Additional Resources
Empower yourself with knowledge
We know that the best teachers on living with cancer are often those who have had cancer. That's why learning about the many forms of cancer and connecting with resources can help individuals and their families develop effective strategies for living a full life. Please see the list below for additional resources.
Gilda's Club Chicago also maintains a library in the main Clubhouse that can provide a wealth of information about cancer and techniques for living with cancer. In addition, our affiliate Cancer Support Community's series "Frankly Speaking about Cancer" provides straight talk about a variety of issues related to cancer. Access the series at cancersupportcommunity.org.
National Resources
American Cancer Society
Dedicated to helping persons who face cancer; supports research, patient services, early detection, treatment and education.
American Institute for Cancer Research
AICR champions the latest and most authoritative scientific research from around the world on cancer prevention and survival through diet, weight and physical activity.
Cancer and Careers
Cancer and Careers empowers and educates people with cancer to thrive in their workplace by providing expert advice, interactive tools and educational events.
Cancer Hope Network
Free and confidential one-on-one suport to cancer patients and their families.
Cancer Support Community
The Cancer Support Community is an international non-profit dedicated to providing support, education and hope to people affected by cancer.
Cancer support helpline: 888-793-9355
Airbnb
Cancer Support Community and Gilda’s Clubs have formed a partnership with Airbnb to provide free housing for cancer patients and caregivers when traveling for treatment
CSC Airbnb helpline: 877.793.0498
Imerman Angels
Provides personalized connections that enable 1-on-1 support among cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers.
LIVESTRONG Foundation
The LIVESTRONG Foundation improves the lives of people affected by cancer now. The Foundation povides free services for cancer patients and survivors today and advocates for policies that improve their access to care and quality of life.
MyLifeLine Cancer Foundation
This online resource provides a customizable communication platform and blog space that connects patients and caregivers to their larger support network. This is an online program of the Cancer Support Community.
The National LGBT Cancer Project
Our country’s first and leading Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender cancer survivor support and advocacy nonprofit organization.
Triage Cancer
Dedicated to helping survivors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals navigate cancer survivorship issues by connecting them to experts, information, and resources.
Organizations for Specific Cancers
| Bladder | Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network |
| Brain | American Brain Tumor Association |
| Breast (see also “For Women”) | Susan G. Komen (local)
Susan G. Komen (national) The nation's largest African American breast cancer survivorship organization Latina Association for Breast Cancer ALAS-WINGS, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to empowering Hispanic/Latina women about breast cancer awareness through comprehensive education and support for all women faced with breast cancer diagnosis and survivorship. ROW is a rowing team that gives survivors of breast cancer the unique opportunity to interact, become active in the recovery and gain support from fellow survivors. National not-for-profit organization supporting young women and their families, of all Jewish backgrounds, facing breast cancer. |
| Colorectal | Colon Cancer Alliance |
| Gynecological or Hereditary Breast & Ovarian | Bright Pink
FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered |
| Kidney | Kidney Cancer Association |
| Leukemia & Lymphoma | Leukemia and Lymphoma Society |
| Lung | Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago |
| Mesothelioma | Pleural Mesothelioma Cancer |
| Myeloma | International Myeloma Foundation |
| Oral, Head and Neck | SPOHNC: Support for People with Oral, Head and Neck Cancer |
| Pancreatic | Pancreatic Cancer Action Network |
| Prostate | Us Too International |
| Thyroid | Thyroid Cancer Survivor's Association |
| Transplant Resources | National Marrow Donor Program |
Pediatric
12 Oaks
Helps defray the costs of sports and community programs for children and families impacted by cancer and financial hardship.
Bear Necessities
Provides hope and support to children impacted by cancer through bear hugs, financial assistance for the family and various social events
Children’s Oncology Services Inc (Camp One Step)
Offers children the opportunity to enjoy the experiences of childhood while living with cancer, through camps, excursions, education and scholarships.
The Living Room (formerly Group Loop)
Online community designed to address the needs of teens through the Cancer Support Community.
Make-a-Wish
Grants wishes to eligible children with life threatening medical conditions to enrich the human spirit with hope, strength and joy.
Super Sibs
National nonprofit organization ensuring that siblings of children with cancer are honored, supported and recognized so they may face the future with strength, courage and hope
Young Adults
Survive and Thrive Expeditions, Inc.
Survive & Thrive Expeditions Inc. is dedicated to combining travel, adventure and in-depth reflection and exploration of the cancer journey into one unique life changing experience.
Young Survival Coalition
Non-profit organization oriented to support and educate about breast cancer in younger women
The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults
Provide tailored emotional, financial, educational, physical, and practical support services. Programs include; cancer to 5k, scholarships, remote patient navigation.
First Descents
Provides life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults (ages 18-39) impacted by cancer.
For Women
Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP)
The Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program offers free mammograms, breast exams, pelvic exams and Pap tests to eligible women. Even if a woman has already been diagnosed with cancer, she may receive free treatment if she qualifies. The program has been providing breast and cervical cancer screenings to the women of Illinois since 1995.
Second Act
A boutique where individuals facing the challenge of living with cancer can learn about and purchase products to help them regain and maintain a positive self-image.
The Heartwood Foundation
Free and reduced-fee alternative or holistic therapy services for women living with cancer.
Nutrition Support
Ina®, The Intelligent Nutrition Assistant from Savor Health®
Ina® provides personalized, evidence-based nutrition support at no cost for people with cancer. Nutrition tips, recipes and answers to questions come from registered dietitian nutritionists, nurses and doctors who are experts in treating and supporting cancer patients. Registration and unlimited 24/7 access to these services are free, HIPAA compliant and secure.
Ina® is a trademark of Savor Health®
Grief and Bereavement
The Compassionate Friends
Whether your family has had a child die (at any age from any cause) or you are trying to help those who have gone through this life-altering experience, The Compassionate Friends exists to provide friendship, understanding and hope to those going through the natural grieving process.
SLAP'D (Surviving Life After a Parent Dies)
This organization provides support and resources to young people who are coping with the death of a parent.
Financial and Legal Assistance
Cancer1Source
Through Cancer Resource Foundation, this organization assists in providing financial assistance for genetic screening co-pays (or free screenings in those who are not insured in certain states).
Heaps of Hope
Financial assistance for women living with cancer
Cancer Legal Resource Center (CLRC)
The CLRC provides information and education about cancer-related legal issues to the public through its national telephone assistance line. The CLRC also conducts national education and outreach programs for community groups, employers and healthcare professionals and is actively involved in community activities to raise public awareness of cancer-related legal and public policy issues.
Suburban Support
Aurora
Waterford Place in Aurora
Geneva
Living Well Cancer Resource Center
Grayslake
Cancer Wellness Center North
Hinsdale
Wellness House
Homewood/Mokena
The Cancer Support Center
Munster, IN
Cancer Resource Centre
Normal, IL
Community Cancer Center
Northbrook
Cancer Wellness Center
Rockford
OSF Healing Pathways in Rockford
Local Resources
Culinary Care
Free meal delivery for individuals or families impacted by cancer.
IMD Guesthouse
Provides affordable accommodations to serve as a home-away-from-home for families and friends of loved ones receiving medical care in the Illinois Medical District area.
J. Crager Alternatives
Specializes in helping women (and men) who are experiencing hair loss as a result of chemotherapy or other medical disorders or treatment.
Fresh Tech Maids
(847) 392-0888
Free cleaning service for members currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment. (Additional requirements may apply)