Jasper Partners: A Resource Glossary
Dealing with cancer can be hard. Some days, it can even feel impossible. When this happens, it can be helpful to know that you don’t have to go through it alone. In addition to your support network, a variety of programs are available to help. From financial support to practical resources, these Jasper Partner organizations exist to serve cancer fighters and survivors at every stage of the journey.
Indoor cycling, yoga, small group personal training, Tai Chi, individual coaching, pole walking, and meditation classes for people with cancer in and around the greater Des Moines, IA area. Free to YMCA members; cancer patients and survivors eligible for free or discounted membership.
Free support groups, counseling, and mental health programs for people with cancer, survivors, and loved ones in Danbury, CN. Bilingual (English/Spanish) services available.
More than 50 free events each month for Bay Area (CA) residents with breast and/or ovarian cancer: support groups, counseling, a wig and bra boutique, wellness classes, expansive medical research services, a virtual resource center, and more.
Practical support for people with breast cancer nationwide. Programs include utility bill payment assistance, vouchers for transportation to/from treatment appointments, free or reduced-cost undergarments (i.e., wireless mastectomy bras, lymphedema compression sleeves) and meal delivery.
Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan
Support for patients and families in Michigan affected by any type of blood cancer or precancerous blood condition, including leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and other blood-related diseases. Services include personalized case management, mental health counseling, help with planning for cancer-related expenses, referral services, and a holiday wish-list fulfillment program for patients 18 and under.
Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes
Referrals for local support groups and services, translation services and resources for non-English-speaking people with cancer, travel assistance, peer-to-peer support programs, and free wigs, hats, scarves, mastectomy products, and other personal care items for people with cancer in the Ithaca, NY region.
Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine
Free “Live Well” card for anyone currently or previously diagnosed with cancer, along with their caregiver. Can be used up to five times per year for free individual complementary therapy sessions -reiki, oncology massage, therapeutic yoga, reflexology and more – from a list of approved wellness providers located in Western Maine.
Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor
A wide variety of free, professionally-facilitated programs and activities for all people impacted by cancer in and around Ann Arbor, MI. Programs include support groups, individual support and counseling; speaker series on new discoveries in cancer treatment and cutting-edge oncology research; cooking and nutrition classes led by a Registered Dietitian; and social activities for children, teens, and families affected by cancer.
Cassie Hines Shoes Cancer Foundation
Support for young adults (ages 16-39) during their cancer diagnosis, treatment, and beyond through outdoor recreation. Base2Summit, a free, week-long adventure program in northern Michigan, provides survivors with education and support amidst hiking, kayaking and biking excursions for physical and mental health.
No-cost fly-fishing retreats for women with breast cancer of all ages, in all stages of treatment and recovery.
A coalition of local hospitals and community organizations to reduce cancer disparities among minority and underserved Georgians. Services include free online screening and risk assessment, genetic testing and personalized genetic services, and enrollment in clinical trials.
A cancer support community for Kansas City, MO residents newly diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones: free educational workshops, healthy lifestyle classes, social activities, short-term counseling, and individualized referrals to qualified providers.
Red Door Community (formerly Gilda’s Club New York City)
Free comprehensive services for people affected by cancer in New York City: online and in-person workshops on treatment options, health insurance, nutrition, financial planning and more; weekly and monthly support groups; tutoring for children and teens. Spanish-speaking services available.
Case management, wigs, transportation vouchers, and $500 in emergency non-medical funds for women who are in active treatment for gynecological cancers in Springfield, MO.
Emergency assistance funds for the most urgent daily needs of Minnesota breast cancer patients and their families, including housing, transportation, utilities, nutrition and childcare.
Resources for men in Minnesota who are caring for a loved one with cancer; in addition to support groups and social activities (Thirsty Thursday Happy Hour, Firepit Fridays), “Jacks” have access to short, lunch-and-learn style classes on navigating the complexities of the healthcare system.
A nationwide lodging guide to help people with cancer and their families find a place to stay when traveling for medical treatment. Lodging partners, including hotels, hospitality houses, and nonprofit houses, provide free or low-cost options near hospitals and cancer treatment centers.
Financial support for people with cancer in Wake, Durham, and Orange counties in North Carolina. First-come, first-serve funds for financial hardships caused by cancer, with grants ranging from $50 to $300.
Cactus Cancer Society (formerly Lacuna Loft)
Online, nationwide support program for any young adult (ages 18-39) navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, or survivorship. In addition to virtual support groups, the organization provides guided activities in creative writing, art therapy, book clubs, and game nights.
Free house cleaning, hair washing, telephone check-ins and appointment reminders, in-home pet sitting, food boxes, check-ins, and appointment reminders for people with cancer in the Irvine, CA area.
Nebraska Cancer Network and David Spence Foundation
Financial support of cancer charities in the state of Nebraska. Gifts range from $1,000 to $25,000, and have been distributed to organizations providing direct support to people with cancer and their loved ones.
A comprehensive resource center for all, including people with cancer, caregivers and families, employers, healthcare providers, and researchers. Education and outreach efforts include in person and virtual seminars, forums for survivors, collaborations between patients and hospitals, and research symposiums for healthcare professionals.
A central hub for education and referrals for any person, anywhere, who is facing stomach cancer. One of the most up-to-date resources for information on stomach cancer screening, treatment, and clinical trials.
North of Boston Cancer Resource
Free holistic support for people in Massachusetts who are navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, or survivorship. A combination of online and in-person programs on yoga, meditation, guided imagery, gentle stretching, equine (horse) therapy, and Tong Ren (energy treatment).
Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance
The most up-to-date information about ovarian cancer, including new research, referrals to helpful resources and options for social, emotional, and financial support. The organization’s Woman to Woman program pairs gynecologic cancer patients with trained survivor volunteers who provide one-on-one emotional support and mentoring to women from diagnosis through the end of treatment.
Pink Lotus Project of Nebraska
Holistic educational program for people fighting breast cancer in and around Omaha, NE. Meetings on the third Monday of each month provide a place for fellowship and support as well as education on plant-based eating, yoga, and exercise during and after treatment.
Cancer relief fund for individuals impacted by cancer in eastern Maine. Applicants can request financial assistance with utilities, heating, cell phone, rent, or mortgage bills.
No-cost breast health testing, including mammograms and biopsies, for individuals in Illinois who do not have health insurance (or cannot afford the co-pays).
South Jersey Breast Cancer Coalition
Advocacy group working for all to gain free, no-hassle access to breast health screenings, diagnostics, and treatments. Major lobbying group behind initiatives such as New Jersey’s “Drive-by Mastectomy Law,” which established that women be entitled to a two-night stay within a hospital post-surgery.
Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation
Support groups and referrals for people impacted by brain tumors in and around Atlanta, GA. Support groups are organized by region (Northside, Emory St. Joseph’s, Piedmont) or by type (aphasia).
Fully-customized “warrior packages” for youth fighting childhood cancers in North Carolina and South Carolina. Packages include self-care items, comfortable bedding for lengthy hospital stays, games, toys, and gifts for siblings and parents.
Financial support for New York City and New Jersey residents actively fighting cancer. Grants fulfilled for rent, food, gas, child care, utilities, auto expenses, insurance, and medical/prescription costs.
Resources and referrals for newly-diagnosed people with cancer and their loved ones in the Homewood/Mokena, IL region. Free in-person and virtual support groups, body image counseling, wig boutique, fitness and nutrition classes, art therapy, and individual, couples, and family counseling.
Wisconsin Ovarian Cancer Alliance
Financial assistance with physician fees or hospital expenses for women who are actively undergoing treatment (or have finished treatment within the last six months). Scholarships for Camp Mak-A-Dream, a weeklong retreat in Montana for women to share their ovarian cancer journey.
The content on this website is intended to provide the best possible information for you, but should not be considered—or used as a substitute for—medical advice. If you have questions about your diagnosis or treatment, please contact your health care provider(s). For questions or comments about this content, please email us at [email protected].