Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

Hi,

I thought I'd start a thread where we can share free fun things and resources for breast cancer patients that we come across.

Our family was selected to participate in a free, one week retreat at a "Little Pink House of Hope" in N.C. in September. We are all very excited! :) The next applications will be accepted again in January 2013 for next year's retreats in the Carolinas if folks are interested in applying. Here's the web site: http://www.littlepinkhousesofhope.org/index.html

Another really cool thing I got to partiicpate in was a "Casting For Recovery" weekend which are held Nationwide. http://castingforrecovery.org/ What fun I had learning to Fly Fish with other survivors!

Paula

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

Thanks Paula, what a great idea! Don't have anything to add...but will sure start to keep my eyes and ears open. I am a fly fisherwoman and I love it!!!

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

Thank you Paula! How sweet of you!

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

http://www.cleaningforareason.org/

Cleaning For A Reason is a nonprofit organization partnering with maid services to offer free professional house cleanings to improve the lives of women undergoing cancer treatment.

When I signed up, a very gracious owner of a maid service (who was volunteering her services in honor of her Mom) cleaned my house four times free of charge while I was going through chemo. It sure was nice to have a sparkling clean house when I was so exhausted and not feeling well.

Hope this lovely resource is a help to others here too,

Paula
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-...50391008_n.jpg

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

http://www.campkesem.org./

This a a great , free week long overnight summer camp for kids with a parent with cancer (or who has died from cancer). It is held in different states by University students who support it through fund raisers and who run the whole thing. This past year they opened it to kids up to age 16. (The web site I just checked that is linked above says it is up to age 13 so I don't know if there's a change so I sent an email to inquire). I believe the application process begins in January for camp next summer--we squeeked in at the last minute before camp started because I heard about it late. Apparently slots fill up fast usually.

This is an awesome camp experience: the Camp Kesem my girls attended in Florida is usually used as a Girl Scout Camp. It had a zip line, rock climbing wall, boating, swimming pool, air conditioned cabins, all sorts of fun activities along with no-pressure sessions where kids could open up about their feelings about cancer if they wanted to and were able to connect with peers with similar experiences. It was a fun and refreshing time for two of my children who participated. Kids are welcome to attend more than one year and the couselors seemed outstanding.

Our kids go through so much right along with us, what a blessing to have an outreach addressed specifically to their needs!
Paula

http://www.buckcash.com/cancerisland...eats30_350.jpg

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

Just got a reponse from my email to a Camp Kesem director re: age eligibility I mentioned above . Here it is copied and pasted below:

"No change for next year. You don't mention which chapter you are part of,
but I can assure you that if your chapter had teen camp this summer, they
will have it next year too.

Camp Kesem was originally created for children ages 6 to 13. Over the past
12 years, as the organization has grown - and as chapters grow, and our
campers grow up - Camp Kesem has added Teen Programs for 14 to 16 year olds.


We are in our third summer of Counselor in Training Programs (17-18yrs olds)
at several chapters too. The CIT program was developed by two teen campers
who wanted a way to bridge the gap from being "camper" to becoming a
"college student leader." They are both now in college and volunteering as
student leaders to create Camp Kesem for the next generation of campers.

Great question, thanks for asking... and thanks for being part of Camp
Kesem."

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

http://www.buckcash.com/cancerisland...lump30_350.jpg

Anybody else here besides me participate in the "Look Good, Feel Better Program"? It's a "cheerin' uppin" sort of thing to do whether you are into wearing makeup under normal circumstances or not IMHO.
Paula

http://lookgoodfeelbetter.org/

"Look Good…Feel Better is available free of charge in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Look Good…Feel Better holds group workshops that teach beauty techniques to female cancer patients to help them combat the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. Look Good…Feel Better also offers programs for teens, individual consultations in select areas, Spanish language and Spanish/English programs, and a Web site for men undergoing cancer treatment. Since 1989, Look Good…Feel Better has served more than 800,000 women in the United States and is supported by more than 15,000 volunteers.

Group Programs

Group programs are step-by-step makeover learning sessions led by cosmetology professionals using products donated by the cosmetic industry. Each two-hour, hands-on workshop includes a 12-step skin care and makeup lesson, nail care techniques, and professional advice on how to deal with hair loss using wigs, scarves, hats, hairpieces, and other accessories.
Patients at various stages of treatment receive personal attention and take home instruction booklets and complimentary cosmetic kits in shades that match their skin tones. Each year, more than 50,000 individuals participate in small groups of five to 10 that create a sense of support and community.
Group programs are offered nationwide in comprehensive cancer centers, hospitals, local American Cancer Society offices, and other community settings. Find a local group program via the link above.
One-on-One Consultations

One-on-one consultations are offered in salons in some areas by Look Good…Feel Better volunteer cosmetologists using the individual’s own makeup as learning tools.

Self-help Materials

Self-help materials, including a video or DVD and instructional booklet, are available to those who cannot locally access Look Good…Feel Better. Please call 1-800-395-LOOK (5665) to request a kit in English or Spanish."

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...59407264_n.jpg


Here's another beautiful blessing available without cost:

http://www.goodwishesscarves.org/index.html

With love to all my Her2 Positive Sistas,

Paula


Info from their web site:

Our Mission

Our mission is simple: to provide free of charge, one beautiful It's a Wrap© or Good Wishes Scarf to anyone experiencing the thinning or loss of hair as a result of illness or treatment. Our goal is to in some small way ease their journey, provide a small bit of comfort and share the power of positive thinking and good wishes with these individuals on their path to healing and recovery.
How It Works

When possible, we ask people, or their friends and loved ones, to choose three or more fabrics that suit their taste and style and then contact us through our online request form, by phone (888-778-5998) or e-mail (info@goodwishesscarves.org). We then send a wrap or scarf in a fabric of their choosing directly to these individuals along with the support and Good Wishes of all of our staff!. If someone does not have access to the internet, we are more than happy to talk with them about their pattern and color preferences to select something beautiful for them. [Shipping may take 3-6 weeks depending upon stock and demand. International requests will need to pay shipping costs only.]

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

This sounds like a boost during the rigors of chemo:

http://www.chemoangels.net/

"Chemo Angels is a volunteer organization dedicated to adding a ray of sunshine to the lives of those undergoing IV chemo treatment. They believe people going through the physical, emotional and mental rigors of chemotherapy deserve lots of encouragement.

Since their service is provided through the postal mail, your location is unimportant. They have many international patients and volunteers as well."

http://www.chemoangels.net/In%20the%...ic_stories.htm

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

http://her2support.org/vbulletin/att...1&d=1322766894


Many American Cancer Society offices offer free wigs, hats and scarves, mastectomy bras, and breast prosthetics to help patients cope with the changes in appearances that come with cancer treatment.
1-800-227-2345.

Paula

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

Someone I know received some free hats during chemo through this organization:

http://www.heavenlyhats.com/heavenly...ts/default.asp

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...10215743_n.jpg
Photo taken at a Relay For Life event by my friend.

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

Thank you for posting all of these great resources. I've wondered what might be out there that I could tap into, but never really knew how to find out. I have stage IV mets and two children ages 12 and 13. Since I can't work, resources are quite limited. I would love to find resources I could tap into for my children. Any others you could post would be appreciated. Thanks again.

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

hi search the forums for disability from social security, taking money from life insurance policies.

If you live in the US your are automatically eligible for social security disability. you can apply on line it is based on your work history dollar amount, and then you get your money and the kids get half of your amount divided between them. Eligible for medical care 24 months after filing.

I also was able to take 75% of my term life insurance policy, cash out, non taxed and it left the 25% to cover anything, they take the premium out of the 25%.
This is not a loan (There are places who try to loan you the money). Called an Accelerated death Benefit.

Good luck to you prayers and hope
Darita

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

http://www.buckcash.com/cancerisland...hunt15_350.jpg
We leave for our week’s all-expenses paid (except for the cost of travel) vacation on the beach in N.C. tomorrow http://www.littlepinkhousesofhope.org/ . Dealing with cancer certainly can be rough stuff for the entire family, including our precious kiddos and this unexpected trip is like a hug from God to us . What a sweet blessing. I can’t wait! http://jpoliver.com/wordpress/wp-inc...icon_smile.gif It sounds like they have some amazing fun planned for us while we are there.

If you are interested, check out the link. In January they open up applications again for free family and couples retreats for 2013. Families from all over the country meet up in vacation homes at the beach that have been donated for the week in Delaware and the Carolinas.

Thanking God for this lovely gift that our family was selected to participate in a Little Pink House of Hope week,

Paula

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

Hope you have a great time Paula! You so deserve it! I can't wait to hear all about it!

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

Thanks for being happy for us, Pray. :)
Paula

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

I wrote today in my blog about our adventures at our Little Pink House of Hope:

http://jpoliver.com/wordpress/archives/1196

Hope some of you guys apply and get to come on a future retreat too. :) You'd love it too. I know many apply and there are limited spots open but very much worth trying for IMHO--ya never know!

After a great time at the beach with the other families also going through breast cancer, I had a nice chat with a fellow Triple Positive survivor over lunch today--a Mom of two very young children. She is Stage 4 with brain and bone mets and doing much better after a craniotomy and brain radiation.

It might possibly work out to meet up with Barb and Mike before we leave. That'd be great! :)

Paula

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

I just learned yesterday that the founder of the Little Pink Houses of Hope is also Her2 positive. She is an amazing lady as are all the volunteers giving of themselves alongside her: making a difference in the lives they are touching. What an example of folks serving up refreshing lemonade from the lemons in life they've been handed.

Paula

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

We got home yesterday from our Little Pink House of Hope adventure. It was an amazing time, wonderful in every way, and the icing on the cake was a nice visit with Barb, Mike, and family. :)

Paula

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

http://www.buckcash.com/cancerisland...comb35_350.jpg

I just made my appointment for my free wash, haircut, and blow dry at my local JC Penny Salon (see ad I posted above) and they mentioned that they also offer free re-styling of wigs to breast cancer survivors the month of October as well, nationwide.

Paula

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...37719689_n.jpg

Chemo-induced menopausal Barbie after her free visit to the JC Penny Salon in October ;)


Hey, anybody else besides me going to take atvantage of the offer for free hair or wig styling for the month of October for breast cancer survivors at JC Penny Salons? If yes, after you do it, I'd love to hear how your hair or wig turns out--are you happy with it? Getting our hair or wig fixed pretty for the cost of a tip is a great cheerer-upper IMHO.

The stylist who did my hair did a great job. I am sooooooooooo grateful to have hair on my head again! I'm really enjoying all the soft curls which I did not have previous to chemo--sure is an easy hairdo. I'd love for the curls to stay and I know they might not last, but any hair is great hair in my book. Even though I am trying to grow my hair longer and it's still shortish, I've had 3 post chemo cuts so far because the hair on the sides is growing at an accelerated rate faster than the rest and I keep sprouting Bozo the Clown hair wings--Ha. :)

The hair stylist and whole salon wasn't very busy at all and we chatted while she worked on my hair for about an hour (!) about kids and life, breast cancer, how delicate hair that comes in after chemo is (Tip: NOTHING harsh--she said people who do hair foiling, perms, strong hair dye--gentle dye OK, on this initial "baby hair" can cause it to decinigrate! What a yikesaroozie THAT would be after finally growing back hair!)

Have a great day!

Paula

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

A friend of mine posted on facebook, very upset at JC Penny. She tried to take advantage of the offer, her first cut since she lost her hair. They pretty much ignored her and took all appointments and walk-ins including people who came in after she did. Quite rude if true.

Because of that, I may go and try it myself and see what my experience is. I have a hair stylist I love but right now I don't care what my hair looks like so I want to see what they will do.

I think companies like this - who just do things for the month of October and not year round, are just trying to make a buck off PinkTober, and include themselves in the pink publicity. If they are going to do that, they better make sure they treat a cancer patient well.

If they treat me the way they treated her, I'll blog it and get them some negative publicity.

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

Can't wait to see your report, Ann. :)

[I haven't been to any salon for ages. Because of the big scar on my head and the very thin hair inherited from my Father, I've been wearing a wig or a cap whenever I am in public places. Could it be the reason why I rarely get out of the house? :)]

And thank you, Paula, for the wonderful tips on these fun free ...

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

That's too bad about your friend's experience, Ann. Here's hoping it's an unfortunate isolated negative instance and that the JC Penny offer is a blessing to many, many breast cancer survivors, including you if you go. It sure was for me personally.

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

I saw the resource but don't know anyone who has used this service:

HOPE LODGE

http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/Supp...opeLodge/index

Quote from their website:

Facing cancer is hard. Having to travel out of town for treatment can make it even harder. Yet the American Cancer Society has a place where cancer patients and their caregivers can find help and hope when home is far away - an American Cancer Society Hope Lodge.
Each Hope Lodge offers cancer patients and their caregivers a free, temporary place to stay when their best hope for effective treatment may be in another city. Not having to worry about where to stay or how to pay for lodging allows guests to focus on getting well. Hope Lodge provides a nurturing, home-like environment where guests can retreat to private rooms or connect with others. Every Hope Lodge also offers a variety of resources and information about cancer and how best to fight the disease.
Currently, there are 31 Hope Lodge locations throughout the United States. Accommodations and eligibility requirements may vary by location. To find out more about a Hope Lodge, please select a location below. If there is not a Hope Lodge in your area, please call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 for more information. Also you can visit Joe's House for additional lodging resources or enter your zip code on cancer.org's Find Local Resources page and select the category/

Announcements

• Hope Lodge Staff Awarded National Certification—August 2012
  House Professionals certification recognizes professional competence and quality of services provided to Hospitality House Guests.
  read more >
• Hope Lodge Volunteer Receives Prestigious Award--April 2012
  Volunteer Tangerine Zielinski has donated approximately 8,000 hours of his time to the American Cancer Society and our mission.
  read more >

Residency at a Hope Lodge facility is a courtesy extended at the sole discretion of American Cancer Society. All individuals who meet the Hope Lodge eligibility requirements will be welcomed regardless of race, creed, citizenship, physical disability, gender, color, ethnic heritage, veteran status, economic status, or sexual orientation. For admissions information, please select a Hope Lodge location.

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

Here is an ad I saw:


"If you are a woman of reproductive age & a US citizen who has received a new cancer diagnosis and wish to undergo fertility preservation PRIOR to the start of cancer treatment, you can now receive certain FREE fertility medications.

Walgreens and Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc. are collaborating to provide free access to certain fertility medications (specifically Bravelle, Menopur, and Novarel) and educational resources including informational guides detailing how cancer treatment affects fertility, access to highly specialized nurses, multimedia materials outlining potential fertility options patients may wish to discuss with their physician, and specialized modules to teach injection training.
Have your physician call Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy at 888-347-3415 with a verbal prescription and the medication will be shipped via UPS to either the physician’s office or the patient. No completion of forms is required."

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

Air Fare:

Air Care Alliance (ACA). Provides listing of nonprofit organizations, nationwide, that fly patients to treatments at no charge. 800-296-1217; www.aircareall.orginfo@nationalpatienttravelcenter .org; Charlee@patienttravel.org

Corporate Angel Network, Inc. (CAN) Free airfare for cancer patients who can walk and travel without life-support or medical attention. www.corpangelnetwork.org

National Patient Travel Center Helpline Gateway leading to options to pay airfare as well as for ground transportation for trips up to 300 miles to get to and from treatment. 1-800-296-1217; info@nationalpatienttravelcenter.org; http://www.patienttravel.org/

Air Charity Network
877-621-7177
www.aircharitynetwork.orgAir Charity Network matches people in need of free air transportation to health care facilities.

Kid’s Wings
810-599-8765info@kidswings.orghttp://www.kidswings.orgKid’s Wings provides free air transportation to children’s families who are in financial and inmedical need of treatment at distant facilities.

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

"Angie’s Spa Cancer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that funds FREE (in-hospital) massages and other integrative medicine services to men and women undergoing chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. These services are designed to alleviate painful side effects, provide relaxation to enhance traditional treatments, and give cancer patients a self-esteem boost.
Angie’s Spa is a funder only. We are not a retail spa, but rather a non-profit foundation that funds accredited programs in qualifying cancer centers. We distribute a Request for Proposal to the Cancer Center or Integrative Medicine Department of a hospital interested in applying for a grant. Those Centers design their own programs that if funded, will use their own staff or outside contractors. If the Center is selected then we enter into a contract with them. They submit an interim and final report and we are in touch with them regularly for advice and feedback and visit the Center at least once a year, sometimes quarterly depending on the needs and requests of the Center. The Centers also administer a questionnaire to the patients that provide them and us with feedback. They promote and publicize their program and we encourage them to fundraise for it. All the money received in any fundraiser goes directly to their program.
Angie's Spa prides itself on the fact that 100% of our donations go directly toward the patients services at each hospital program. This is possible due to the generosity of the hospitals assuming all overhead costs and pro bono services for the establishment and day to day operations of the organization.
We post current articles in the support of cancer patients using therapeutic massages and other treatments. Please visit the Research In the News section under Calendar and News on this website for more information as well as our Facebook page. You can also follow us on Twitter @angiesspa.


Program Descriptions
New Grants awarded for 2012-2013 are as follows:

1. Northridge Hospital Medical Center, Northridge, CA- $40,000, a continuing grant to provide FREE therapeutic massages for men and women with any type of cancer, inpatients and outpatients. In addition Northridge has been offered a matching fundraising grant of up to $3000.
2. Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT- $25,000, a contiuning grant to provide FREE therapeutic massages, acupuncture, reflexology and yoga for all as well as manicures and haircuts for inpatients.
3. Southampton Hospital, Southampton, NY- $7500, a continuing grant to provide FREE therapeutic massages and reiki for outpatients undergoing chemotherapy.
4. Health Alliance Hospital of U Mass Medical Center, Fitchburg MA, $15,000- a new program providing FREE therapeutic massages, acupuncture and therapeutic yoga for outpatients http://healthalliancefoundation.org/...nds-Sinon.aspx
5. MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston TX- $21K for a continuing grant to provide FREE massage therapy and Acupuncture services for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Services also offered to caregivers of patients.
6. University of Miami Sylvester Cancer Center Deerfield Beach, FL-$20K grant to provide FREE therapeutic massages to outpatients."

(Copied and pasted from: http://angiesspa.org/

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

http://firstdescents.org/

This looks like sooooooooooo much fun to me! I'm past their age guideline at 54 but I called and inquired about the age restriction and spoke to someone at First Descents who said to apply anyway, that there is talk that they might expand that in the future. My friend went on a surfing weekend recently with them and loved it. The description below is copied and pasted from their website. Anybody here go on one of these trips or interested in going? First step is to apply! :)
Paula

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

Paula, You look just beautiful in your new pic!

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

Thanks, Nancy! You are an encourager. That other picture was me in a wig last year and I sure am thankful to have my own hair again! Hip Hip Hooray for hair! All hair is good hair in my book.

Here's another resource that looks great to me:

http://www.indiegogo.com/CancerRelief
"You Can Thrive"
Free Integrative services in New York City (Interesting brief video clip of survivors)

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

http://www.bethesdaskincare.com/pres...hp?magazine=76

Free bar of Bethesda sunscreen soap for cancer patients

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

http://www.cupwithlove.org/
"The Cup With Love Project was founded in a living room, over a cup of tea and amongst good friends. Inspired by simple, but thoughtful acts of kindness bestowed upon her during her cancer treatment, Cup With Love founder, Molly Ximenez was inspired to share that same compassion with newly diagnosed cancer patients. The concept of gifting a tea cup to those on a cancer journey, or those whose lives have been impacted by cancer, grew from these humble beginnings and today has profoundly touched the lives of individuals world-wide.

Molly's vision lead to the formal creation of “the Cup With Love Project” in 2005, as a recognized not-for-profit organization. Since then, the Cup With Love Project has collected cups, wrapped and provided those gifts of love to thousands of cancer survivors undergoing treatment. Thanks both to the continued efforts of Molly and a band of loving volunteers, the same acts of compassion and kindness continue.

Sacramento, California (USA)-based, the Cup With Love Project serves to empower those traveling through their cancer journey with love and hope, by letting them know they are not alone and that they have the inner strength to fight the fight through the Cup With Love Project community."

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

Removed info on a non profit no longer active

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

Tips for managing the financial cost of caregiving

http://www.curetoday.com/index.cfm/f...-of-caregiving
BY ELIZABETH WHITTINGTON | JUNE 24, 2009
In Hard Times, caregivers learn the cost of cancer caregiving can be both expensive and surprising. Not only do caregivers and patients deal with lost wages, co-pays, and deductibles, but also the hidden costs, such as travel expenses, support services, and special meals, in addition to time spent on researching, coordinating appointments, and endless hours on the phone with insurance companies. Caregivers who don't live with the patient must also factor in time away from work or their own family, possible travel and lodging expenses, and paid help when they are away from the patient.
Here are a few financial tips to get caregivers over the hump:
1. Set up a free website, such as CaringBridge, Lotsa Helping Hands, Share The Care, and the Patient/Partner Project, for your support team (and have them invite their friends and family who can help!) to let them know when you need help with child care, transportation, meals, errands, and other services. Many times people want to help, but they don't know how to ask or what to do. Having a list of needs available to everyone will prevent 15 calorie-rich casseroles on your doorstep the first week.
2. Several organizations offer free or discounted rates for travel and lodging if a patient must travel for treatment. Corporate Angel Network offers free rides for patients traveling to treatment. Joe's House offers discounted hotel rooms, and the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge offers free lodging for patients and caregivers.
3. Tap into services that help pay for cancer care, such as the Patient Advocate Foundation's Co-Pay Relief and various drug assistance programs.
4. It may take time, but it's worth keeping insurance statements, bills, and medical records organized. Follow a strategy to make sure you're getting the most out of your insurance plan.
5. Take advantage of tax exemptions for cancer expenses, including mileage and transportation costs associated with treatment.
6. It may take some searching online, but there are grants and services available through various local organizations that may help pay for child care, house cleaning, transportation, and other basic needs. Your local hospital and non-profit cancer organizations may also have information on these services.
7. Look into services and grants provided by non-profit organizations that focus on your cancer type. For example, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society provides financial assistance to patients in significant financial need, and the Colorectal CareLine Financial Aid Fund provides assistance for travel, lodging, and child care.
8. Don't hesitate to flash the "cancer card" sometimes, even if the patient is past treatment. Ask about special discounts provided by companies for products or services used during cancer treatment. Many airlines offer discounted rates if traveling to a specific hospital. Childhood cancer survivors (and children of adult cancer survivors) are eligible for specific college scholarships from various organizations.
Know any other tips to help shoulder the finanical burden of cancer caregiving? Please add your own!
------------------

Has anyone looked into college scholorships for children of cancer survivors? If yes, please do share those resources here.

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

Copied and pasted from: https://www.thelydiaproject.org/secure/requestatote.asp
Lydia totes are always free of charge to any woman currently undergoing any kind of cancer treatment anywhere in the world, and include twelve months of ongoing support as needed. Requests for recipients outside the Augusta, GA area are asked to pay shipping charges. . Each tote is unique and constructed by dedicated volunteers. The tote will include a card with your name as the requestor and will be shipped the next business day.
Tucked inside each handmade bag is an inspirational journal, lotion, and other supportive items. In the front pocket is a card indicating the name of the volunteer seamstress as well as a prayer request card.
All information regarding the tote recipient is kept confidential. If she would like further support she may return the Prayer Request Card enclosed in her tote. On this card women may list specific prayer concerns and ask for notes, phone calls and e-mails from the Lydia support team. *Please note: Totes are not mailed within the Augusta, GA area. If you are requesting a tote for yourself or someone who lives in the Augusta area, please come by the office at 2501 McDowell Street or call the agency at 706-736-5467 (weekdays 9am-3 pm M-F) to request local delivery. A Lydia volunteer will bring the tote directly to you or your loved one.

Emergency Relief Services


Often women coping with cancer need financial help as they struggle to afford insurance co-payments, do not have drug coverage, or temporarily lose their income while fighting their illness. At The Lydia Project they are not alone. Lydia's Emergency Relief Services provides funds to help stop evictions and utility shut-offs or help with prescription costs for women coping with cancer. This service was implemented with seed funding from the CSRA Women in Philanthropy.

To be eligible for this program women must reside in Aiken, Burke, Columbia, McDuffie, or Richmond County and currently be receiving treatment for cancer.



Two services are available:

• Up to $500 for past due rent/mortgage and/or utility bills
• Up to $150 for prescription drug assistance at Barney's Pharmacy

Women referred to Lydia also receive a handmade tote filled with encouraging items and monthly correspondence if the recipient chooses to request ongoing support.


To Apply for Funds

Physicians can complete and sign a Emergency Relief Services Referral Form and fax completed form to 706.736.5142. A staff member will promptly follow up on the request. Individuals or physicians with questions please e-mail contactus@thelydiaproject.org

Re: Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients
 

Memories of Love provides a 5 night, 6 day respite in Orlando, which includes 3 day passes for the wish recipient and their children through age 16 to a 1 day pass to Sea World and a 2 day pass to Universal Studios. Also included are hotel accommodations, discount meal vouchers (based on availability) at select restaurants and $200 to help defray the cost of food, gas, parking, etc.

http://www.memoriesoflove.org/how-to-apply.html

Who may be nominated for the Memories of Love wish respite trip?

You may nominate yourself if you meet the following criteria:

• Have been medically diagnosed with a life threatening illness
• Have children 16 years old or younger