We maintain this list of resources for patients and their families and offer them here in order to save you time and energy.  We update the list periodically, adding and deleting listings.  We don’t mean to suggest this list is complete, and if you know of a resource we haven’t included and you think we should, please let us know.

 

Medical Advice and Care

CancerCare – Cancer Care's oncology social workers help you cope with the emotional and practical challenges of breast cancer.

Right Action for Women (RAW) – Founded by actress and breast cancer survivor Christina Applegate, Right Action for Women is funding a financial assistance program to help young women who are at high risk for breast cancer gain access to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) screening. Together with the Cancer Support Community (CSC), www.cancersupportcommunity.org and Patient Services, Inc. (PSI), Right Action for Women has created a partnership to bring financial support to young women who are facing the risk of early breast cancer as a result of a genetic predisposition.

The Second Opinion – A non-profit agency whose mission is to provide free multidisciplinary second opinions and related services to adults in California diagnosed with cancer. Unlike Tumor Boards, which are convened to answer questions from physicians (not patients), The Second Opinion boards are convened to answer questions from patients and their family members.

St. Mary’s Medical Center Comprehensive Lymphedema Center – Offers a personalized, comprehensive treatment program to help patients who have or are at risk for lymphedema caused by radiation and/or cancer surgeries. "Margit and Fiona came to speak to BAYS about the risks and treatment of lymphedema, and it’s clear that they really care about their patients!”

 

Support for Patients, Families, and Children

Asian American Cancer Support Network (AACSN) - Asian American Cancer Support Network seeks to become a community resource network for Asian Americans affected by cancer in the Bay Area through social programs and creative fundraising. AACSN programs are made available to everyone, not just the Asian Community.

Cancer Support Community - Located in Walnut Creek, Cancer Support Community provides support groups for patients as well as caregivers with any type of cancer, classes (like yoga and tai chi), and also hold workshops on a variety of topics. “Our family has found the monthly Kids' Circle group to be extremely helpful. Everything is free and the people there are lovely.”

Cleaning For A Reason - National organization that links cancer patients with local cleaning services. Fill out their online form and get four free general cleanings – one a month for four months.

Camp Erin - In addition to providing support services for all persons going through end-of-life issues, Kara sponsors Camp Erin, a free, weekend grief camp designed for children ages 6-17 who have experienced the death of a family member or friend.

Camp Kesem - a National organization led by passionate college students that provides free summer camps to support children through and beyond their parent’s cancer. “There really aren't words to convey how I feel about this incredible organization. It was truly a life-saver for our family when we needed it most.”

Imerman's Angels - Sometimes the best therapy for cancer is just talking to someone who’s been there. Imerman Angels One-on-One Cancer Support was created on the belief that no one should face cancer alone. While Imerman Angel’s recognizes that each cancer and life situation is unique, the connect cancer fighters, survivors, and caregivers with “Mentor Angels” – a cancer survivor or caregiver who is as similar as possible in age, gender, and most importantly, cancer experience. Mentor Angels give cancer fighters and caregivers the chance to ask personal questions and receive support from a peer who has been down the same road before. The service is absolutely FREE and helps anyone touched by any type of cancer, at any stage, at any age, living anywhere in the world.

Lacuna Loft - Lacuna Loft encourages, empowers, and connects young adult cancer and chronic illness survivors and caregivers throughout the globe, 24/7. As a 501(c)3 registered, web-based nonprofit organization, Lacuna Loft provides online access to wellness resources, lifestyle encouragement, and peer support community that young adults need to overcome their challenging health and life circumstances, and thrive. Beyond brick and mortar. Here comes Lacuna Loft, because we are #StrongerTogether.

Little Pink Houses of Hope - Little Pink Houses of Hope provide week-long retreats in North and South Carolina for breast cancer families. They provide the food and beach house lodging, as well as daily activities, but participants need to provide their own transportation. "This is a fabulous organization and great for the soul."

Living Beyond Breast Cancer - National breast cancer support organization that sends free children’s books to parents with cancer, including ‘Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings,’ 'In Mommy's Garden' (geared for preschool-aged children), and 'My Parent Has Cancer and it Really Sucks' (teens).

Reading For Reassurance - a Facebook page that suggests books and ideas for helping families cope with cancer while caring for young children.

 

Complementary Care

Charlotte Maxwell Complementary Clinic - Provides free and sliding-scale complementary and alternative medical treatments to low-income women with cancer, with locations in Oakland and San Francisco.

Marina Lee U'ilani Bermudez Alternative Breast Cancer Treatment Fund – Provides financial support for alternative and complementary treatments for women with breast cancer in Santa Cruz, the San Francisco Bay Area and Hawaii. "The U'ilani Fund is an amazing source of funds for women who want to pursue alternative or complementary treatments, and it pays tribute to a wonderful young woman who died of breast cancer."

Amitabha Medical Clinic & Healing Center - Located in Sebastopol, the Amitabha clinic embodies Eastern and Western medicine practices to focus integrated treatments on patients with cancer.

CPMC Institute for Health and Healing – Located in San Francisco, offers physical therapies such as massage and bodywork; mind-body practices such as yoga, mindfulness meditation and guided imagery; nutritional counseling, herbal remedies and supplements; a health research service and more.

Sloan Kettering's About Herbs Database - Determining whether herbs, vitamins, and other over-the-counter dietary supplements would be helpful or harmful to you can be challenging. Will a substance work as the label states it will? Is it likely to interact with your cancer medicines? Is it worth the cost? Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s About Herbs database, is a tool for the public as well as healthcare professionals that can help you figure out the value of using common herbs and other dietary supplements.

Smith Integrative Oncology - Located in downtown San Francisco, Smith Integrative Oncology offers massage therapy, alternative and complementary medicine, and nutrition counseling, along with traditional oncology services. “Deb Follingstad is a fantastic acupuncturist who specializes in breast cancer patients, specifically in complementing and maximizing the impact of conventional treatments with acupuncture and herbs while treating side effects. She's helped me a lot.”

Pine Street Clinic - Located in San Anselmo, the Pine Street Clinic offers alternative medical services as well as a variety of herbs and supplements. "I really appreciated Michael Broffman's gentle nature and his expertise in both traditional cancer treatments and Chinese medicine. I'm also grateful that I was able to receive acupuncture on a sliding scale (ask Louise)."

UCSF Osher Center - Located in San Francisco, the Osher Center offers lectures, classes, workshops, and therapeutic programs for the public as well as UCSF patients, emphasizing patient empowerment, prevention, and whole person healing. "Osher has so many great, free programs. I wish I had time to take advantage of them all."

 

Financial Assistance

California State Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program - The BCCTP provides needed cancer treatment to eligible individuals diagnosed with breast and/or cervical cancer and who are in need of treatment, and who have monthly gross family income at the time of screening and diagnosis that is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level for the family size, and have no other health insurance including full-scope no share-of-cost Medi-Cal or Medicare.

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 - Cancer Care offers limited financial assistance for cancer-related costs such as transportation and child care, and their oncology social workers can help you find resources. To be eligible, you must meet their eligibility guidelines of 250% of the Federal Poverty Limit.

Genevieve's Helping Hands - Genevieve's Helping Hands is dedicated to helping young women with breast cancer live their lives to the fullest. They provide personalized help to find needed financial resources, connections to other groups, family, and caregiver support groups, other cancer patients, nutritional support, and more. More specifically, they provide small financial grants to young moms that extend and enhance their recovery from any type of breast cancer treatment, including at the start of treatment, a respite during or between treatments, or at the end of treatment.

SAMFund - The SAMFund is a unique non-profit organization created to assist young adult survivors of cancer with a successful transition into their post-treatment life, by providing financial support through the distribution of grants and scholarships. If your grant application is accepted, the SAMFund will pay for medical bills, yoga, therapy, anything that will help you survive and move forward. "An incredible resource! I know of at least 3 BAYS women that have gotten grants through them."

Grants for Single Mothers - This is a non-cancer specific database full of granting agencies and organizations for California single mothers.

Social Security Disability Help - A useful resource for applying for Disability Benefits with breast cancer. Deanna Power, Director of Community Outreach, prepared this short guide for BAYS about how to apply for SSI and SSDI benefits for women with breast cancer.

The Pink Fund - The Pink Fund provides financial support to help meet basic needs, decrease stress levels and allow breast cancer patients to focus on healing while improving survivorship outcomes.

The Provision Project - The Provision Project provides financial relief to women in active treatment for breast cancer.

Remember Betty - Remember Betty provides direct financial support to breast cancer patients and survivors by paying bills directly and, in certain cases, providing gift cards, gift certificates, and chemo care packs. Grants are reviewed on an on-going basis.

 

Beauty

American Cancer Society - a National organization with local offices that provide free wigs to women with breast cancer. Use their online search tool to find a location near you.

Good Wishes - Good Wishes’ mission is to provide free one beautiful scarf to anyone experiencing the thinning or loss of hair as a result of illness or treatment. “Good Wishes provided me with my very first scarf when I got diagnosed. You get to pick from many choices, and they are excellent quality!”

Great Clips - Great Clips offers "Clips of Kindness" - a free haircut for anyone about to undergo chemo.

HairToStay - HairToStay is a national non-profit organization dedicated to increasing access to scalp cooling and improving the patient experience. They offer need-based grants to offset the expense of scalp cooling systems for chemotherapy patients being treated in the United States.

Lolly’s Locks - Lolly’s Locks is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-quality wigs to cancer patients suffering from hair loss as a side-effect of chemotherapy. In order to receive a wig from Lolly’s Locks, applicants must meet the following: Be a current cancer patient; Have suffered or will suffer hair loss as a side-effect of chemotherapy; Be able to provide information that indicates financial inability to independently afford the cost of a wig.

A Woman's Touch – Located inside California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) in San Francisco, this boutique offers wigs, hairpieces, and hats in a private setting.

Friend to Friend – Located inside UCSF's Mt. Zion Hospital, the Friend to Friend Cancer boutique carries a nice selection of hats, turbans, scarves, and wigs, as well as providing wig consultation. F2F also offers complimentary wig trims and Look Good, Feel Better beauty makeovers.

Hats with Hair – Based in Tampa, Hats with Hair transforms your own hair into a wig that can be worn under a hat. "I normally just wear a hat, but my kids have asked that when I go to their school, I wear my ‘hip hair.’"

100% Pure – This is an awesome place to get beauty products without having to check labels. "I use their face cleanser for daytime and before bed as well as their lotions. The shampoo and condition are also really good."

Bras, Prosthetics, Sleeves

A Woman's Touch – Located in the CPMC Women's Health Resource Center, the boutique provides private prosthesis and bra fittings by appointment only. Run by Jeanni Lang, the program is Medicare-approved and many services are covered by private health insurance. "Jeanni has 20 years experience and made me feel comfortable and at ease. She does her best to stock bras that young women might like."

Friend to Friend – Located inside UCSF's Mt. Zion Hospital, this "cancer boutique" carries a limited selection of mastectomy bras and swimsuits and provides expert prosthetic fittings. "Very convenient if you are a UCSF patient."

Lands' End – Online department store offers a wide selection of mastectomy swimsuits. Type "mastectomy" into their online search field to see selections. Lands' End suits also available locally at the Sears in the Tanforan Mall. "The mastectomy suits are the same as the regular Lands' End swimsuits, so you don't feel like you're wearing your grandmother's old bathing suit."

Misty's Precious Crochet - Online "etsy" purveyor of hand-crocheted "breasts" that are lightweight and great for hot summers or workouts. You can also find a pattern for knitting your own "tittie"

Knitty - "We fell in love with these at first sight, and our members love their simplicity and comfort."

Nordstrom - National department store with local branches offers in-person fittings for prosthetics and mastectomy bras, as well as complimentary "pocketing" of any non-mastectomy bra. Call to make an appointment. "The fitters at Nordstrom are great, and if you're with Kaiser, it couldn't be simpler. Nordstrom handles all the paperwork. Be sure to call ahead for a fitting appointment."

Lymphedivas – Founded by two young breast cancer survivors, Lymphedivas offers an array of stylish and comfortable compression sleeves and gauntlets for women with lymphedema. "Not your grandmother's compression sleeves!"

Tattoos

Henna Lounge – With a fine arts background, Darcy Vasudev at Henna Lounge uses fresh, homemade henna blended with aromatherapy-grade essential oils to create beautiful designs for hands, feet, head, and more. Darcy promotes using henna as a wonderful way to "dare to go bare" during chemo. "Darcy is absolutely amazing! Her henna tattoos truly helped transform my chemo experience. The designs helped me feel beautiful and creative, and Darcy has fabulous energy. She makes house calls in addition to working out of her loft in the Mission."

Ritual by Design - Born in America but raised in a traditional South Asian household, Sabreena Haque is a versatile artist who is now based in the San Francisco Bay area. “Sabreena henna'ed my head all through chemo and is just amazing.”

Shannon Archuleta Tattoo – A private studio located in San Francisco's Mission District. Shannon has been tattooing since 1994. She comes with high praise from BAYS members who have used her.

 

Legal Resources

Just Great Lawyers - Comprehensive site with legal resources for cancer patients.

 

Meals

Ceres Community Project – Provides delicious and nourishing meals to people in Sonoma County who are in crisis due to life-threatening illness such as cancer. Meals are free for three months, then a small donation is requested. "What an amazing project – we wish Ceres could expand to San Francisco."

Meals of Marin – Prepares and delivers healthy, home-cooked meals to people with life-threatening illnesses living in Marin County. The meals and delivery are free of charge to those who qualify.

Project Open Hand – Offers free meals to breast cancer patients undergoing treatment (including hormonal therapy) who live in San Francisco or Alameda County. There are no other qualifying criteria.

 

Transportation

American Cancer Society - a National organization with local offices that provide free cabs to women with breast cancer. Use their online search tool to find a location near you. "Many of us simply could not have gotten through cancer treatment without Cancer Cab!"

Lifeline Pilots - Provides free airline transportation for those seeking the best medical treatment or that have a compassionate need.

 

Fitness & Wellness

Sunflower Wellness - Non-profit organization dedicated to offering custom-tailored programs to meet cancer survivors' needs, including free exercise counseling for UCSF patients and special classes at the Bay Club (Marin and SF locations). Limited scholarships available. "Regan and Jane are terrific – they helped train BAYS for the Half Dome and Grand Canyon hikes."

Healing Partners - Healing Partners provides free Healing Touch sessions to men and women diagnosed with cancer, regardless of where they are being treated, and at any stage of treatment or post-treatment. Each participant is paired with a highly trained Healing Touch volunteer who provides these free sessions.

Heaven’s Door - Heaven’s Door gives free massages and other support services to those actively in cancer treatment. “I wrote to the website, spoke with a representative, and received in the mail a $120 gift certificate to a spa. I ended up using it for a prenatal massage the day before I gave birth!!”

Project Koru - Camp Koru is our adventure retreat program that empowers young cancer fighters and survivors, ages 18-39, to find healing, achievement, and life renewal through active outdoor experiences in the ocean and the mountains.

Casting for Recovery - a National not-for-profit program that provides an opportunity for women whose lives have been profoundly affected by breast cancer to experience physical, emotional, and spiritual healing through retreats in a beautiful natural setting and to learn fly-fishing, a sport for life, as part of a free two-day retreat.

Climb Against The Odds - Breast Cancer Fund offers an annual mountaineering expedition for breast cancer prevention. The climb represents both a personal endeavor to honor the courage it takes to face breast cancer, and a collective effort to stop the disease before it starts.

Epic Adventures – Epic Experience offers adventure camps in Colorado for adult cancer survivors to ski, paddle, and ride past those three words, “I have cancer.”

First Descents - First Descents is committed to curing young adults of the emotional effects of cancer and empowering them to regain control of their lives by offering free outdoor adventure therapy through kayaking, rock climbing, and other outdoor adventure sports. "I have watched FD change so many people's lives including mine. It is a place where we all recognize the challenges cancer has thrown at us, and dive head-first into adventures like kayaking and rock climbing that seemed impossible only hours before."

Healing Therapies Foundation - They are a nonprofit that provides extreme sport and eco-adventures to cancer fighters/survivors and their loved ones. The trips are free, with participants paying only for their transportation there/back.

Image Reborn Foundation - Image Reborn Foundation provides no-cost healing retreats to women diagnosed with breast cancer to empower them to live fully beyond breast cancer. Founded with the understanding that surgeries and treatments alone do not heal a woman with breast cancer, Image Reborn’s retreats include pampering, education and discussions, camaraderie, stress-reduction and other activities in Park City, UT. Stage IV retreats and retreats for Hispanic women are also scheduled throughout the year.

The Send It Foundation - The Send It Foundation creates outdoor adventures for young adult cancer fighters and survivors, removing them from their cancer experience and creating the space to play, sweat, connect and have fun outdoors. Send It programs are multi-day adventures in Lake Tahoe and the San Francisco Bay Area and are designed around activities such as biking, skiing, surfing, and most all the community created through shared experience. All food, lodging, gear, and activities are included, and free of charge for participants.

True North Treks - True North Treks harnesses the big medicine of nature, peer support, and mindful awareness practices to help young adults diagnosed with cancer get connected again after the disconnecting experience of cancer. Participants go on free backpacking & canoeing treks to remote and beautiful backcountry wilderness destinations where they connect with nature, connect with others who've been through something similar and connect with themselves through mindfulness meditation & yoga.

ProActive Therapy – Julie Wong's clinic offers all types of physical therapy but is particularly unique in its treatment of lymphedema. "Julie is the go-to person for young women with lymphedema."

 

Advocacy & Activism

Army of Women - a National organization started by Dr. Susan Love with the goal of signing up one million healthy women of every age and ethnicity, including breast cancer survivors and women at high-risk for the disease, to partner with breast cancer researchers to find a cure for breast cancer. "A great way to sign up for local and even national studies or trials."

Breast Cancer Action – Bay Area-based national organization that advocates for policy changes in the treatment of breast cancer, for decreasing involuntary environmental exposures that put people at risk for breast cancer, and for rectifying inequities that lead to disparities in breast cancer outcomes.

Breast Cancer Fund – Bay Area-based national organization that focuses on identifying the environmental causes of breast cancer and preventing the disease.

Stupid Cancer - a National organization devoted to building community, improving quality of life, and providing meaningful survivorship for young people with cancer (all types). Stupid Cancer has a big annual conference and has great links on their website. They also have their own radio show called "Stupid Cancer."

Young Survival Coalition (YSC) – a National organization with a local branch that works with survivors, caregivers and the medical, research, advocacy and legislative communities to increase the quality and quantity of life for women diagnosed with breast cancer ages 40 and under. "YSC's Northern California branch is BAYS' sister organization – they do the advocacy and education, and we provide the support groups."

Zero Breast Cancer – A Marin-based organization that is dedicated to finding the causes of breast cancer through community participation in the research process. ZBC has helped initiate a number of research projects in the Bay Area and participates in advocacy and education (including piloting a prevention program designed for adolescent girls).

 

Arts

Arts for Healing – Located in Santa Rosa, Arts for Healing uses the healing power of art to support people coping with cancer in Sonoma County. In free painting support groups, people touched by cancer create wild and wonderful art while they share a lifeline of camaraderie and caring with each other.

Art for Recovery - Located in San Francisco, UCSF's Art for Recovery provides a safe environment where adults can express the intense feelings that arise in life-threatening illnesses. BAYS members have participated in The Firefly Project and other Art for Recovery programs.

The SCAR Project – A series of large-scale portraits of young breast cancer survivors (including two BAYS members!) shot by fashion photographer David Jay. The primary purpose of the project is to raise awareness about breast cancer in young women.

 

Fertility & Sexuality

Blossom Organics – Cancer treatment often has adverse effects on libido and intimacy. Blossom Organics creates safe, naturally pure intimate care products to help reduce these effects. "I received some Blossom Organics product samples at the Breast Cancer Fund’s Peak Hike, and not only do they work wonderfully, it’s comforting to know that they are 100% safe and organic."

Fertile Hope – Most people aren't aware of the impact that cancer treatment can have on fertility. Fertile Hope provides information and financial support for cancer survivors who want to pursue their fertility options.

Livestrong's Fertility Services – Livestrong provides financial support to cancer patients going through fertility treatments.

UCSF Center for Reproductive Health – Among local medical centers, UCSF has been especially proactive about making sure young women with breast cancer know their reproductive options before they begin cancer treatment. "Dr. Mitch Rosen is incredibly compassionate and truly cared about preserving my fertility."

Food & Nutrition

Natalie Ledesma – Affiliated with both Smith Integrative Oncology (see Complementary Medicine, above) and UCSF Cancer Resource Center (see Resource Centers, below), Natalie provides invaluable nutrition assessments and recommendations for people with cancer. "Natalie really inspired me to improve my nutrition and gave me a sense of control at a time when everything else seemed out of control."

 

Genetics

BRCA Foundation – The BRCA Foundation’s mission is to accelerate research and foster collaboration to prevent and cure BRCA cancers. The Foundation invests in the most promising work of top scientific investigators while creating a forum for successful partnerships across institutions, all with the goal of getting the fastest possible results.

FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered) – FORCE is the only national nonprofit organization devoted to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Its mission includes support, education, advocacy, awareness, and research specific to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.

 

Information & Resource Centers

Cancer Support Community - Located in Walnut Creek, Cancer Support Community provides support groups for patients as well as caregivers with any type of cancer, classes (like yoga and tai chi), and also hold workshops on a variety of topics. “Our family has found the monthly Kids' Circle group to be extremely helpful. Everything is free and the people there are lovely.”

CPMC Women's Health Resource Center - Located in San Francisco, CPMC's Women's Health Resource Center offers a Boutique for Women with Cancer, Massage Therapy Services, Support Groups, and the Look Good...Feel Better Program.

Living Beyond Breast Cancer - LBBC provides a helpline staffed by survivor volunteers as well as a wide variety of free resources for women who are newly diagnosed, metastatic, coping with lymphedema, financial concerns.

Sutter North Bay Women’s Health Center - The Sutter North Bay Women's Health Center provides a wide range of imaging and support services in one convenient location. Support services include the Nurse Navigator for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer and the Integrative Health and Healing Program (IHHS), which offers free complementary therapies for women with cancer. Services are provided by volunteer practitioners and include acupuncture, massage, naturopathy, nutrition, movement and stress reduction therapies. Contact Nurse Navigator Leah Borden at 707-576-4800 for more information.

UCSF Cancer Resource Center (UCSF CRC) – Located in San Francisco, UCSF CRC (also known as the Ida and Joseph Friend Center) offers free programs such as Healing Through Dance, Knitting, Meditation and Guided Imagery, Qi Gong, Restorative Movement, and more. Most programs open to the general public.

Women's Cancer Resource Center (WCRC) - Located in Oakland, WCRC offers free programs such as Gentle Yoga, Writing for Wellness, Yarn Divas, Cooking Club, Nutrition, Creativity and special offerings. Also offers support groups, educational events, and more.

Stupid Cancer News Aggregator - National nonprofit aggregates news and blogs on all types of cancers. The grant application is online, and applications are reviewed weekly. If accepted, funding will be provided that can be used to help with medical expenses, utilities, gas/travel, or general living expenses.

 

Spiritual Wellness

Commonweal - Offers a week-long retreat for people with cancer, with the goal of helping participants live better by providing balanced information on choices in healing, mainstream, and complementary therapies; exploring emotional and spiritual dimensions of cancer; and experiencing genuine community with others facing a cancer diagnosis. Scholarships are available, including the Deb Mosley Scholarship (in honor of BAYS’ co-founder) for young women with metastatic breast cancer. "My retreat at Commonweal was a transformative experience."

Spirit Rock - Hosts a year-round schedule of residential retreats, daylong retreats/workshops, benefit workshops, and weekly classes for beginning and experienced meditators (instruction is in Vipassana meditation). "I participated in Nina Wise's workshop on Buddhist practice and illness while I was going through treatment. I found it really helpful, especially Nina's message about prioritizing joy in our lives."

You can find more caregiving advice and support, including information about physical care, how to make the home safe for your loved one, and guidance for taking care of yourself, on the following websites:

• Caring Connections
• Family Caregiver Alliance
• Share the Care
• Children's Hospice and Palliative Care Coalition
• American Hospice Foundation