Additional Resources
Empower yourself with knowledge
Gilda's Club is proud to be the only cancer support organization in the Chicago area that is a partner of Cancer Support Community, a national network of CSC's and Gilda's Clubs that provide support across the country. That partnership comes with additional access to many resources.
CSC provides additional resources like the Cancer Support Helpline which is available Monday through Friday and can assist with treatment decision making, financial navigation, genetic counseling, and other national services. They also offer a wealth of information and articles that can help empower you with knowledge, like the series "Frankly Speaking about Cancer" which provides straight talk about a variety of issues related to cancer. Access the series and other information at cancersupportcommunity.org.
A list of additional cancer support resources and organizations are also provided below as a reference tool for our community. At Gilda's Club Chicago, we recognize that everyone's journey is unique and as such, everyone needs resources that support their particular path. So we provide these additional cancer support resources, not as a recommendation, but rather as additional tools for you to utilize if they can be beneficial to your journey.
National Resources
Air Care Alliance: Patient and Medical Transport
Volunteer Pilot Organizations help patients in need access distant medical care or supportive services by
arranging free flights through volunteer pilots.
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 Care
Provides free telephone resource navigation, whether you are in treatment, post-treatment, survivor or
caregiver.
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
College Consultants Care
College Consultants Care provides free college application assistance from experience independent educational
consultants to students diagnosed with cancer or have a parent diagnosed with cancer.
Good Days
A national non-profit charitable organization that lifts the burden of chronic illness through assistance,
advocacy, and awareness. Only certain diagnoses are covered. Services include co-pay assistance, travel
assistance, premium assistance, and diagnostic testing assistance.
Hair to Stay
Grants to offset the cost of scalp cooling treatment to minimize hair loss during chemotherapy.
Imerman Angels
Provides personalized connections that enable 1-on-1 support among cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers.
Joe’s House
A non profit organization that helps cancer patients and their families find a place to stay when traveling away
from home for medical treatment. We list cancer treatment centers and hospitals across the country with
nearby lodging facilitating that offer a discount.
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.
My LifeLine 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.
National LGBT Cancer Network
The National LGBT Cancer Network works to improve the lives of LGBT cancer survivors and those at risk by
EDUCATING the LGBT community about our increased cancer risks and the importance of screening and early
detection; TRAINING health care providers to offer more culturally-competent, safe and welcome care; and
ADVOCATING for LGBT survivors in mainstream cancer organizations, the media and research.
PAF Case Management
Our case managers offer free, one-on-one support to patients and families to help them solve real life problems
related to a serious health condition. We help patients understand their choices to make healthy decisions for a
strong recovery.
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
Youth
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.
Cal’s Angels
Cal’s Angels is a 501©(3) pediatric cancer foundation with a mission of granting wishes, raising awareness, and
funding research to help kids fighting cancer.
Camp Quality USA
Camp Quality serves children with cancer and their families by providing year-round programs, experiences,
and companionship, at no cost. Camp Quality hosts week-long overnight summer camps at 16+ locations in 13
states.
Children’s Leukemia Research Association
The mission of CLRA is to fund blood cancer research, find the causes and cures of leukemia and other blood-
related disorders, and help families with blood cancer-related expenses for children and adults.
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.
Stupid Cancer
Stupid Cancer helps to empower everyone affected by adolescent and young adult cancer by ending isolation and
building community.
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
Stupid Cancer
Stupid Cancer helps to empower everyone affected by adolescent and young adult cancer by ending isolation and
building community.
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.
The Heartwood Foundation
Free and reduced-fee alternative or holistic therapy services for women living with cancer.
For Men
Cancer Dudes
Empowering men to thrive after cancer.
Nutrition
Cook for your Life
We empower people affected by cancer to achieve better health through nutrition.
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
Five Wishes
The nation’s only national advance care planning program.
*Gilda’s Club encourages you to speak to your medical team about advance care planning, including
but not limited to, when filling out the Five Wishes or other advance care planning documentation to
ensure they are aware of your choices and decisions.
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).
CARPLS
CARPLS is a 501©(3) legal aid nonprofit. We help residents find solutions to everyday legal matters in
Cook County and throughout Illinois.
Cancer Care Co-Payment Assistance Foundation
Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition
A coalition of organizations helping cancer patients manage their financial challenges.
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.
Family Reach
Financial support for families facing cancer.
HealthWell Foundation
Helping the underinsured afford critical medical treatments — because no one should go without essential care.
Heaps of Hope
Financial assistance for women living with cancer
Illinois State Bar Association: Illinois Lawyer Finder
Finding an ISBA lawyer to help you with your legal problem is easy and often free. The ISBA offers two ways to
find a lawyer through this website.
LawHelp.Org
Helping you find solutions to legal problems
Triage Cancer – Cancer Finances
A Toolkit for Navigating Finances after Cancer
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
211 Metro Chicago
Chicago and Suburban Cook County residents now have access to a local 2-1-1 service, a free 24/7/365 service
that connects residents to essential health and social service support and information during times of non-
emergency crisis and for everyday needs.
Chicago Commons
Chicago Commons’ mission is to empower individuals, families, and communities to overcome poverty and
systemic barriers, embrace opportunities, and thrive across generations. To fulfill that mission, we provide high
quality early childhood education, family-center adult education, and senior services. Senior Care includes in-
home care and adult day services.
Cleaning for a Reason
Two free house cleanings for patients in active treatment for cancer
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)
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.