients and their families. Provides patient services and education. Local offices of the ACS are listed in the telephone book under American Cancer Society, Inc. Programs include: CanSurmount, I Can Cope, Look Good Feel Good, Man-to-Man, Road-to-Recovery.
American Melanoma Foundation
http://www.melanomafoundation.org/
The American Melanoma Foundation is a voluntary health agency, dedicated to serving the needs of patients and communities nationwide, and is a member of the National Council On Skin Cancer Prevention.
Asbestos and Mesothelioma Center
http://www.asbestos.com/
The Asbestos & Mesothelioma center is committed to providing the latest, up-to-date information to our visitors in hopes of creating awareness about the dangers of asbestos.
Breast Cancer Recovery Foundation
http://www.bcrf.org/
There is a place for healing after breast cancer. To find out how you can participate or for more information on upcoming retreats, call 608-821-1140.
Camp Angel - Angel On My Shoulder
http://www.angelonmyshoulder.org
A camp for kids experiencing cancer through a loved one. Presented by Marshfield Clinic. The Mission of Camp Angel is to provide a well-supervised, cost-free program for children that offers and environment of support in which these children will have an opportunity to participate in a variety of fun-filled camp activities in a beautiful northwoods setting.
Cancer Care Inc.
http://www.cancercare.org/
Cancer Care 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. Programs include counseling, education, financial assistance, and practical help and are provided free of charge by trained oncology social workers.
Cancer Forums
http://www.cancerforums.net/
Cancer Forums is a website created to promote the dissemination of sound cancer information online. Doctors will answer any questions that cancer patients and/or their families may have. All of their work is entirely voluntary and free to the public.
Cancer Information Service
1-800-4-CANCER
Cancer Research Institute
http://www.cancerresearch.org/
Was founded in 1953 to foster the science of cancer immunology, which is based on the premise that the body's immune system can be mobilized against cancer. This field, which CRI helped pioneer and develop, has been recognized throughout the world as offering great hope for the ultimate prevention and treatment of human cancer.
Cancergrief.com
http://www.cancergrief.com/
CancerGrief.com is a website devoted to helping people touched by cancer. Whether you are a caregiver, a patient, family member or friend, whether you or your loved one are currently fighting this disease, are in remission or have lost their fight, it is my hope that the resources on these pages will be helpful to all.
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation
http://www.candlelighters.org/
Is an international, nonprofit, tax-exempt organization. CCCF's mission is to educate, support, serve, and advocate for families of children of cancer, survivors of childhood cancer, and the professionals who care for them. They are the recognized leader among foundations in the field of pediatric cancer, and the only organization focused on a cooperative effort by parents and professionals.
Center for Patient Partnerships at the University of Wisconsin Education and Patient Advocacy
http://law.wisc.edu/patientadvocacy/
Helping patients with cancer make decisions and get the care they need. Supporting patients to build strong patient partnerships with health care providers. Advocating for system improvement to support patient-centered care.
Cervical Cancer Online Support Group
http://www.mdjunction.com/cervical-cancer
A community of patients, family members, and friends dedicated to dealing with Cervical Cancer together.
Chemo Care
http://chemocare.com/
Chemo Care--Chemotherapy and Beyond. Scott Hamilton's chemotherapy site offers the latest chemo information for cancer patients, their families, caregivers and friends. It helps outline all you should know about chemotherapy and cancer treatment.
CHESS - Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support Services
http://chess.chsra.wisc.edu/chess/
CHESS is an on-line support system for breast cancer patients. To learn more see Demo page.
Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer)
http://cholangiocarcinoma.org/
A resource for patients, friends, caregivers and loved ones.
Clinical Trials and Noteworthy Treatments for Brain Tumors
http://www.virtualtrials.com/
A wealth of information for people looking for help after being diagnosed (or having a loved one diagnosed) with a brain tumor. This site is maintained by the Musella Foundation For Brain Tumor Research Information.
Colorectal Cancer Network
http://www.nccrt.org/
Intended to assist people with cancer and help their family, friends and caregivers find the information necessary to help them make decisions regarding treatment and management of their disease.
Corporate Angel Network
http://www.corpangelnetwork.org/
Thanks to the generosity of over 530 of America's finest corporations, the Corporate Angel Network provides free air transportation to cancer patients traveling to treatment using empty seats on corporate jets.
IBC Research Foundation
http://www.ibcresearch.org/
The Foundation and this site are primarily dedicated to the advancement of research of inflammatory breast cancer. Increasing awareness of IBC symptoms, leading to earlier and better clinical methods of detection and diagnosis is also part of our mission.
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education, and patient services.
Liver Center of St. Louis University Hospital
http://livercenter.slu.edu/index.phtml?page=main
The Physicians and staff of the Liver Center at St. Louis University provide national leadership in this field. For information about resources and how you can become involved in this mission contact The Friends of the Liver Center at SLU.
Lung Cancer Alliance
http://www.lungcanceralliance.org/
The Lung Cancer Alliance advocates on behalf of lung cancer patients, survivors, families, caregivers, and those at risk. Support programs include the Lung Cancer Hotline, the Phone Buddy Program, and specialized lung cancer information and materials.
Make A Child Smile
http://www.makeachildsmile.org/
Make A Child Smile is an internet-based, non-profit organization that provides emotional and financial support to critically ill children and their families. Visitors to the site can participate by sending the featured children and their siblings cards, letters and small gifts.
Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
http://www.multiplemyeloma.org/
The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation is driven by a single purpose. To accelerate the search for a cure for multiple myeloma.
National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations (NABCO)
http://www.nabco.org/
The National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations (NABCO), a network of breast cancer organizations, provides information, assistance and referral to anyone with questions about breast cancer, and acts as a voice for the interests and concerns of breast cancer survivors and women at risk.
National Breast Cancer Coalition
http://www.natlbcc.org/
The National Breast Cancer Coalition is a grassroots advocacy organization dedicated to fighting breast cancer. NBCC was formed in 1991 with one mission: to eradicate breast cancer through action and advocacy.
National Lymphedema Network (NLN)
http://www.lymphnet.org/
The National Lymphedema Network (NLN) is an internationally recognized non-profit organization founded in 1988 by Saskia R.J. Thiadens, R.N. to provide education and guidance to lymphedema patients, health care professionals and the general public by disseminating information on the prevention and management of primary and secondary lymphedema. The NLN is supported by tax-deductible donations and is a driving force behind the movement in the U.S. to standardize quality treatment for lymphedema patients nationwide. In addition, the NLN supports research into the causes and possible alternative treatments for this often incapacitating, long-neglected condition.
NCI
http://www.cancer.gov/
NCI 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. Visit the Website: www.cancer.gov
OncoLink
http://oncolink.org/
OncoLink has comprehensive information about specific types of cancer, updates on cancer treatments and news about research advances. OncoLink updates their information everyday and provides information at various levels, from introductory to in-depth.
Ovarian Cancer National Alliance
http://www.ovariancancer.org/
Ovar'coming Together. The Alliance is working at the national level to increase public and professional understanding of ovarian cancer and to advocate for increased research for more effective diagnostics and treatment. As an umbrella organization, the Alliance unites the efforts of ovarian cancer grassroots activists, women's health advocates, and health care professionals to focus national attention on ovarian cancer. It is headquartered in Washington, D.C., where many of the nation's health care leaders are based and key policy decisions are made.
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
http://www.pancan.org/
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Inc. (PanCAN) is a non-profit public benefit organization that is the premier voice of advocacy for the pancreatic cancer community. PanCAN is dedicated to focusing national attention on the need to find a cure for and ultimately to eliminate pancreatic cancer. This will be accomplished by providing public and professional education that embraces the urgent need for more research, effective treatments, and early detection and prevention programs.
Prostate Cancer Foundation
http://www.prostatecancerfoundation.org/
Prostate Cancer Foundation: The Prostate Cancer Foundation funds high-impact research to find better treatments and a cure for prostate cancer.
Rare Cancer Alliance
http://www.rare-cancer.org/
Rare Cancer Alliance helps to disseminate information and provide support to all pediatric and adult rare cancer patients.
Research Mesothelioma Cancer
http://www.researchmesotheliomacancer.com/
This site contains information on types of Mesothelioma, symptoms, diagnosis techniques, and treatment options. An interactive discussion forum is also available.
Sarcoma Alliance
http://www.sarcomaalliance.com/
Striving to extend and improve the lives of sarcoma patients through accurate diagnosis, improved access to care, guidance, education, and support.
The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
http://www.ovarian.org/
The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition's mission is to raise awareness about ovarian cancer and to promote education about this disease. By dispelling myths and misunderstandings, the coalition is committed to improve the overall survival and quality of life from ovarian cancer.
The Relay For Life
Is the American Cancer Society's National Signature Event. The event raises money to support the American Cancer Society efforts in crucial research, education, and advocacy but also raises community awareness of programs and services offered in promoting cancer control. Teams of 15 people spend 18-24 hours together. The object is to have at least one member walking or running around the track for the entire event. However most of their time will be spent listening to music, camping out, and participating in a variety of family activities. Call your local ACS chapter to get involved, or call 1-800-ACS-2345!
Thyroid Cancer Survivors Association
http://www.thyca.org/
This site maintains current information about thyroid cancer and support services available to people at any stage of testing, treatment, or lifelong monitoring for thyroid cancer, as well as their caregivers. This site also serves as a resource for anyone interested in thyroid cancer survivors' issues.
University of Wisconsin Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center
http://www.cancer.wisc.edu/uwccc/index.asp
The University of Wisconsin Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center is the only comprehensive cancer center in Wisconsin, as designated by the National Cancer Institute. An integral part of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, our cancer center unites more than 250 physicians and scientists who work together in translating discoveries from research laboratories into new treatments that benefit cancer patients.
Urology Health
http://www.urologyhealth.org/
Information on Bladder Cancer symptoms and treatment.
WI Women's Health Foundation
http://www.wwhf.org/
Opportunities for education in women's health including scholarships to help individuals in women's health professions and research. Awareness through education, prevention and outreach, including information and education programs to help women make informed choices about their health. Getting the word out to women who do not have easy access to information. Research on women's health, including support for research into health problems specific to women and the impact of lifestyle on women's health.
Women's Cancer Network
http://www.wcn.org/
The Women's Cancer Network, an interactive web site dedicated to informing women around the world about gynecologic cancer. Our mission is to assist women who have developed cancer, as well as their families, to understand more about the disease, learn about treatment options, and gain access to new or experimental therapies. This site will also enable women to find appropriate cancer treatment specialists in their area.
Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization
http://www.y-me.org/
The mission of Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization is to decrease the impact of breast cancer, create and increase breast cancer awareness, and ensure through information, empowerment, and peer support, that no one faces breast cancer alone. To fulfill this mission, Y-ME provides information and support to those touched by breast cancer, their families, healthcare professionals and the public, and advocates for scientific research and for the rights of people with breast cancer.
Cancer affects us all. Along with the diagnosis comes choices. We can choose to give in or fight with all we have. We chose the latter. Our weapons; a positive attitude, faith, hope, love, and healing. When you have the first, the rest will follow.
