Support Links

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.

4th Angel Mentoring Program
Learning that you have cancer can be an overwhelming experience – one that leaves you frightened, vulnerable and alone. The 4th Angel Mentoring Program offers free, one-on-one, confidential outreach and support from someone who has successfully made the same journey you are about to begin – the journey towards recovery.

American Bladder Cancer Society
The American Bladder Cancer Society’s function is to raise awareness of bladder cancer among the general public and the medical community, to advocate through all means available the advance of research into a cure, treatment, early diagnosis and quality of life issues of survivors, to support bladder cancer survivors by providing community as well as by encouraging the concept of informed medical consumerism.

American Brain Tumor Association
Information about brain tumors, new treatments, and help living with the diagnosis of a brain tumor.

American Cancer Society
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
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.

Appendix Cancer/Cancer Net.
Information about Appendix Cancer from the American Society of Clinical Oncology.  Includes types of Appendix Cancer as well as diagnosis, staging, and treatment options.

Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network
The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network is the first national advocacy organization dedicated to increasing public awareness about bladder cancer; to advancing bladder cancer research; and to providing educational and support services for the bladder cancer community.

Cancer Care Inc.
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 Research Institute
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.

American Childhood Cancer Organization

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.

Carcinoid Foundation
Serving the National and International Carcinoid/NeuroEndocrine Tumor (NET) community with information and support.

Cervical Cancer Coalition
The National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) founded in 1996, is a grassroots, nonprofit organization dedicated to serving women with, or at risk of for, cervical cancer and HPV disease.  Includes information on detection, prevention, and treatment. 

Chemo Care
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
CHESS is an on-line support system for cancer patients. To learn more see Demo page.

Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer)
A resource for patients, friends, caregivers and loved ones.

Clinical Trials and Noteworthy Treatments for Brain Tumors 
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
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
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.

Esophageal Cancer Education Foundation
Bringing awareness and educating the public and medical community about esophageal cancer. 

Gateway for Cancer Research
Gateway for Cancer Research, a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in Schaumburg, IL, is dedicated to curing cancer through funding patient-centered clinical studies that make an impact on those battling cancer.

Head and Neck Cancer Alliance
Provides support to head and neck cancer patients with education regarding prevention and treatment of the disease.  Includes an on-line community forum.

International Myeloma Foundation
Multiple Myeloma support and education for patients including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and research trial studies.

IBC Research Foundation
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.

Kidney Cancer Association
The Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) is a charitable organization made up of patients, family members, physicians, researchers, and other health professionals globally.

Leiomyosarcoma Info
Provides basic information, how to deal with leiomyosarcoma, treatment options, coping skills, education, and awareness. 

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
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
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
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
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.
 
Melanoma Research Foundation
A source of patient information and resources about melanoma.  Includes detection, screening, diagnosis, and treatment options.  Read patient stories and find a treatment center near you.

Merkle Cell Cancer
Information for patients and their physicians regarding this rare skin cancer sometimes referred to as neuroendocrine carcinoma.  Find out about signs and symptoms, view actual images, learn about diagnosis and prognosis, and how you can help.

Surviving Mesothelioma
A comprehensive website promoting asbestos awareness and the risk factors to the exposure leading to mesothelioma.

National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations (NABCO)
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 Brain Tumor Society
National Brain Tumor Society provides leadership and inspires hope to those affected by brain tumors. NBTS brings together the best of research and patient services to be a comprehensive resource for patients, families, caregivers, researchers, and medical professionals.

National Breast Cancer Coalition
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)
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.

National Cancer Institute (NCI)
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.

No Stomach for Cancer
Supporting Research.  Empowering Families.  Learn about stomach cancer, the latest research and find support.

OncoLink
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
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
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
Prostate Cancer Foundation: The Prostate Cancer Foundation funds high-impact research to find better treatments and a cure for prostate cancer.

Rare Cancer Alliance
Rare Cancer Alliance helps to disseminate information and provide support to all pediatric and adult rare cancer patients.

Sarcoma Alliance
Striving to extend and improve the lives of sarcoma patients through accurate diagnosis, improved access to care, guidance, education, and support. The Lydia Project
Lydia provides free services to women facing any type of cancer anywhere in the world. This support includes ongoing correspondence and encouragment every month for at least twelve months. Every woman receives a handmade tote made by the loving hands of volunteers and filled with encouraging items.

Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation
This corporation is dedicated to educating young men of the importance of monthly self-examinations and to help support research and clinical studies.  Includes information about testicular cancer as well as signs and symptoms.

The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
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
The Relay 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
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
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.

Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization
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.

ZERO... The Project to End Prostate Cancer
Are you or someone you know newly diagnosed with prostate cancer? Are you curious about a new treatment option you saw advertised? Or are you just looking for some information about prostate cancer? Get the information you need to make the right decisions for you.