Fun Free Opportunities/resources for Breast Cancer patients

[Paula O]

This is a newspaper article about our Little Pink House of Hope Retreat in Oak Island N.C. that my family was a part of. I don't remember my speech ever being so fragmented and I am stage 3, not 2, but I'm the Paula quoted. http://stateportpilot.com/topstory/article_ba7274c6-251b-11e2-bcd7-001a4bcf887a.html The Mom of the dear family in the photo is struggling with rapid progression of the metastasis now and she is fighting hard. One of her daughters and mine have become pen pal buddies since our retreat.

Little Pink Houses of Hope will be offering vacations in 2013 for women with breast cancer and their families in: Kure Beach, NC; St. John, USVI; Hatteras, NC; Bethany Beach, DE; Key West, ...FL; Emerald Isle, NC; California; Oak Island, NC; Buxton, NC; North Myrtle Beach, SC; Myrtle Beach, SC; and New Smyrna, FL http://www.littlepinkhousesofhope.org/testimonials.html

ONLINE APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2013 RETREATS WILL OPEN IN JANUARY 2013!

[Paula O]

http://www.cancerfac.org/about.php

Cancer Financial Assistance Collition


CFAC is a coalition of financial assistance organizations joining forces to help cancer patients experience better health and well-being by limiting financial challenges, through:

Facilitating communication and collaboration among member organizations;
Educating patients and providers about existing resources and linking to other organizations that can disseminate information about the collective resources of the member organizations;
Advocating on behalf of cancer patients who continue to bear financial burdens associated with the costs of cancer treatment and care.
member organizations
The 14 member organizations of CFAC are:

American Cancer Society
CancerCare
CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation
Chronic Disease Fund
HealthWell Foundation
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's
Co-Pay Assistance Program
Lymphoma Research Foundation
The Max Foundation
National Organization for Rare Diseases
National Marrow Donor Program
Patient Access Network Foundation
Patient Services Incorporated
Sarcoma Alliance
Learn more...

contact us
CFAC is a coalition of organizations and cannot respond to individual requests for financial assistance. To find out if financial help is available, please search the CFAC database. You may also contact each CFAC member organization individually for guidance and possible financial assistance.

http://www.cancerfac.org/about.php

[Paula O]

"CancerCare® Launches New Transportation Assistance Program for Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients
New York, NY, February 6, 2012—National nonprofit CancerCare has launched a new program to provide financial help to people coping with metastatic breast cancer. The “CancerCare Get You There” program will provide individual grants to metastatic breast cancer patients for covering transportation costs such as gasoline, parking and tolls, and taxi, bus or train fare to and from their treatment.

The program is funded in part by a generous contribution from Celgene Corporation. CancerCare is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide free professional help to people with all cancers through counseling, education, information and referral and direct financial assistance.

Metastatic breast cancer is the most advanced stage of breast cancer, and is among the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women. Approximately 155,000 women are living with metastatic breast cancer in the United States today.

“The medical and practical costs associated with the ongoing treatment required by many metastatic breast cancer patients present a significant financial challenge,” said CancerCare CEO Helen H. Miller, LCSW, ACSW. “I’m thrilled to announce our new program, which will provide treatment-related transportation grants to thousands of people living with metastatic breast cancer.”

To receive a “CancerCare Get You There” transportation grant, patients must meet certain eligibility criteria and complete an application form. To learn more about CancerCare’s financial assistance programs, visit www.cancercare.org/financial or call 800-813-HOPE (4673)."

----------------

I am passing along this info in hopes it'll be a helpful resource for some people but have no personal experience with CancerCare. If anyone does contact these folks, perhaps they can share here about eligibility criteria, etc and verify that the program is still in operation.

Paula

[Paula O]

The 2013 Casting for recovery retreat schedule in different states and application is on-line now:

http://castingforrecovery.org/wordpr...n-information/

VERY FUN!!!!!

[IrvineFriend]

I have really utilized the resources that were identified on this post, so thank you so much Paula for starting this.

I received my cancer cup today and it really was a nice moment in my work day to see a package on my desk. It contained a very pretty teacup and saucer, a teabag, an angel to carry in my pocket or purse and a handwritten note. Nice thing to see and open after coming out of a heated meeting at work.

I've also signed up for the housecleaning and that will take a few weeks to see if they can match me up. I'm also getting rides to Dr. appts through the ACS (I'm not driving) and I'm signed up for the looking good feeling better class on 2/4.

I do believe finding ways to treat myself or experience joy is going to help me beat this thing. So for all those that contributed to this post, especially Paula, my day is quite a bit better by your taking time out to send this out to the group.

Thank you!!

-Julie

[Paula O]

Julie,

I am so happy that you were able to use some of these resources. I appreciate you letting me know. I'm sure you'll enjoy the time with the other ladies at the Look Good Feel Better session in Feb! One tip I especially was glad to learn was how to pencil in natural looking eyebrows and they demonstrated a nifty trick I used to make a comfy turban out of a soft tshirt with a scarf wooven through.

If anyone is interested, this is the perfect time to get applications in to Camp Kesem, Little Pink Houses of Hope, and Casting for Recovery (see links above). It may work fine to apply later in the year but summer Camp Kesem for kids with a parent with cancer fills up fast and some application deadlines are coming up quickly (ie: if you live in FL, applications for that Casting for Recovery retreat have to be in by February 22nd for the April retreat). There's a whole lot more to that weekend than learning to Fly Fish (although that part turned out to be super fun too). The accomadations are lovely--the one ion Fl is at a Hilton.

I'm excited that I'm going to be able to volunteer for Casting for Recovery and Little Pink Houses of Hope this year--wonderful organizations blessing the socks off of women with breast cancer.

Paula

[IrvineFriend]

I'm also going to apply for casting for recovery but there is a glitch with the link for the So. CA trip. It directs me to a resort in PA! Otherwise, I'll apply for the trip in Central CA although I would rather connect with women in my area.

Yesterday I went to a wonderful wig shop that specializes in products for chemo patients and got a great hat (for hikes and walks) and a couple beautiful scarves that are fitted already and idiot proof in terms of tying, etc. and another cute little short hat thing. Very cute!

My boyfriend is taking me shopping to buy some new earings as the woman in the shop said you feel a lot better with extra jewelry after losing your hair.

Trying to keep things positive!

-Julie

[Paula O]

Julie--sounds like you are making the best of your situation. I normally am not much into makeup or jewelry but wore them a whole lot more when my hair was gone and they gave me a boost. I'm glad your boyfriend is so supportive and wish you the best as you go through treatment, hanging in there a day at a time. I popped a note to the Casting For Recovery folks letting them know about their link glitch for Southern California. Maybe you want to send them an email too. Some states who don't have CFR are invited to retreats in states that do, but there are retreats in central and northern Cal so looks like a mistake.
------------------

For survivors in the greater seacoast NH/ME area: http://mybreastcancersupport.org/whowehelp.htm
(Copied and pasted from the website)

How We Help: "Working with the hospitals in Portsmouth, Exeter, Dover, York and the Cancer Care Center of York County, we provide the following to patients right here in the Greater Seacoast area:

• Gas cards, dinner gift certificates and movie passes through our Hope Chest program
• Assistance with household needs (cleaning, groceries, repairs)
• New Patient Gift Bags that include Breast Cancer Journey Planners, scarves, relaxation CDs and other comforting gifts
• Children's books that help them to better cope as their parent goes through breast cancer
• Travel scholarships to breast cancer conferences and retreats
• Outings that bring local patients together
• A social networking website called Seacoast Breast Cancer Connection where seacoast area patients can connect with other local patients outside of their own treating hospital
• A database of Support Pals willing to talk with a patient or even sit with them during a treatment

We will even fulfill a last wish ...
And the BreastCancerStories.org website continues to be a comforting way for a patient to read, write and share their story with loved ones and with one another.
We also remain so very thankful to the individuals and organizations who donated gifts and services to the patients as well! See a list of those who have helped!"
©2013 BreastCancerStories.org * info@mybreastcancersupport.org * 603.759.5640
PO Box 1576 * Portsmouth, NH 03802-1576

[IrvineFriend]

I was rejected the housekeeping as they cannot accomodate another patient so I'm back to paying for it since I'm physically not able to do that level of work given I still have a drain in, have this darn pain and starting chemo on Thursday.

Paula, what a wonderful State you live in. CA is broke despite we now pay more in taxes than any other state. I know I personally will pay it forward when I'm able. So many of the resources you listed are the result of donations and volunteers.

I'm so grateful for friends, family and especially my boyfriend who did all my laundry tonight. And the people on this site who provide their words of wisdom.

[Paula O]

Julie,

What a loving thing for your boyfriend to do your laundry! He sounds like a great guy and you can tell him I said so if you want to . I hope chemo goes smoothly for ya on Thursday.

I got an email back from Casting for Recovery re: my inquiry for So Cal residents:

>Good morning Paula:

Our southern California program is not happening this year. While we are hopeful we will be ready to go in the future, currently, we are directing any interested participants to the Skytop, PA retreat. Much of our funding comes from grants which stipulate that the women they are supporting must be represented from certain counties within the their geographical location.

While the retreat weekend will be of no charge to the selected participants, the transportation to the retreat would be the responsibility of the selected participant.

Please let us know if you have any additional questions.



I live in the beautiful state of Florida. What you are seeing from this list are folks from all over setting up Non Profit organizations and individuals donating resources and reaching out to those with breast cancer---not money coming from the Government or individual state funds. Here is another I found:

Link to freebies for women with breast cancer in New Zealand: http://breastcancernirvana.co.nz/free-stuff/

(Info from the site copied and pasted below)


"1. The Government’s Bra and Prosthesis Subsidy

The Breast Prosthesis Service Payment is payment to people who have undergone a partial or full mastectomy, either unilateral or bilateral, and/or have undergone a lumpectomy, have congenital needs, or have had failed reconstructive surgery, as specified by a specialist or general practitioner. The service payment is available to cover the cost of the following items only:

• breast prosthesis or breast forms (these may include standard breast forms, swim form, foam filler, shell prosthesis and lumpectomy shells)
• special bras to hold the breast prosthesis or breast forms
• surgical bras and normal bras
• modifications to bras to hold a prosthesis or breast form
• prosthetic nipples.

The entitlement is $613.33 (GST incl) per side for a four-year period. You may claim any amount up to the total amount of $613.33 (or $1226.66 for bilateral) at any time during the four-year entitlement period.
Please talk to your Breast Surgeon, Breast Nurse, the Ministry of Health or your local specialist bra and prosthesis fitter for more information. See the following resources from MoH, Breast Cancer Support and Breast Cancer.Org for more information:
2. The Government’s Subsidy for Wigs and Hairpieces

This Wigs and Hairpiecess Subsidy is a payment to people who suffer from serious hair loss because of a medical condition or from certain cancer therapies. The payments are to reduce the cost of purchasing and maintaining a Wig or Hairpiece or other related products. The service payment is available to cover the cost of the following items only:

• Wig or Hairpiece
• headwear (hats, turbans etc).

If you are an adult (18 years or over), the amount you are entitled to depends on whether your hair loss is permanent or temporary. If you are under 18, your entitlement is the same whether the hair loss is temporary or permanent.
For adults (with temporary hair loss), the entitlement is $408.88 (GST incl) over a one-year period. You can claim all of or part of your $408.88 entitlement at any time over the one-year period.

For further information, talk to the Cancer Society, your Breast Nurse, the Ministry of Health or a wig supplier recommended by the Cancer Society.
3. Look Good Feel Better (LGFB)

Look Good Feel Better is a free service offered to women undergoing treatment for cancer. LGFB helps restore and enhance the appearance of cancer patients during and after treatment. During a two and a half hour workshop, attendees are shown by trained cosmetic volunteers how to cope with the physical side effects of their treatment, such as dry flaking skin and pigmentation changes.
They are taken through a step by step skincare and make-up regime, and given guidance on how to apply cosmetics to help camouflage loss of eyebrows, eyelashes and skin colour fluctuations. For more details, please contact LGFB or the Cancer Society.
4. Casting for Recovery Retreat (CFR)

Casting for Recovery provides retreats at no cost to participants, which allow people whose lives have been profoundly affected by breast cancer to gather in a beautiful, natural setting and learn to fly fish.
It offers participants an opportunity to experience the peace and solitude and the chance to be in the moment that fly fishing provides. The retreat also incorporates a range of other services to promote well-being. The 2.5 day retreat weekend is one of fun and support with the mission of our trained volunteers being that of empowerment and achievement to whatever level you are capable of. Contact Sherrie, the Director at Casting for Recovery.
5. Book: Life Happiness…& Cancer by Phil Kerslake

Phil Kerslake wrote Life, Happiness…& Cancer in 2005 after recovering from his sixth cancer battles. This book shows the reader how to use action and attitude to support their recoveries illustrating:

• How to cope much better with a cancer battles
• What being ‘a fighter’ really means
• What being an ‘active patient’ involves in practice
• How to turn faith and hope into verbs and wishes into actions
• How to run a life path audit that will feed your will to live
• How to live in accordance with your own way of ‘being, relating and creating’ to support recovery prospects and to improve your quality of life
• To create a life with more balance, meaning and fulfilment.

Phil Kerslake’s Book-For-Patients Programme aims to make free copies of his book available to patients at locations where they are receiving their diagnoses, treatments, or support. The Programme has already resulted in around 6,000 copies being donated for the benefit of patients in Wellington, Auckland and Central Otago. In Wellington, the book is available for those going through cancer treatment from the Blood and Cancer Centre, Wellington Hospital. Please also see Phil’s website.
6. Silky pillows

Silky pillows are crescent shaped, satin covered pillows available free for women who have had breast surgery to protect the underarm area. They are so soft and soothing when healing. Available from the Cancer Society and through the surgical wards.
7. Funky purses for drains

There are little cute material purses made to fit drains post-surgery. So if you have a drain (or even four as I did), you can hide the drains in the purses and go for a walk. These are available through the Surgical Ward or through the Cancer Society.
8. Sweet Louise : Positive Lives with Breast Cancer

Sweet Louise supports women with secondary breast cancer. They provide information, practical help and therapies to assist in living a positive life with breast cancer. For help and more information, please contact http://www.sweetlouise.co.nz/ or call their free phone 0800 112277.
9. BCAC Step by Step Support Pack

BCAC’s Step by Step support pack is free to anyone diagnosed with breast cancer in New Zealand
A diagnosis of breast cancer is a life-changing moment for over 2700 New Zealand women every year. If you are one of these women – BCAC and the Step By Step support pack are here to help. The information contained in each pack will help women understand their diagnosis, empower them to ask questions of their medical team and so make informed choices about their treatment options.
Each Step by Step pack contains:

• An information booklet about breast cancer, treatments, support organisations and other useful resources.
• A diary to organise medical and treatment information, record appointment times and note down any questions women may wish to ask their medical teams.
• A journal for recording personal thoughts, with inspirational messages from other women who have experienced breast cancer.

To order your free Step by Step support pack, please complete the form on BCAC’s website.
10. Transport to Hospital Appointments

The Cancer Society runs shuttles and a volunteer driver programme so please contact the Cancer Society for details.
The Red Cross also run community health transport shuttles. In Kapiti, the phone number is (04) 298 4316 (donation/koha appreciated).
11. Support for Carers and Partners

The Cancer Society provides a range of support services and programmes for carers and partners as well as cancer survivors. The Cancer Society also provides free individual counselling and support groups for carers and partners.

The Cancer Society’s Support Services

The Cancer Society has many roles and one of them is to provide a range of support services for people with cancer and their family/caregivers.
The Cancer Society offers a number of excellent, free support services which give you:

1. Cancer Information
2. Support from cancer specialists
3. Peer support and networking with others affected by cancer
4. Practical support during treatment and
5. Post-treatment support services

1. Cancer Information

The Cancer Society has New Zealand’s largest sources of information about cancer and its effects. They have a range of cancer resources including:

• Booklets and information sheets on cancer types, treatments, living with cancer etc.
• A library with the latest cancer related books, magazines, tapes, videos, DVDs and CDs.
• A Cancer Information Directory and recommendations to credible internet sites.
• A quarterly Cancer Society magazine (CanTalk) with articles on recent research and support services.
• An online forum (called CancerChat NZ) and Facebook page.
• Specialist advice from cancer nurses on-site.
• Workshops and courses on cancer and wellbeing e.g. A course on practical ways of living well, building self-knowledge, self-confidence and self-help skills for anyone affected by cancer or survivorship (the Living well education programme).

Information and resources are available:

• In person. Visit your local Cancer Society office, talk to a cancer nurse or participate in a workshop.
• Phone the Cancer Information Helpline 0800 CANCER (226 237) and/or talk to a nurse.
• On the website. Download resources on the Cancer Society website http://www.cancernz.org.nz/, visit the online forum Cancer Chat NZ or check out their Facebook page.
• Email the Cancer Society at admin@cancer.org.nz or a specialist nurse on info@cancersoc.org.nz.

2. Support from Cancer Specialists

It is really helpful to talk to people specialised in working with those affected by cancer and really understand your situation. The Cancer Society provides the following cancer specialists for you to talk to:

• Cancer Nurses. The Cancer Society provide a telephone support help line on 0800 CANCER (226 237) staffed by experienced cancer nurses. Or visit in person or email a nurse on info@cancersoc.org.nz
• Counselling. The Cancer Society provides cancer specialised counsellors, psychologists and therapists at no cost. Phone the Cancer Society for an appointment.

3. Peer Support and Networking with Others Affected by Cancer

It can be great to talk someone going through a similar cancer experience to you. The Cancer Society provides a number of ways to do this e.g. support groups, courses, workshops, by phone and an online forum:
a) Support groups (called Can Support) provide the opportunity to discuss (in small groups) experiences and concerns with others who have cancer. All groups are facilitated, meet monthly and invite guest speakers at times.
b) Courses, programmes and workshops. The Cancer Society provides a number of courses and workshops for those affected by cancer. These are great for education and also allow you to meet others experiencing the cancer journey.
c) Telephone support. The Cancer Society has a peer networking service (called Cancer Connect NZ) where you are linked to a person who has had a similar cancer type to you and can assist you in your cancer journey. If you or someone you care for has been diagnosed with cancer, and you’d like to talk to someone who has been through a similar experience, contact the Cancer Society 0800 CANCER (226 237).
d) An online forum. The Cancer Society has an online support forum (called CancerChatNZ) where you can talk to people with similar experiences, ask questions, and share information anonymously.CancerChatNZ offers a safe and supportive on-line forum connecting people through their experience of cancer.If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, please visit the forum. All posted messages are viewed by Cancer Society moderators.
Please contact your nearest Cancer Society for information, check the website or read the latest edition of CanTalk.

4. Practical Support During Treatment

The Cancer Society provides some fantastic practical support services for those affected by cancer. These include:

• Transport to hospital appointments with volunteer drivers
• Free car parking while at hospital appointments
• A place to wait and unwind between appointments in the Cancer Society rooms
• Accommodation during treatment
• Financial assistance (short term)
• Advocacy and help with work, budget, travel and family issues
• Coping with cancer side effects: Help with makeup, hats and wigs through Look Good Feel Better
• Massage (fees on a sliding scale)
• Lymphedema assessment and management clinic ($15 per session)
• Silky pillows to help make you comfortable after breast and underarm surgery and
• Hospital orientation/familiarisation tours

The Cancer Society also offers excellent educational and support programmes depending on where you are in New Zealand. These include:

• A course on practical ways of living well, building self-knowledge, self-confidence and self-help skills for anyone affected by cancer or survivorship.This course is called the Living Well education programme and includes information on cancer, nutrition, relaxation, stress and communication.
• Art therapy and writing
• Workshopson nutrition, medications, complimentary therapies etc.
• Dealing with fatigue, stress management, sleep and relaxation courses
• Exercise programmes such as:
  • The Lebed Method (a programme called Healthy Steps)
  • Tai Chi Qi Qong
  • Nordic walking
  • Aqua-aerobics

5. Post-treatment Support Services

The Cancer Society provides a range of support services for those who have completed cancer treatment (cancer rehabilitation):

• The CanNow – Moving Forward programme is an end of treatment programme to promote improved wellbeing. The programme offers one on one cancer specialist advice provided by a cancer specialist nurse following treatment for early breast cancer. You are able to discuss your concerns and regain direction and energy for life after cancer. Email info@cancersoc.org.nz or phone the Cancer Society.
• Counselling is also available from the Cancer Society.

Additional client services are available in some divisions and centres. Please call or email. To find out more about any of the services available in your area, contact your local Cancer Society or call the Cancer Information Helpline 0800 CANCER."

[Paula O]

Jeri's suggestion:
http://www.imermanangels.org/

Imerman Angels carefully matches and individually pairs a person touched by cancer (a cancer fighter or survivor) with someone who has fought and survived the same type of cancer (a Mentor Angel). Cancer caregivers (spouses, parents, children and other family and friends of fighters) also receive 1-on-1 connections with other caregivers and survivors. These 1-on-1 relationships inspire hope and offer the chance to ask personal questions and receive support from someone who is uniquely familiar with the experience. The service is absolutely free and helps anyone touched by any type of cancer, at any cancer stage level, at any age, living anywhere in the world.
Imerman Angels is a federally registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
Mission

Imerman Angels provides personalized connections that enable 1-on-1 support among cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers.

[IrvineFriend]

Huh, So. CA to No. PA. Can't find a longer flight than that? Too bad they won't allow those from So. CA to attend the Central CA location. Very doable. Unfortunately funds are low due to this darn disease. But thanks for following up for me! I'll PM you for some specifics, like do they provide transportation for the airport, etc. My mom may kick in for a free tix with her miles.

[Paula O]

Here is a news report re: "You Can Thrive" in New York which provides free integrative services like reflexology, accupuncture, massage, etc to breast cancer patients undergoing treatment: http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?se...lth&id=8994485
I have listed the link to the web site "You can Thrive" previously in this thread, so it can be found above if you're interested.

I met it's founder, a fellow breast cancer patient advocate at the Alamo breast cancer symposium in San Antonio in December. She has lost her donated space for the wellness center and volunteers are presently travelling to other temporary donated spaces at spas to provide these free services.

Hope those in the forum who live in the New York area can enjoy these services! Sounds great to me. When I was going through alternative medicine cancer treatment then chemo and radiation a dear friend blessed me by giving me massages 1-2 times per week, supplemented by my family's back and foot rubs. It's such a nurturing, relaxing stress reliever. I was so grateful to be the recipient of such loving gifts of encouragement. If you don't have a "You Can Thrive" in your neck of the woods or the means to pay for those kinds of sevices, perhaps a spouse, child, or friend may be willing to provide back and foot rubs for you or a gift certificate for a professional one. It makes a lovely birthday or get-well-soon present.

Paula

[Paula O]

Crickett's Answer for Cancer

http://crickettsanswer.startlogic.com/



(Copied and pasted from the website)

"Crickett’s Answer for Cancer is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization* that was formed in memory of Crickett Julius, who passed away in October of 2006, only four months after being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at the age of 39. As her mother and cousin, we founded Crickett’s Answer for Cancer to support women with breast cancer. We provide wigs, mastectomy and lymphedema products, massage, facials, and other pampering services, as a way to help women feel feminine and beautiful despite losing their hair and/or breasts.

A woman with breast cancer often feels a loss of her identity and self-esteem as a woman, but may consider these frivolous items for which she should not spend money. Like many women, she may be busy caring for her children, family, and possibly even her own parents... all at once. As a result, she may place herself last on the priority list. Crickett’s Answer for Cancer reminds women with breast cancer to care for themselves too, as feeling good about themselves and having time for relaxation are important for healing, and for managing life with breast cancer. By providing no-cost products and services, we honor these courageous women with breast cancer, as well as the memory of Crickett Julius.

We rely on the kindness and generosity of our supporters, including a number of hair stylists, massage therapists, and aestheticians who so graciously offer their services to the patients we serve. You may also support our cause by becoming a volunteer, placing a coin collection canister in your business, sponsoring our golf tournament, or making a tax-deductible donation to Crickett’s Answer for Cancer. In each of these ways, you CAN make a difference in the life of a woman with breast cancer. If interested, please contact us for more information.

~~Requests for assistance are fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact us to ensure that we can honor your request at this time.~~



*Crickett’s Answer for Cancer is a registered 501(c)(3) public breast cancer charity as determined by the Internal Revenue Service. Our tax ID # is 37-1571067. All donations are deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law"

[Paula O]

Circle of Hope

"Financial support is granted to clients who meet the criteria and is used to alleviate expenses associated with breast cancer treatment.1 Breast cancer patients who cannot afford expenses associated with the treatment of breast cancer due to financial hardship are at a serious disadvantage. Circle of Hope believes that by easing the burden of debt, a breast cancer patient can focus on recovery. Circle of Hope may provide support for:
Circle of Hope, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit breast cancer organization located in Santa Clarita Valley, California. We are dedicated to making a difference today, for a brighter future tomorrow. Circle of Hope is the only breast cancer organization in the Santa Clarita Valley that provides financial, emotional, and educational support services for uninsured and underinsured individuals with breast cancer, their families, and the local community. We have helped over 130 clients to date, issuing over $100,000 in financial support.About Circle of Hope, Inc.

• Doctor/Facility Co-payments
• Insurance/COBRA Premiums
• Chemotherapy/Radiation Costs
• Pharmacy Expenses
• Second opinions

Circle of Hope offers emotional support in the form of its Breast Cancer Support Group. Meetings are held monthly at the Circle of Hope office. The support group is free and open to all breast cancer patients and survivors. Each month will cover a different topic to help guide a breast cancer patient through the treatment process. The Breast Cancer Support Group aims to offer a positive and caring environment. Support group participants are paired with mentors, survivors who have completed breast cancer treatment, to provide personal encouragement and assistance with individual concerns.
Team Pink is a cancer awareness and community outreach program developed by Circle of Hope. Acting as the educational support branch of the organization, Team Pink promotes healthy eating, exercising, balancing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight. These behavior choices are associated with cancer risk reduction and early detection.
We are devoted to helping local individuals in our community--clients must live in, work in, or receive treatment in Santa Clarita Valley. 100% of the proceeds raised and donated are used to give back to the SCV community and support its breast cancer patients and their families."
(Copied and pasted from the we bite: http://www.circleofhopeinc.org/)

[Paula O]

About Deliver the Dream

http://www.deliverthedream.org/about-us
(Application for free family retreat is on web site)

"Our Mission

Through consistent advocacy, stewardship and productive partnerships, we will deliver highly effective programs that enable those undergoing crisis or chronic illness to regain strength, mend spirits and become families and kids again.

The Need

Almost all families are touched by illness or crisis during the course of a lifetime, but some families are struck particularly close to home. When a child develops a life-threatening disease, or a parent is diagnosed with a debilitating illness, the impact on the entire family is intense and often overwhelming. Sadly, families facing serious illness or crisis have little opportunity for respite from the stresses of their daily lives. While there are many camps that assist children facing illness, there are very few programs specifically designed to help the entire family unit. That is why Deliver the Dream Family Retreats are so important. Our program helps meet a vital need for families struggling to endure during times of crisis.
August 16-18, 2013
"Families who have a parent with cancer"
The Florida FFA Leadership Training Center - Haines City, FL
Contact Deliver the Dream

Deliver the Dream, Inc.
3223 NW 10th Terrace, Suite 602
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

Phone: (954) 564-3512
Fax: (954) 564-4385

1-888-OUR DREAM (687-3732)
E-mail: contact@deliverthedream.org

[Paula O]

Free patient resource guide for Her2 Positive Metastatic breast cancer:

http://www.patientresource.com/userf...Breast2013.pdf

Other Cancer Patient Resource Guides:
http://www.patientresource.com/Cancer_Guides.aspx

These come in hard copies they will mail you or some are in pdf format as well. There's some very helpful info in them in the midst of lots of advertising.

Paula

[Paula O]

Open invitation to all Women of Courage

This no cost, three day, two night program, deliv-ered in the style only Faces of Courage Founda-tion can generate, will feature fun & exciting expe-riences that will challenge, energize & rejuvenate 80 women currently diagnosed, in treatment for, or survivors of all cancers. This retreat will consist of spa treatments, massages, makeovers, guest speakers, music, dance, arts, and great food. The wise joined together with the brave for a fun-filled weekend
at Rotary’s Camp Florida in Brandon, FL.

** Registration opens
For new campers July 11 and returning campers Aug. 7 at 12:01am
To register call Miss Peggie
(813) 988-CAMP (2267)

September 6-8, 2013


It sounds like lots of fun to me and I am going to go with a friend of mine. Anybody interested in joining us? Contact them ASAP if you are, as apparently the 80 spots go very quickly.

Paula

[Paula O]

http://theloveyoushare.org/ (For cancer patients in New York State)

"The mission of The Love You Share is to provide financial assistance to cancer patients in need while they are receiving treatment. The hope is that by sending a gift card from a local grocery delivery service and reimbursing patients for transportation costs to and from hospital and doctor appointments, The Love You Share will be able to make life easier, even if only for a short time, for someone who is fighting for life.
On October 23, 2013, the organization, The Love You Share, was granted Federal Tax Exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, all contributions made to The Love You Share are tax deductible under section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Please understand that since The Love You Share is a newly formed, small non-profit organization and is currently finalizing the details of its operations, we are only able to address applications for service in New York State at this time. In addition, as The Love You Share has just been officially initiated, it may take time for us to respond to you."

[Paula O]

Over 2800 children experienced a week at Camp Kesem last summer. This year over 3500 children who have/had a parent with cancer will enjoy an awesome week as 13 brand new chapters are launched across the USA. My daughters have loved being part of this incredible fun-packed summer adventure the last two years. This camp is offered completely free of charge and organized and run by University students who do fund raisers to make it happen. If a child has attended Camp Kesem before, they are warmly welcomed to return and they can apply with early bird registration now. It's like a big extended family If a child has not attended camp before, registration opens on January 1st. Earlier in this thread I posted information re: Camp Kesem if anyone is interested. I'm giving a heads up repeating the link from last time I posted as camps can fill up very quickly.
http://campkesem.org/

Paula
"Is there anything too hard for the Lord?" Genesis 18:14
Nope.