📚 Resource Center
Caregivers often spend hours searching for trustworthy information and support while helping someone they love navigate cancer. I created this Resource Center to bring together organizations, services, and tools that may help patients, partners, caregivers, and families during diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and beyond.
Many of these resources are free and provide information, support groups, financial assistance, caregiver guidance, counseling, transportation assistance, grief support, and other practical help.
You do not need to figure everything out on your own.
🌻 Caregiver Support & Education
These organizations focus specifically on supporting family caregivers and helping them navigate the emotional and practical challenges of caregiving.
🌻 AARP Caregiver Resources
Website: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/care-guides/cancer/
Tips for caring for a loved one with cancer, managing caregiving responsibilities, financial planning, and emotional support.
🌻 Caregiver Action Network
Website: https://www.caregiveraction.org
Education, peer support, and practical caregiver resources.
🌻 Family Caregiver Alliance
Website: https://www.caregiver.org
Information, education, support groups, and resources for family caregivers.
🌻 National Family Caregiver Association
Website: https://www.nfcacares.org
Resources, education, and support for caregivers and families. Note: This organization was formerly known as the National Family Caregivers Association and is now part of the Caregiver Action Network. You may choose to remove this entry to avoid duplication.
🌻 Next Step in Care
Website: https://www.nextstepincare.org
Practical guides to help caregivers manage healthcare transitions, hospital discharges, and medical appointments.
🌻 Well Spouse Association
Website: https://www.wellspouse.org
Support for spouses and partners caring for a loved one with chronic illness or disability. Phone: 732-577-8899
🌻 Caregiver Coordination & Communication
🌻 CaringBridge
Website: https://www.caringbridge.org
A free website that helps families communicate updates, organize support, and stay connected during illness. Phone: 651-452-7940
🌻 My Cancer Circle
Website: https://www.mycancercircle.com
Helps caregivers organize meals, transportation, appointments, and other support needs.
💙Prostate Cancer Support
These organizations provide education, support groups, treatment information, patient advocacy, and practical resources for men diagnosed with prostate cancer and the partners and caregivers who support them.
ZERO Prostate Cancer
Support groups, educational programs, financial assistance resources, advocacy, and information for patients and families.
Website: https://www.zerocancer.org
AnCan
Peer-to-peer support groups led by patients and caregivers covering many aspects of prostate cancer, including Active Surveillance, advanced disease, and treatment decision-making.
Website: https://ancan.org/groups
Prostate Cancer Foundation
Research-based information about prostate cancer, treatment options, nutrition, survivorship, and patient resources.
Website: https://www.pcf.org
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Patient Resources
Free patient-friendly treatment guides that explain prostate cancer and treatment options in plain language.
Website: https://www.nccn.org/patientresources
Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI)
Educational videos, webinars, patient conferences, and practical information on prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Website: https://pcri.org
Active Surveillance Patients International (ASPI)
Education and support for men choosing Active Surveillance as a management strategy for prostate cancer.
Website: https://aspatients.org
PC-PEP (Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program)
A free six-month home-based program focusing on exercise, nutrition, mental health, stress reduction, and overall wellness for men living with prostate cancer.
Website: https://pcpep.org
Fred Hutch Cancer Center
Educational resources, treatment information, research updates, and patient support services.
Website: https://www.fredhutch.org
During my husband's prostate cancer journey, we found ourselves relying on many different sources of information. These organizations consistently provide reliable, evidence-based information and support for both patients and caregivers.
💵Financial Assistance
Cancer can affect much more than physical health. Treatment costs, travel expenses, time away from work, insurance challenges, and out-of-pocket medical expenses can create significant financial stress for patients and caregivers. The organizations below may be able to provide financial assistance, guidance, and support.
💵 Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition
Website: https://www.cancerfac.org
A searchable database of national and local organizations that provide financial assistance to cancer patients and families.
💵 Patient Advocate Foundation
Website: https://www.patientadvocate.org
Provides case management services and helps patients resolve insurance, employment, and financial issues related to cancer.
Phone: 1-800-532-5274
💵 HealthWell Foundation
Website: https://www.healthwellfoundation.org
Provides financial assistance for insurance premiums, copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
Phone: 1-800-675-8416
💵 Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation
Website: https://www.panfoundation.org
Provides financial assistance for out-of-pocket medication costs and treatment expenses.
Phone: 866-316-7263
💵 Partnership for Prescription Assistance
Website: https://www.pparx.org
Helps patients locate prescription assistance programs that may reduce medication costs.
Phone: 888-477-2669
💵 RxAssist
Website: https://www.rxassist.org/patients
Provides information about prescription assistance programs and medication affordability resources.
💵 Social Security Disability
Website: https://www.ssa.gov
Information about disability benefits and eligibility for individuals unable to work due to illness.
Phone: 800-772-1213
💵 Prostate Cancer Foundation Financial Resources
Website: https://www.pcf.org
Information about financial assistance programs and resources available to prostate cancer patients and families.
A Note from Me
One of the lessons I learned as a caregiver is that it is important to ask for help, even when it feels uncomfortable. Financial assistance programs change frequently, and each organization has different eligibility requirements. If one program cannot help, another one may. Do not assume that a "no" from one organization means there are no options available.
⚖️Insurance and Legal Help
Cancer often brings questions about health insurance, employment protections, disability benefits, advance care planning, and legal documents. The resources below can help patients and caregivers better understand their rights, benefits, and available options.
Insurance & Healthcare Access
HealthCare.gov
https://www.healthcare.gov
Information about health insurance options, enrollment, coverage, and financial assistance.
Health Insurance Literacy Resources
https://www.healthinsurance.org
Helps patients and caregivers understand health insurance benefits, coverage, and claims.
Patient Advocate Foundation
https://www.patientadvocate.org
Provides case management services and assistance with insurance, employment, and financial issues related to serious illness.
Legal Assistance
Cancer Legal Resource Center
https://www.cancerlegalresourcecenter.org
Provides information on legal rights, employment issues, insurance, disability benefits, and advance planning.
American Bar Association – Health Law Section
https://www.americanbar.org/groups/health_law/
Resources and guidance on healthcare law and patient rights.
Employment & Workplace Rights
U.S. Department of Labor – Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla
Information about job-protected leave for eligible employees caring for family members with serious health conditions.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
https://askjan.org
Guidance on workplace accommodations and disability-related employment issues.
Disability Benefits
Social Security Administration
https://www.ssa.gov
Information on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Advance Care Planning
Everplans
https://www.everplans.com
Tools and guidance for organizing important medical, legal, and financial information.
CaringInfo
https://www.caringinfo.org
Free advance directive forms, healthcare planning resources, and end-of-life planning information.
Healthcare Decision Making
The Conversation Project
https://theconversationproject.org
Helps families discuss healthcare wishes and medical decision-making before a crisis occurs.
National Institute on Aging – Advance Care Planning
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/advance-care-planning
Resources for advance directives, healthcare proxies, and medical decision-making.
Transportation and Lodging
Travel for cancer treatment can create additional stress, expenses, and logistical challenges for patients and caregivers. The organizations below may help with transportation, lodging, and travel-related support during treatment.
Air Transportation Assistance
Corporate Angel Network
Provides free air transportation on corporate aircraft for cancer patients traveling to treatment.
Website: https://www.corpangelnetwork.org
Mercy Medical Angels
Provides free transportation assistance through volunteer pilots, commercial airline tickets, gas cards, and other travel programs.
Website: https://www.mercymedical.org
Air Care Alliance
A nationwide network of volunteer pilot organizations providing free air transportation for medical needs.
Website: https://www.aircarealliance.org
Ground Transportation
American Cancer Society Road To Recovery
Volunteer drivers help transport cancer patients to and from treatment appointments.
Website: https://www.cancer.org
My Cancer Circle
Helps coordinate rides, meals, and support from family and friends.
Website: https://www.mycancercircle.net
Lodging Assistance
American Cancer Society Hope Lodge
Provides free lodging for cancer patients and caregivers who must travel for treatment.
Website: https://www.cancer.org
Joe's House
A nationwide lodging directory helping patients and caregivers find discounted accommodations near treatment centers.
Website: https://www.joeshouse.org
Ronald McDonald House Charities
Provides lodging and support for families of seriously ill children receiving treatment away from home.
Website: https://rmhc.org
Additional Travel Resources
Patient Travel Assistance Programs
Many cancer centers, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and local support groups offer travel assistance programs. Ask your healthcare team, oncology social worker, or patient navigator about resources available in your area.
A Note from Me
When my husband was receiving treatment, we traveled several times and it was approximately 200 miles each way for appointments and care. Travel costs, lodging, meals, and time away from home can quickly add up. Do not hesitate to ask your treatment center whether travel assistance programs are available. Many caregivers are surprised to learn that help exists.
🧒Children and Teens
When cancer affects a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, children and teens often have questions, fears, and emotions they may not know how to express. These organizations provide support, education, and programs designed specifically for children, teens, young adults, and families affected by serious illness.
Camp Kesem
A free camp and support community for children impacted by a parent's cancer.
Website: https://www.campkesem.org
Wonders & Worries
Provides professional support and resources to help children and teens cope with a parent's serious illness.
Website: https://www.wondersandworries.org
Pickles Group
Peer-to-peer support for children and families navigating the illness or loss of a parent.
Website: https://www.picklesgroup.org
Bright Spot Network
Supports young children and families facing a parent's cancer diagnosis.
Website: https://www.brightspotnetwork.org
The Children's Treehouse Foundation
Provides programs that help children understand and cope with a parent's cancer diagnosis.
Website: https://childrenstreehousefdn.org
CancerCare for Kids
Offers counseling, educational resources, and support programs for children and teens affected by cancer in the family.
Website: https://www.cancercare.org/tagged/children
National Alliance for Children's Grief
Provides grief support resources, education, and connections to local programs for children and teens.
Website: https://childrengrieve.org
A Note from Me
Children often know more than adults realize. They may hear conversations, notice changes in routines, or sense when something is wrong. Honest, age-appropriate communication and access to support can help children feel safer and less alone during a family's cancer journey.
💜Grief and Bereavement
Grief can begin long before a loss occurs. Caregivers often experience grief during diagnosis, treatment, recurrence, declining health, and after the death of a loved one. The organizations below provide education, support groups, counseling resources, and practical guidance for navigating grief and loss.
GriefShare
Offers grief support groups, educational materials, and community-based programs for people grieving the loss of a loved one.
Website: https://www.griefshare.org
The Dougy Center
Provides grief support resources for children, teens, young adults, and families.
Website: https://www.dougy.org
HealGrief
Offers online grief support, memorial resources, and practical guidance for those experiencing loss.
Website: https://healgrief.org
Grief in Common
Provides online grief support groups, workshops, and educational resources.
Website: https://griefincommon.com
My Grief Angels
Peer-led grief support groups and online grief resources.
Website: https://www.mygriefangels.org
Grief Haven
Educational materials, support resources, and grief recovery programs.
Website: https://griefhaven.org
David Kessler
Resources, articles, grief education, and support programs from grief expert David Kessler.
Website: https://grief.com
Center for Loss & Life Transition
Educational resources and support related to grief, mourning, and healing.
Website: https://www.mourning.com
Crisis Support
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for immediate emotional support and crisis assistance.
Website: https://988lifeline.org
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Website: https://www.crisistextline.org
A Note from Me
There is no right way to grieve and no timetable for healing. Grief can affect emotions, relationships, physical health, concentration, sleep, and daily routines. If you are struggling, please reach out for support. You do not have to carry grief alone.
🕊️Palliative Care and Hospice
Palliative care and hospice services focus on comfort, quality of life, symptom management, emotional support, and helping patients and families navigate serious illness. Many people are surprised to learn that palliative care can be provided alongside cancer treatment and is not limited to end-of-life care.
CaringInfo
Provides free information about advance care planning, caregiving, hospice, palliative care, and end-of-life decision making.
Website: https://www.caringinfo.org
Get Palliative Care
Helps patients and families understand palliative care services and locate providers in their area.
Website: https://getpalliativecare.org
Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC)
Educational resources explaining palliative care, symptom management, and family support.
Website: https://www.capc.org
Hospice Foundation of America
Provides education, support, and resources related to hospice care, caregiving, grief, and end-of-life issues.
Website: https://hospicefoundation.org
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO)
Information about hospice services, palliative care, advance care planning, and caregiver support.
Website: https://www.nhpco.org
Hospice Net
Educational resources covering hospice care, caregiving, grief, and end-of-life planning.
Website: https://www.hospicenet.org
Compassion & Choices
Resources and education related to advance care planning, healthcare decisions, and end-of-life choices.
Website: https://compassionandchoices.org
A Note from Me
Many families wait too long to ask about palliative care because they believe it means giving up treatment. In reality, palliative care often provides additional support for managing symptoms, improving quality of life, and helping both patients and caregivers navigate difficult decisions. Understanding available options early can make a significant difference for everyone involved.
🔬Clinical Trials and Research
Clinical trials help researchers develop new treatments, improve existing therapies, and advance cancer care. Patients and caregivers interested in learning more about research studies and emerging treatment options may find the following resources helpful.
ClinicalTrials.gov
A comprehensive database of clinical trials conducted throughout the United States and around the world.
Website: https://clinicaltrials.gov
CenterWatch
Provides information about clinical trials, research studies, and opportunities for participation.
Website: https://www.centerwatch.com
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Information about cancer research, treatment advances, clinical trials, and cancer-related education.
Website: https://www.cancer.gov
Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF)
Research updates, treatment advances, and information about emerging therapies in prostate cancer.
Website: https://www.pcf.org
Fred Hutch Cancer Center
Research updates, clinical trials, and educational resources focused on cancer treatment and survivorship.
Website: https://www.fredhutch.org
Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI)
Educational programs, patient conferences, treatment updates, and research information.
Website: https://pcri.org
A Note from Me
Not every clinical trial is appropriate for every patient, but learning about available research can help families have more informed conversations with their healthcare team. If you are interested in a clinical trial, speak with your physician about whether it may be a good fit for your situation.
🏳️🌈LGBTQ+ Resources
Prostate cancer affects individuals and families from every background. These organizations provide information, support, advocacy, and community specifically for LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, caregivers, and families affected by cancer.
National LGBT Cancer Network
Education, advocacy, cancer screening information, and support resources for LGBTQ+ individuals affected by cancer.
Website: https://cancer-network.org
Smith Center for Healing and the Arts
Provides cancer support programs, educational resources, and support groups, including programs serving LGBTQ+ individuals affected by cancer.
Website: https://smithcenter.org
Gay Men with Prostate Cancer Support Group
A support community for gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals affected by prostate cancer and their partners.
Website: Available through the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts.
CancerCare LGBTQ+ Support Resources
Professional counseling, educational workshops, support groups, and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals and caregivers affected by cancer.
Website: https://www.cancercare.org
FORGE
Resources, advocacy, and support for transgender and nonbinary individuals navigating healthcare and serious illness.
Website: https://forge-forward.org
A Note from Me
Partners and caregivers come from many different backgrounds and family structures. Every caregiver deserves access to information, support, and resources that reflect their experiences and help them feel seen, respected, and understood.
🌍 Additional Cancer Resources
The organizations below provide general cancer information, education, support services, advocacy, and resources for patients, caregivers, and families affected by cancer.
American Cancer Society
Information about cancer diagnosis, treatment, side effects, caregiving, survivorship, transportation programs, lodging assistance, and support services.
Website: https://www.cancer.org
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Comprehensive cancer information, treatment resources, research updates, clinical trials, and educational materials.
Website: https://www.cancer.gov
Cancer Support Community
Free support groups, educational programs, counseling resources, and patient navigation services.
Website: https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org
CancerCare
Professional oncology social workers provide counseling, support groups, educational workshops, financial assistance, and caregiver resources.
Website: https://www.cancercare.org
Gilda's Club
Community-based cancer support offering educational programs, support groups, and wellness activities for patients and families.
Website: https://www.gildasclub.org
Cancer Hope Network
Provides one-on-one peer support by connecting patients and caregivers with trained volunteers who have experienced a similar cancer journey.
Website: https://www.cancerhopenetwork.org
Livestrong Foundation
Resources focused on survivorship, navigation, fertility preservation, financial concerns, and quality of life after a cancer diagnosis.
Website: https://www.livestrong.org
MyLifeLine
A free online platform that helps patients and caregivers communicate updates, organize support, and stay connected with family and friends.
Website: https://www.mylifeline.org
A Note from Me
No single organization has all the answers. During a cancer journey, different resources may be helpful at different times. If one organization does not provide what you need, keep looking. Support often comes from a combination of educational resources, support groups, healthcare professionals, and other caregivers who understand what you are experiencing.
🌻 Know a Resource We Should Add?
If you are aware of a reputable organization or resource that has helped you as a patient, partner, caregiver, or family member, please contact me. I am always looking to expand this Resource Center so that it remains useful to others navigating the cancer journey.