Skin Cancer Support Resources

HEALTH CARE COST ASSISTANCE

Benefits.gov

You can search Benefits.gov for U.S. government benefits you might be eligible for.

Website: www.benefits.gov/

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Cancer Care

Cancer Care offers limited financial assistance for cancer-related costs and co-pays, and their professional oncology social workers can help you find additional resources.

Website: www.cancercare.org/financial_assistance
Telephone: 800.813.HOPE (4673)

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Cancer Support Community

The Cancer Support Community has gathered valuable information from many sources to create an online guide to help you deal with the significant financial matters related to cancer.

Website: www.cancersupportcommunity.org/living-cancer-topics/managing-cost-cancer-treatment
Telephone: 888.793.9355

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Dial 211 for Essential Community Services

In many states, dialing 211 provides a shortcut through the maze of health and human services agencies offering medical support programs. Calls are routed to a local or regional calling center where referral specialists match caller needs to available resources and link or refer them directly to an agency or organization that can help. To find out whether 211 services are offered in your area, visit 211.org. Support services vary.

Website: www.211.org
Telephone: 211

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Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

Find a Health Center: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov

HRSA funds nearly 1,400 health centers. They provide affordable, accessible, and high-quality primary health care to underserved communities at more than 15,000 sites. Find a Health Center helps you search for HRSA-funded health centers.

Telephone: 877-464-4772 (TTY: 877-897-9910), 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, weekdays (except Federal holidays).

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National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics

If you don’t have health insurance and are diagnosed with an early skin cancer, you may be able to find help at a free or low-cost health clinic. Some clinics focus mainly on providing primary medical or dental care, while other clinics provide a wide array of services. Search for one near you.

Website: www.nafcclinics.org/find-clinic
Telephone: 703.647.7427
Email: Info@nafcclinics.org

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The National Comprehensive Cancer Network^® (NCCN^®) Reimbursement Resource Room

The NCCN Virtual Reimbursement Resource Room is available for patients to search for reimbursement help and services available to help mitigate reimbursement challenges.

Website: www.nccn.org/reimbursement_resource_room/default.aspx
Telephone: 215.690.0300
Email: tredwell@nccn.org

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Patient Advocate Foundation

The Patient Advocate Foundation serves as an active liaison between the patient and the insurer, employer and/or creditors to ensure access to care, maintenance of employment and reservation of financial stability. Case managers, doctors and attorneys work through the Foundation. View their Case Management services page, or click “Explore Our Resources” on the top menu of the website to see a list of support services offered

Website: www.patientadvocate.org
Telephone: 800.532.5274
Email: help@patientadvocate.org

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Vital Options® International Vital Grant Program

The Selma Schimmel Vital Grant is a financial support program focused on helping patients and families who are enduring financial hardship while battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. The Vital Grant program funds things like transportation to treatment, treatment costs, medication, groceries and other expenses. The program is administered by Vital Options International’s partner foundations with the capacity and infrastructure to accept applications from patients and families and distribute the funds.

Website: www.vitaloptions.org/voi-vital-grants/
Telephone: 818.508.5657
Email: info@vitaloptions.org

HEALTH INSURANCE ASSISTANCE

Cancer Care

Cancer Care offers limited financial assistance for cancer-related costs and co-pays, and their professional oncology social workers can help you find additional resources.

Website: www.cancercare.org/financial_assistance
Telephone: 800.813.HOPE (4673)

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The Healthwell Foundation

The Healthwell Foundation is a leading nonprofit dedicated to improving access to care for America’s underinsured. The following programs are now open:

Melanoma: Medicare Access (Copay)
Melanoma: Medicare Access (Premium)

Please Note: Funding is limited, and disease fund statuses may change quickly. Assistance is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and subject to each foundation’s criteria.

Website: www.healthwellfoundation.org
Telephone: 800.675.8416

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The National Comprehensive Cancer Network^® (NCCN^®) Reimbursement Resource Room

The NCCN Virtual Reimbursement Resource Room is available for patients to search for reimbursement help and services available to help mitigate reimbursement challenges.

Website: www.nccn.org/reimbursement_resource_room/default.aspx
Telephone: 215.690.0300
Email: tredwell@nccn.org

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Patient Advocate Foundation Personalized Medicine CareLine

The Patient Advocate Foundation offers a Personalized Medicine CareLine to assist patients, caregivers and providers who are encountering barriers accessing targeted therapies, immunotherapies or clinical trials that have been recommended. CareLine services include assisting with prior authorizations, screening and enrollment in insurance and social programs, appeals assistance, coding and billing issues, disability eligibility and enrollment, debt crisis and cost of living assistance and identifying solutions to out of pocket medical costs.

Website: www.patientadvocate.org
Connect with services: www.patientadvocate.org/connect-with-services/case-management-services-and-medcarelines/
Online assistance form: patientadvocate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Ww6p8qW4Fy0fiZ
Telephone: 866.460.1928

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Patient Advocate Foundation

The Patient Advocate Foundation serves as an active liaison between the patient and the insurer, employer and/or creditors to ensure access to care, maintenance of employment and reservation of financial stability. Case managers, doctors and attorneys work through the Foundation. View their Case Management services page, or click “Explore Our Resources” on the top menu of the website to see a list of support services offered.

Website: www.patientadvocate.org
Telephone: 800.532.5274
Email: help@patientadvocate.org

MEDICATION AND CO-PAY ASSISTANCE

Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) Copay Relief

The PAF Co-Pay Relief Program provides direct financial assistance to insured patients who meet certain qualifications to help them pay for the prescriptions and/or treatments they need. This assistance helps patients afford the out-of-pocket costs for these items that their insurance companies require.

Website: www.patientadvocate.org/connect-with-services/copay-relief/
Telephone: 866.512.3861

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Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation

The Patient Access Network Foundation is dedicated to providing help and hope to underinsured patients unable to afford high cost specialty medications. PAN provides financial assistance to support the cost sharing obligations (i.e., co-pays, deductibles) of patients through nearly 60 disease-specific programs designed to help patients being treated for certain chronic illnesses, rare diseases and cancers including advanced basal cell carcinoma and metastatic melanoma.

PAN also has a Fund Finder where you can sign up to receive alerts for available funding related to your diagnosis.

Website: www.PANFoundation.org
Telephone: 866.316.7263
Email: info@panfoundation.org

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Patient Services Inc.

A nonprofit premium and copayment foundation serving people with a range of medical conditions, Patient Services Inc. provides funding for bone metastases and metastatic melanoma.

Website: www.patientservicesinc.org/
Telephone: 800.366.7741
Contact form: www.patientservicesinc.org/contact

PHARMACEUTICAL PATIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Pharmaceutical companies often provide assistance to help patients get access to the medications they need. Below is a list of companies that offer patient assistance.

• Amgen Assist First Step Program®(Imlygic®)
  Website: amgenfirststep.com/
• Array ACTS™ (Braftovi™; Mektovi®)
  Website: www.braftovimektovi.com/
• Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Access Support®(Yervoy®;Opdivo®)
  Website: www.bmsaccesssupport.bmscustomerconnect.com/cms__Main?name=patient
• Genentech Access to Care Foundation®(Zelboraf®; Cotellic®)
  Website: www.genentech-access.com/patient/brands/zelboraf.html
• Novartis Patient Assistance Now Oncology (PANO)®(Tafinlar®; Mekinist®)
  Website: www.oncologyaccessnow.com/
• The Merck Access Program®(Keytruda®)
  Website: www.merckaccessprogram-keytruda.com/hcc/the-merck-patient-assistance-program/

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PhRMA’s Medicine Assistance Tool (MAT)

MAT is an online directory designed to help patients, caregivers and health care providers learn more about and search through the resources that the pharmaceutical industry offers.

Website: medicineassistancetool.org/My-Resources
Online contact form: medicineassistancetool.org/Contact-Us

PAIN MANAGEMENT

American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA)

ASRA is a partner of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) focusing on pain management therapies and treatments. Their website includes information on the specifics of cancer pain, chronic pain management and treatment options for chronic pain.

Website: www.asra.com/page/45/types-of-chronic-pain

Cancer Support Community

The Cancer Support Community has gathered valuable information from many sources to create an online guide to will help you deal with the significant financial matters related to cancer.

Website: www.cancersupportcommunity.org/living-cancer-topics/managing-cost-cancer-treatment
Telephone: 888.793.9355

FOOD

Feeding America

Feeding America’s mission is to feed America’s hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks. Visit their website or call their hotline to find the food bank closest to you.

Website: www.feedingamerica.org
Telephone: 800.771.2303

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Dial 211 for Essential Community Services

In many states, dialing 211 provides a shortcut through the maze of health and human services agencies offering medical support programs. Calls are routed to a local or regional calling center where referral specialists match caller needs to available resources, and link or refer them directly to an agency or organization that can help. to find out whether 211 services are offered in your area, visit 211.org. Support services vary.

Website: www.211.org
Telephone: 211

CANCER CENTER LODGING/HOUSING

Many hotels near cancer centers and major health care facilities offer discounts to patients. Below is a list of housing resources for patients and their families when they travel for medical treatment.

American Cancer Society Hope Lodge

The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge is available in many states, helping cancer patients and their caregivers can find free lodging when home is far away. See the website for details. If there is no Hope Lodge in your state, call 1.800.227.2345 for lodging assistance.

Website: www.cancer.org/treatment/supportprogramsservices/hopelodge/

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Cancer Support Community

In 2019, Airbnb announced a strategic partnership with the Cancer Support Community to provide free housing for cancer patients and caregivers, provided they meet certain geographic and income criteria.

Website: www.cancersupportcommunity.org/airbnb
Telephone: 877.793.0498

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Joe’s House

A nationwide lodging guide for cancer patients.
Website: www.joeshouse.org
Telephone: 877.563.7468
Email: info@joeshouse.org

Transportation

Other

Dial 211 for Essential Community Services

In many states, dialing 211 provides a shortcut through the maze of health and human services agencies offering medical support programs. Calls are routed to a local or regional calling center where referral specialists match caller needs to available resources and link or refer them directly to an agency or organization that can help. To find out whether 211 services are offered in your area, visit www.211.org. Support services vary.

Website: www.211.org
Telephone: 211

• Melanoma
• Merkel cell carcinoma

Melanoma

American Melanoma Foundation

The American Melanoma Foundation maintains a support group in San Diego, CA and will advise anyone wanting to start a support group. AMF also gives information about melanoma from screening to staging and clinical trials that patients may wish to join.

Website: www.myamf.org
Telephone: 858.882.7712
Online contact form: melanomafoundation.org/contact
Email: info@melanomafoundation.org

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Melanoma International Foundation

The Melanoma International Foundation’s phone number is a “patient navigation hotline” to help patients and their families gain a better understanding of the disease and where to go for treatment. Most answers to questions and information are offered via email.

Website: www.melanomainternational.org
Telephone: 866.463.6663
Email: contact@melanomainternational.org

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Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF)

Committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, MRF can assist in locating cancer treatment centers specializing in melanoma or specifically pediatric, ocular or mucosal melanomas.

Website www.melanoma.org
Telephone: 800.673.1290
Email: info@melanoma.org

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Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation

The Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) is dedicated to providing help and hope to underinsured patients unable to afford high cost specialty medciations. PAN provides financial assistance to support the cost sharing obligations (i.e., co-pays, deductibles) of patients through nearly 60 disease-specific programs designed to help patients being treated for certain chronic illnesses, rare diseases and cancers. The PAN website also has a FundFinder with up to date availability of funding resources for specific diseases. Two of PAN’s programs are for patients with advanced basal cell carcinoma and metastatic melanoma.

Website www.PANFoundation.org
Telephone: 866.316.7263

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Patient Services Incorporated (PSI)

PSI provides financial support and guidance for qualified patients with specific, rare chronic diseases.

Website: www.patientservicesinc.org/
Telephone: 800.366.7741
Contact form: www.patientservicesinc.org/contact

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Kelly’s Dream

Kelly’s dream raises awareness of melanoma and provides financial assistance for patients in the state of Maryland.

Website: www.kellysdream.org/

Merkel Cell Carcinoma

MerkelCell.org

MerkelCell.org was created by physicians and researchers who work on Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare and aggressive skin cancer, to answer frequently asked questions and provide accurate information about this disease.

Website: merkelcell.org
Email: mccteam@uw.edu
Find an MCC specialist: merkelcell.org/resources/find-a-specialist/

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Patient Advocate Foundation

The Patient Advocate Foundation offers a fund for patients with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).

Once approved, the fund provides one-time assistance of $450 to cover transportation-related expenses connected to treatment appointments. Eligible patients include those who are undergoing active treatment, have received treatment within the previous six months, or will be receiving treatment in the next 60 days. Each patient must meet household income guidelines and provide diagnosis documentation in order to finalize the application.

Website: www.patientadvocate.org/connect-with-services/financial-aid-funds/

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Merkel Cell Carcinoma Seattle Support Group

This support group is a flexible, open discussion group located in Seattle, WA for anyone touched by Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), including patients, spouses, family and friends. This is an informal opportunity to meet others coping with MCC, share stories and information, answer questions and provide support. They have first-hand knowledge and experience to share about treatments, clinical research trials and coping with MCC.

Website: sites.google.com/site/merkelcellcarcinomaseattle/home

PATIENT AND SURVIVOR ADVOCACY

Cancer Support Community/Gilda’s Club

Cancer Support Community provides a vast range of professional programs offering emotional support, education and hope for people impacted by cancer at no charge. Their services are online as well as 175 locations worldwide and include extensive educational materials in many languages. See the survivorship and advocacy sections of the website for more information.

Website: www.cancersupportcommunity.org/
Support links: https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/get-support
Telephone: 888.793.9355
Email: help@cancersupportcommunity.org

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Patient Advocate Foundation

The Patient Advocate Foundation serves as an active liaison between the patient and the insurer, employer and/or creditors to ensure access to care, maintenance of employment and reservation of financial stability. Case managers, doctors and attorneys work through the Foundation. View their Case Management services page, or click “Explore Our Resources” on the top menu of the website to see a list of support services offered.

Website: www.patientadvocate.org
Telephone: 800.532.5274
Email: help@patientadvocate.org

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National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship

This survivor-led organization works on behalf of the country’s more than 9 million cancer survivors and the millions more living with, through and beyond this disease.

Website: www.canceradvocacy.org
Telephone: 877.622.7937  or 800.532.5274
Email: info@canceradvocacy.org

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The National Comprehensive Cancer Network^® (NCCN^®)

NCCN is a not-for-profit alliance of 28 leading cancer centers dedicated to improving and facilitating quality, effective, efficient and accessible cancer care so patients can live better lives. The NCCN website includes a list of NCCN Cancer Centers, clinical guidelines for patients and expert guidance from the world’s leading doctors and cancer centers free of charge.

Website: https://www.nccn.org/patientresources/patient-resources
Telephone: 215.690.0300

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Vital Options® International

A leader in patient advocacy, Vital Options is committed to giving a voice to patients, caregivers, families and healthcare professionals through their Vital Conversations and Advocacy In Action programs. This blend of patient stories and insights from healthcare professionals provides patients and their families valuable guidance about the treatment and support they need.

Advocacy in Action: www.vitaloptions.org/advocacy-in-action/
Telephone: 818.508.5657
Email: info@vitaloptions.org

CASE MANAGEMENT

Patient Advocate Foundation

The Patient Advocate Foundation serves as an active liaison between the patient and the insurer, employer and/or creditors to ensure access to care, maintenance of employment and reservation of financial stability. Case managers, doctors and attorneys work through the Foundation. View their Case Management services page, or click “Explore Our Resources” on the top menu of the website to see a list of support services offered.

Website: www.patientadvocate.org
Telephone: 800.532.5274
Email: help@patientadvocate.org

LEGAL AID

National Cancer Legal Services Network (NCLSN)

NCLSN hosts a huge number of organizations across the U.S. that provide legal services to cancer patients, caregivers and families, including representation for issues such as advocacy, career and insurance disputes.

Website: www.nclsn.org/
Online contact: www.nclsn.org/contact-us/

General Organizations

American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)

The AAD represents virtually all practicing dermatologists in the U.S., as well as a growing number of international dermatologists. It provides information and educational material on all aspects of melanoma, other skin cancers and skin care. A “Find a Dermatologist” listing is offered on the website.

Website: www.aad.org/diseases/skin-cancer
Telephone: 888.462.3376
Online contact us form: server.aad.org/Forms/ContactUs/

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Cancer Support Community/Gilda’s Club

Cancer Support Community provides a vast range of professional programs offering emotional support, education and hope for people impacted by cancer at no charge. Their services are online as well as 175 locations worldwide and include extensive educational materials in many languages. See the survivorship and advocacy sections of the website for more information.

Website: www.cancersupportcommunity.org/

Worldwide cancer helpline: 888.793.9355
Telephone:202.659.9709
Fax: 202.974.7999
Email: help@cancersupportcommunity.org

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Dial 211 for Essential Community Services

In many states, dialing 211 provides a shortcut through the maze of health and human services agencies offering medical support programs. Calls are routed to a local or regional calling center where referral specialists match caller needs to available resources and link or refer them directly to an agency or organization that can help. To find out whether 211 services are offered in your area, visit www.211.org. Support services vary.

Website: www.211.org
Telephone: 211

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The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®)

NCCN is a not-for-profit alliance of 28 leading cancer centers dedicated to improving and facilitating quality, effective, efficient and accessible cancer care so patients can live better lives. The NCCN website includes a list of NCCN Cancer Centers, clinical guidelines for patients and expert guidance from the world’s leading doctors and cancer centers free of charge.

Website: www.nccn.org/patients/about/default.aspx
Telephone: 215.690.0300
Online contact form: www.nccn.org/patients/contact/default.aspx

Patient Support Groups

CancerBuddy App

CancerBuddy is a free peer support smartphone app for iOS and Android devices that helps patients, survivors and caregivers find resources, emotional support, medical information and a community of peers going through similar experiences within their cancer hospital, city or state. This initiative aims to make the experience of dealing with cancer a little less lonely for patients, caregivers and survivors.

More info: https://bonemarrow.org/support-and-financial-aid/support/about-cancerbuddy

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Cancer Support Community/Gilda’s Club

Cancer Support Community provides a vast range of professional programs offering emotional support, education and hope for people impacted by cancer at no charge. Their services are online as well as 175 locations worldwide and include extensive educational materials in many languages.

Website: www.cancersupportcommunity.org/
Worldwide cancer helpline: 888.793.9355
Telephone:202.659.9709
Fax: 202-974-7999
Email: help@cancersupportcommunity.org

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Cancer.net

Cancer.net is a comprehensive compilation of linked resources approved by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) to help manage the physical, emotional and social effects of cancer, including support groups and online communities.

Website: www.cancer.net/coping-with-cancer/finding-social-support-and-information
Telephone: 888.651.3038
Email: contactus@cancer.net

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CURE

CURE® Media Group’s flagship magazine and online resource curetoday.com provide access to leading resources and information that serve as a guide to every stage of the cancer experience.

Website: curetoday.com

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Imerman Angels

Imerman Angels is a peer-to-peer support community that connects cancer fighters, survivors, previvors and caregivers with their own personal cancer confidante whose life experience and cancer story is much the same as theirs. This service is free for anyone who seeks connection, empathy and support within the cancer community.

More info: https://imermanangels.org

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Red Door Community

Formerly known as Gilda’s Club NYC, Red Door Community is a nonprofit cancer support organization. The community provides a full complement of free cancer support, emotional and educational programs and healthy lifestyle workshops online and in-person. Red Door Community is committed to providing unwavering support at every stage of the cancer experience, so no one faces cancer alone.

Website: https://reddoorcommunity.org

Become a member: Free online membership sign up form

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SkinCancer.net

Providing patients and caregivers with a platform to learn, educate and connect with peers and health care professionals, SkinCancer.net provides tools and resources to help manage your disease and improve your quality of life.

Website: skincancer.net
Telephone: 484-985-9715
Email: Contact@skincancer.net

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Smart Patients

Smart Patients is an online community of support for patients and families.

Website: www.smartpatients.com/home
Online contact form: www.smartpatients.com/contact

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SurvivorNet

SurvivorNet collaborates with the top doctors and cancer centers in the U.S. to create medically reviewed content to help cancer patients, survivors and caregivers get accurate information, comfort and hope.

Website: www.survivornet.com

Young Adult Support

First Descents

First Descents provides life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults (ages 18 – 39) impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions.

Website: firstdescents.org
Telephone: 303.945.2490
Email: info@firstdescents.org

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Stupid Cancer

Stupid Cancer’s mission is to empower young adults (ages 15-39) affected by cancer by ending isolation and building community. Their website has a list of resources including many that provide financial assistance for young adults with a cancer diagnosis, meet-up group possibilities and an annual four day gathering called CancerCon^®.

Website: stupidcancer.org
Telephone: 877.735.4673
Online contact form: stupidcancer.org/contact/

Exercise and other programs to help you look and feel better

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA

LIVESTRONG assists those who are living with, through or beyond cancer to regain strength and connect with other cancer survivors. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA participants experience improved fitness and quality of life as well as significant decreases in cancer-related fatigue. It is open to adults 18 years or older at low or no cost.

Website: www.livestrong.org/ymca-search

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Look Good Feel Better

Sponsored by the American Cancer Society and the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, Look Good Feel Better teaches beauty techniques to cancer patients during and after chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation.

Website: www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org
Telephone: 1.800-395.LOOK
Contact us form: lookgoodfeelbetter.org/contact-us/#contact-us

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Wigs for Cancer

Since 2008, Andrew DiSimone and staff have been volunteering cutting and styling wigs for the American Cancer Society’s Look Good Feel Better program. People experiencing medical hair loss due to cancer and cancer treatments can receive a free wig and have it cut/styled by Andrew at the Hope Lodge in New York City.

Website: www.cancer.org/treatment/support-programs-and-services/patient-lodging/hope-lodge/new-york-city/
For Adults in NYC: www.hairplacenyc.com/free-wigs-for-cancer/

Reading Resources

Whether you’re navigating a diagnosis or trying to instill sun-smart behavior in your child — or yourself — there’s a book to help you do it. We’ve rounded up the latest reads on skin cancer and sun protection for all ages, written by dermatologists — from a cutting-edge guide on melanoma from a leading expert to a graphic novel to convince kids that sun protection is cool. We’ll add more as we find them. Check out our reviews below.

Title: Beating Melanoma: The Ultimate Patient Resource (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book)

Author: Steven Q Wang, MD, director of dermatologic oncology at Hoag Family Cancer Institute in Newport Beach, California, and chair of The Skin Cancer Foundation Photobiology Committee

For: Ages 18+. It’s a comprehensive guide for anyone with a melanoma diagnosis — at any stage, including post-treatment.

Why it’s a must-read: This book gives readers access to top skin cancer doctors, including Dr. Wang himself and 25 other renowned melanoma experts from leading institutions. The book begins in what Dr. Wang calls “the mad rush” phase, the often-stressful time after a diagnosis when you’re gathering info, seeing specialists and starting treatment, and ends in “the marathon phase,” a section to help readers understand that preventing melanoma is a lifelong commitment. There are QR codes throughout the book to take readers to videos with melanoma experts on topics that need more explanation. Beating Melanoma provides the most up-to-date information available on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of melanoma.

A surprising takeaway: Melanoma is the deadliest of the three most common types of skin cancer. Still, this book delivers information on a serious topic in a calming and optimistic way, so patients feel empowered and hopeful about life during and after melanoma.

Sold on: Amazon

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Title: Skinventurez: The Sunscreaming Summer

Author: Tamara Lazic Strugar, MD, New York City-based dermatologist

Illustrator: Lea Embeli

For: Ages 6 to 12. Tweens who like graphic novels will enjoy this engaging story that underscores the importance of sunscreen, even on cloudy days.

Why it’s a must-read: The Sunscreaming Summer tells the story of Mia, Luka and some friends enjoying summer break with a mystery to solve: Why does Mia and Luka’s father look a bit ghostly? Luka also learns a painful lesson about sun exposure on a cloudy day, which requires an educational trip to a dermatologist.

A surprising takeaway: The kids in the book are inspired by and named after Dr. Lazic Strugar’s children, and she and her husband, John, are also characters. Dr. Lazic Strugar wrote this book to serve as a creative outlet while dealing with a stage IV cancer diagnosis, and to leave a legacy for her profession and family.  

Sold on: Amazon

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Title: Dermboy Saves Vacation! An Adventure in Sun Safety

Author: Brian Matthys, DO, a dermatologist in Kansas City, with Scott Emmons, children’s author

Illustrator: Renée Andriani 

For: Ages 4 to 8. Young kids can learn about the dangers of unprotected sun exposure and the importance of sunscreen through a superhero character called “Dermboy.”

Why it’s a must-read: Kids can have difficulty conceptualizing the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) exposure. The book teaches kids about sun safety through fun storytelling about Dermboy, a superhero who fearlessly protects kids from “Rojo the Lobster” up in the sky. Dermboy’s “weapons” include sunscreen, hats and a high-tech UV tracker

A surprising takeaway: The UV tracker that Dermboy arms the main characters with is a real product developed by Dr. Matthys, designed for the Apple Watch.

Sold on: Amazon

Caregiver Support

National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA)

A grassroots organization that educates, supports and speaks out on behalf of caregivers, NFCA strives to improve the caregiver’s quality of life by raising public awareness.

Website: www.caringcommunity.org/
Telephone: 707.539.2364
Email: info@thefamilycaregiver.org

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Cancer Care

Cancer care offers support groups, publications and podcasts for caregivers along with a multitude of other educational resources and offerings.

Website: www.cancercare.org/tagged/caregiving
Telephone: 800.813.4673
Email: info@cancercare.org

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Caregiver Action Network

Caregiver Action Network offers new funding for local volunteer programs to provide non-medical care to older adults, persons with disabilities and their caregivers.

Website: caregiveraction.org/
Telephone: 855.227.3640
Contact form: caregiveraction.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new 
Email: info@caregiveraction.org

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SkinCancer.net

Providing patients and caregivers with a platform to learn, educate and connect with peers and health care professionals, SkinCancer.net provides tools and resources to help manage your disease and improve your quality of life.

Telephone: 484.985.9715
Email: Contact@skincancer.net

Home Care

Dial 211 for Essential Community Services

In many states, dialing 211 provides a shortcut through the maze of health and human services agencies offering medical support programs. Calls are routed to a local or regional calling center where referral specialists match caller needs to available resources and link or refer them directly to an agency or organization that can help. To find out whether 211 services are offered in your area, visit www.211.org. Support services vary.

Website: www.211.org
Telephone: 211

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Elder Helpers

Elder Helpers provides free elder care. Volunteers help carry groceries, run errands, give rides, entertain, help make phone calls, write letters, read and assist with cleaning and cooking.

Website: www.elderhelpers.org/
Email: help@elderhelpers.org

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Senior Bridge

Senior Bridge specializes in caring for people who have complex chronic medical or cognitive conditions and taking care of them in their home environment. Licensed nurses and social workers provide professional oversight, planning, coordination and implementation of care plans. They make regular home visits, ensure doctor’s orders are followed, reconcile and monitor medications and more.

Website: www.seniorbridge.com
Telephone: 855.627.3684

Hospice & Palliative Care

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

The Caring Info Program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization provides free resources to help people make decisions about end-of-life care and services before a crisis. The site contains comprehensive information and resources to hospice and palliative care and includes advance care planning, caregiving and grief and loss resources.

Website: www.nhpco.org/patients-and-caregivers/
Telephone: 703.837.1500
Online contact form: www.nhpco.org/contact-us/