Resources

The nonprofits listed here are just some of the U.S.-based nonprofits that offer a wide range of resources for cancer patients and survivors, including emotional support, financial support and counseling, job and career resources for cancer patients, genetic counseling, transportation, personal care, and numerous other types of support.

These are examples of resources cancer patients need to help them navigate diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. State and local nonprofits also offer a wide range of support for all types of cancer so it is imperative that your cancer center and/or your family and friends help research local resources as well.

Provides a wide range of patient and survivor information and resources for all cancer types, including transportation and lodging assistance to patients in treatment.

A national nonprofit that provides free emotional and practical support for cancer patients of all types through their team of professional oncology social workers. Also has direct patient financial assistance programs, including a pet assistance program (PAW).

(formerly known as the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship)

A nonprofit specifically focused on cancer survivors. They offer a wide range of educational resources for patients and providers; they also do advocacy work on survivorship issues at the national level.

Provides patient navigation services and educational materials to cancer patients of all types. Also does research and advocacy work.

Provides educational resources for patients of all cancer types; also has educational information for caregivers and for employers.

A national nonprofit that provides a financial safety net to patients living with a rare or chronic medical condition, including cancer.

Provides direct financial assistance to young adult cancer patients with rare cancers. Their “Life Interrupted Grants” are available for a variety of needs, from rent assistance and medical insurance to medical hair pieces.

A financial support program from pharmaceutical company Amgen that helps patients with commercial (private) health insurance pay for Amgen medications. Note: there are dozens of pharmaceutical co-pay assistance plans in existence; a Google search will lead to many more options.

HealthWell Foundation offers grants for behavioral health services for patients related to cancer for all cancer types.

Created in 2005 in response to the financial impact of cancer on patients, this nonprofit offers young adult cancer patients direct funding through two categories in their SAMFund program. Patients/survivors must have completed active treatment and must be between the ages of 21-39 at the time of applying.

Provides educational and other resources and direct financial assistance to patients struggling financially during cancer treatment. Also works directly with hospital oncology social workers and patient navigators to reach patients in need.

Provides direct financial assistance and does healthcare advocacy work for cancer patients.

Provides case management to Americans with life-threatening and debilitating chronic illnesses, including all types of cancer. Direct financial assistance available through a variety of funds for cost-of- living expenses, treatment travel, and medication costs.

With the DONNA CareLine program, this nonprofit provides patients diagnosed with breast cancer assistance with navigating financial issues around cancer–including health insurance denials, medical debt, and employment issues–with a team of case managers. They also hold fundraising and wellness events for breast cancer patients and survivors and provides breast cancer research funding.

Provides direct financial assistance to breast cancer patients in active treatment.

A nonprofit dedicated to the support of Black breast cancer survivors. Offers a variety of education and support programs. The Karen E. Jackson Breast Cancer Assistance Program provides direct financial assistance for those in active treatment for rent/housing or utilities.

A nonprofit that provides extensive online resources for cancer patients dealing with employment issues and career impact. Also provides resources for employers and healthcare professionals.

Provides a wide range of educational materials and resources for cancer patients, including navigating health insurance and employment law issues around a cancer diagnosis.

A nonprofit that runs free summer camps on college campuses across the U.S. for children ages 6-18 whose lives have been impacted by cancer. Details and application available on their website.

Nonprofit that offers free Adult Oncology retreats for men and women ages 18+.

Runs free camps in Montana for young adults, women ages 21+ with cancer of any type, and patient and caregiver retreats.

Free fly-fishing retreats held across the U.S. for female breast cancer patients.

A free five-day camp in Ohio for young adult colon cancer survivors run by Fight Colorectal Cancer. Applicants must have been diagnosed between the ages of 18-39 and currently be 39 or younger.

Offers free weeklong adventure trips in Colorado for adult cancer patients and survivors at any stage of their diagnosis or survivorship. Trips are offered in winter and summer; some financial aid available for travel costs. They also a virtual-reality program that cancer centers can provide to their patients.

Offers several types of free retreats in the Tampa, Florida, area for cancer patients and survivors, including a Women of Color Camp and a Women’s Cancer Camp.

A nonprofit that hosts outdoor adventures for young adults with cancer, survivors, caregivers, and healthcare workers. The free trips are held throughout the U.S. For cancer programs, participants must have been diagnosed between ages 15-39 and currently be between 18-45 years old. Has a “Prescribe Adventure” link on website for healthcare professionals to nominate patients for programs.

Offers retreats and “staycations” for cancer patients aged 21-55 and their families. Patients must be nominated by their oncologist.

Offers 3-day retreats in Washington State for cancer patients and survivors. Scholarships available.

A nonprofit whose mission is to support children of terminally ill patients. Offers free Legacy Retreats in the U.S. for families with a terminally ill parent.

Provides retreats and experiences for families who have a parent diagnosed with late-stage cancer (one child must be between ages 3 and 18). Applicants must be referred by their oncologist to apply to retreats.

Offers 25 weeklong retreats in 10 states for singles, couples, and families–women and men–diagnosed with breast cancer. Financial aid available.

Nonprofit that provides peer and mentor support for previvors, patients, survivors & caregivers experiencing any type of cancer.

Offers free cancer survivor and caregiver retreats in Colorado; also organizes hikes and outdoor activities.

Provides a range of free wellness retreats for women with any cancer type, from patient to survivor.

A nonprofit that operates a free weekend retreat in Northern California to adults with cancer and their families.

A nonprofit that offers free “Camp Koru” surfing and wellness programs for young adult cancer patients and survivors ages 18-39 who were diagnosed between ages 18-39. Travel scholarships available.

Offers free fly-fishing retreats throughout the U.S. for men with any type of cancer.

Nonprofit that provides financial assistance for mammograms, diagnostic tests, and breast care health to those of all race, gender, and age.

Provides cancer patients with support, referrals, and guidance around fertility preservation, family planning, and reproductive issues.

A national organization that helps patients and their caregivers with lodging and support services for those getting medical treatment away from their homes.

Provides education and research information on hereditary cancers (including clinical trials), with information available by mutation or cancer type.

Provides genetic cancer testing education and counseling support to cancer patients.

Provides cancer patients and families with free air travel for treatment through private aircraft.

Provides educational materials and extensive support options for blood cancer patients and survivors and caregivers.

A global nonprofit dedicated to research to eradicate glioblastoma; provides education and resources to patients and caregivers.

Dedicated to Hispanic/Latina breast cancer survivors, provides educational and support resources for survivors and their families through multiple programs; available in Spanish language.

A national nonprofit that provides a variety of support services for breast cancer patients, including financial, education, and career resources.

Provides educational materials and support for patients, from breast cancer screening through survivorship, including the National Mammography Program and Patient Navigation Program.

A “Jewish Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer community” that offers a wide variety of support programs to breast and ovarian cancer patients, survivors, and pre-vivors, including genetic testing information for inherited breast cancer genes (BRCA).

Provides extensive support to breast cancer patients, from a helpline staffed by trained oncology social workers to educational materials for patients, survivors, and healthcare providers. Also offers a Financial Assistance Program. Website and support services also available in Spanish.

Provides a wide, extensive range of educational materials and emotional support programs for female breast cancer patients under the age of 40. Also offers educational resources for metastatic breast cancer patients; some materials available in Spanish.

Provides extensive resources for patients and survivors. Also offers a “Get Your Rear in Gear” grant program that funds educational and screening programs as well as direct patient assistance.

Provides patient and survivor educational materials, including events, support groups, and a clinical trial finder. Also does national advocacy work for colorectal cancer.

Provides resources for patients as well as education and awareness and caregiver support.

Provides educational materials and resources such as support groups for this rare cancer. Collaborates with the Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation with a support line for patients.

Provides a wide range of educational materials for lung cancer patients.

A nonprofit that provides education and support specifically for lung cancer patients and survivors.

Provides resources for ovarian cancer patients and survivors (and caregivers) as well as information on other gynecological cancers.

Provides educational materials and resources for pancreatic cancer patients.

Provides patient support, education, and does advocacy and research for pancreatic cancer patients.

Provides financial aid to pancreatic cancer patients.

Offers a wide range of support and resources for prostate cancer patients and caregivers.

Provides prostate patient support and education, including ZERO360, a financial aid assistance program.

Offers extensive online education, screening, and patient and caregiver resources for those with melanoma.

With the goal of empowering patients and funding melanoma research, this nonprofit offers support to patients, with extensive online resources. Also does advocacy work.

Provides support and resources for testicular cancer survivors.

Provides extensive educational resources for patients, including virtual support groups.

Offers extensive resources for patients and survivors, including links to direct financial assistance programs for testicular cancer patients.

This nonprofit’s goal is awareness and support of men with testicular cancer. Offers online support and resources for patients, survivors, and caregivers.

Provides educational materials and support resources for thyroid cancer patients and survivors.