Resources

Information

Books to Explain Cancer to Children
  • In Mommy’s Garden – A little girl’s Mom has cancer and compares weeds to cancer cells
  • Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings: When someone you love has cancer by Ellen McVicker – a hopeful, helpful book for kids.
  • The Hope Tree: Kids Talk About Breast Cancer by Laura Numeroff, Wendy Schlessel Harpham, & David M. McPhail.
  • Talking with My Treehouse Friends about: An Activity Book for Children of Parents with Cancer by Peter R. van Dernoot
  • When a Parent Has Cancer: A Guide to Caring for Your Children by Wendy S. Harpham.
  • Someone I Love is Sick: Helping Very Young Children Cope with Cancer in the Family Parent Version by Kathleen McCue
  • When Mommy Loses Her Hair: It Means the Medicine is Working by Cristen Cervellini-Calfo
  • My Book About Cancer Rebecca C. Schmidt and Cristen Cervellini-Calfo
  • Metu and Lee Learn about Breast Cancer by Shenin Sachedina
  • Becky and the Worry Cup: A Children’s Book about a Parent’s Cancer by Wendy S. Harpham
  • Michael’s Mommy has Breast Cancer by Lisa Torrey
  • Less than Perfect by Louise Albert
  • Moms Don’t Get Sick by Pat and Ben Brack
  • Biddlebox by Linda Smith
  • When Mommy Had A Mastectomy by Nancy Reuben Greenfield
  • Someone I love is Sick – Offers advice on talking with children ages 2-6 years old about cancer including helping children cope at holiday time, addressing specific cancers, helping children’s friends, questions children ask, when parents are single, separated or divorced, and more
  • Telling Kids About Cancer – A web tool to create your own conversation script to talk to your children about your cancer in an age appropriate way.
  • Kidscope: Helping Kids & Families Understand Cancer – 1-404-892-1437 Helps children and families understand the effects of cancer or chemotherapy on a loved one and provides suggestions for coping
  • Chemo4Kids – Offers simplified information about chemotherapy
  • Bear Essentials – Provides age-appropriate activities to help children cope with a parent’s diagnosis and treatment of cancer

For Children of Parents with Cancer
  • Children’s Treehouse Foundation – 1-303-322-1202
  • Kidscope: Helping Kids & Families Understand Cancer – 1-404-892-1437 or kidscope.org
  • Kids Konnected -1-800-899-2866 Friendship, understanding, education and support for kids who have a parent with cancer
  • Life with Cancer – offers classes entitled “Curious about Cancer” for children as well as family counseling and counseling for children free of charge – 703-698-2536
  • When Your Parent Has Cancer – free booklet from National Cancer Institute. You can also order from their website.
  • Managing Mental Health After a Cancer Diagnosis
  • 2Unstoppable  Partners women diagnosed with cancer with other women to encourage and support physical and emotional fitness during and after cancer treatment.  
  • American Cancer Society – Local Office: 124 Park St SE Suite 100 Vienna, VA 22180 (703-938-5550)
  • National Foundation for Cancer Research Patient Navigation Hotline—a free resource which connects cancer patients and their loved ones with NFCR-funded certified oncology navigators who can provide assistance and guide people through this difficult time. They help patients understand the diagnosis and treatment options, access important information, identify clinical trial
  • TLC catalog for wigs – 1-800-850-9445
  • Free wigs – call the local office at 703-938-5550
  • Look Good Feel Better Programs – Free program but registration is required. Hands-on ~ 2 hr group workshop conducted by volunteer cosmetologists. Includes 12-step skin care and makeup program, demo on how to use turbans, scarves, wigs and hats to help cope with treatment related hair loss. Must be undergoing chemo or radiation-1-800-395-5665, meets at Reston Hospital from 7-9 pm on the 2nd Monday of each month.
  • Reston Hospital Infusion Center – Town Center Pkwy Pavilion I Basement Level Radiation Conf. Room.
  • I Can Cope – free educational series that focuses on living with cancer. 2 hr class led by doctors, nurses, social workers & other professionals-call 1-800-227-2345.
  • Reach to Recovery – one-to-one visitation for women with breast cancer who will have, or have had, a lumpectomy, mastectomy or recurrence. The visit is made by a breast cancer survivor who has been trained. Each pt is given a Reach Kit containing a soft prosthesis for mastectomy patients, exercise support, literature and local resource info-Main #.
  • Road to Recovery -group of trained volunteer drivers to take pts to appts. Donate their time and use own vehicle and gas. Five business days advanced notice-call 1-800-227-2345.
  • Patient Advocate Program -1-888-227-6333. Clinical Social Workers assist patients and caregivers who are facing complex problems such as income or no insurance.
  • Dietitian-on-call – a registered dietitian provides free telephone nutrition counseling. To get free referral-1-800-227-2345.
  • Asbestos exposure and breast cancer
  • Cancer Survivors Network – online community for survivors and caregivers offering chat rooms, cancer information, & community resources.
  • Breast Cancer Action – 1-877-278-6722
  • Association of Cancer Online -practical, scientific information & visual aids for cancer patients
  • Inflammatory Breast Cancer -1-877-786-7422
  • Life with Cancer  – 703-776-2841
  • Komen for the Cure – 1-877-465-6636
  • Living Beyond Breast Cancer -1-888-753-5222
  • National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) -1-800-622-2838
  • National Cancer Institute -1-800-4-cancer or cancer.gov. Also Available in Spanish
  • Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation – 1-800-345-8223
  • Loudoun Breast Health Network – for patients in Loudoun County only
  • After Breast Cancer Diagnosis – Call 1-800-977-4121 for questions or for peer support
  • SHARE – 1-866-891-2392 self help for women with breast or ovarian cancer.
  • Cancer Support
  • National Institutes of Health Medline Plus
  • Cancer Care
  • National Cancer Institute
  • American Society of Clinical Oncology
  • Cancer and Careers – Empowers and educates people with cancer to thrive in their workplace by providing expert advice, interactive tools and educational events. Free publications, career coaching, and a series of support groups and educational seminars. Strives to eliminate the fear and uncertainty for working people with cancer.
  • Capital Region Action Against Breast Cancer – For breast cancer patients and survivors in the Washington, DC area.   Offer an extensive program of support and education services to the greater Capital Region, free of charge, including a highly informative newsletter, monthly programs, and an annual survivor-caregiver celebration.
  • Susan Love Research Foundation
  • Nueva Vida  Nueva Vida helps Latinas with cancer to interact with the health system and obtain life-saving services and treatments
  • Breast Cancer Husband: How to Help Your Wife (and Yourself) during Diagnosis, Treatment and Beyond by Marc Silver
  • Surviving After Cancer: Living the New Normal by Anne Katz
  • Uplift: Secrets From the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors by Barbara Dolinsky
  • Handbook of practical and upbeat anecdotes for those with breast cancer and tips about how to handle treatment.
  • Susan Love’s Breast Book by Dr. Susan Love
  • Navigating Breast Cancer: A Guide for the Newly Diagnosed by Lillie Shockney
  • Stealing Second Base: A Breast cancer Survivor’s Experience & a Breast
  • Cancer Expert’s Story by Lillie Shockney
  • Why I Wore Lipstick to my Mastectomy by Geralyn Lucas
  • A Spiritual Journey Through Breast Cancer by Judi Asti
  • Breast Cancer? Let Me Check My Schedule! by Peggy McCarthy & Jo an Loren
  • Hope is Contagious: The Breast Cancer Survival Handbook by Margit Esser Porter
  • Journey: A Breast Cancer Survival Guide by Allie Fair Sawyer & Norma Suzette Jones
  • Living in the Post-Mastectomy Body by Rebecca Zuckweiler
  • My Breast by Joyce Wadler
  • My Mother’s Breast by Laurie Tarkan
  • The Breast Cancer Survival Manual by John Link MD
  • The Feisty Woman’s Breast Cancer Book by Elaine Ratner
  • The Paper Chain by Claire Blake
  • The Not-So-Scary Breast Cancer Book by Carolyn Ingram & Leslie Ingram Gebhart
  • Caring Bridge – online space where you can connect, share news, and receive support
  • Lotsa Helping Hands – Free private, personalized website with features that allow you to create a calendar for family and friends to sign up for support you need such as meals, rides to medical appointments, and any other tasks needed. Allows you to customize your website via blog, photos, and message boards. Allows family and friends to drop a line to say hello or let the patient know they are thinking about them

Aid Programs

Volunteer Caregiving

  • Comfort Keepers -703-591-7117 Located in FFX. Non-medical, in-home care for elderly, disabled, cancer patients etc. Offer companionship, meal prep, shopping transportation etc.
  • NurtureCare – 703-525-5900 FFX. Hourly and live-in CNA’s offering non-medical care and support service.
  • Touching Hearts -703-880-2547 Non-medical, in-home care for elderly, disabled, cancer patients etc. Offer companionship, meal prep, shopping transportation etc.
  • Cleaning for a Reason – Free housekeeping for women with any kind of cancer.
  • Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers – 703-779-8617. Hours are 9-430. Need 1 wk notice
  • Daughter for the Day – Volunteers take seniors to their doctor appointments, business appointments, to church, to the grocery store, drop off and pick up prescriptions, and help them with just about any other errands they need to complete. However, we are not just a “transportation” service-they stay with the senior throughout the entire outing. Serves Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia. Must be at least 70 years old
  • Breast Cancer Freebies – Connects you with people and organizations whose mission it is to make the journey a little easier and take the burden off your wallet with FREE wigs, hats, make-up, house cleaning, transportation and so much more
  • Little Pink – provides FREE week long vacations for breast cancer patients and their families.

Support For Caregivers

  • Men Against Breast Cancer – 1-866-547-6222
  • National Family Caregivers Association – 1-800-896-3650
  • Mothers Supporting Daughters with Breast Cancer
  • Reston Interfaith – 571-323-1400
  • Fairfax County Coordinated Services – 703-222-0880
  • Food & Friends – Prepares and delivers meals and groceries in conjunction with nutrition counseling to people living with cancer in the Washington, DC metropolitan area
  • Moveable Feasts – Provides home delivered meals to men and women struggling with a severe illness
  • Meals To Heal – Weekly home delivery of fresh, healthy, delicious, chef-prepared cancer fighting meals. Provides “evidenced based” nutrition information. Access to experienced cancer nutrition professionals

How To Qualify For Social Security Disability Benefits With Breast Cancer

  • Link, Inc.– Provides food & food certificates, furniture etc. Serves residents of Herndon, Sterling & Ashburn areas. 703-437-1776Step Sisters — How To Qualify For Social Security Disability Benefits With Breast Cancer
  • Hopkins Breast Cancer Inc.– or 1-301-585-8812 offers financial assistance. The mission of the Hopkins Breast Cancer Inc. is to provide financial assistance to men and women in the Washington, DC Metro Area who are under-served, uninsured, or otherwise have insufficient financial means after being diagnosed with breast cancer; and to educate the community on the value of early detection.
  • Critters for the Cure – CPTAF supports the fight against women’s cancer* and will allocate financial resources to any woman with a related cancer who is either uninsured or underinsured and may not have the means to pay for offerings that CRITTERS may provide.
  • Patient Services Inc – 800-366-7741 MRI payment assistance for young women. Mainly helps with screening, med assist, insurance premiums,
    Center for Medicare Advocacy, Inc -1-202-293-5760 or medicareadvocacy.org
  • The Patient Advocate Foundation – 1-800-532-5274 To provide effective mediation and arbitration services to patients to remove obstacles to healthcare including medical debt crisis, insurance access issues and employment issues for patients with chronic, debilitating and life-threatening illnesses. OR 1-866-512-3861 for copay assistance (no income criteria-it’s approved on a case by case basis. Can help pts apply for Medicaid-this is where the Herndon free clinic sends pts. They also provide debt crisis help ie: housing, utilities, food, transportation to health care appts, child care etc.
  • Loudoun Breast Health Network – for residents in Loudoun County only. Can help with car payment, gas, taxi fare etc. & wigs, bras, prostheses, medical bills, mammo cost, food, utilities & rent
  • Cancer Care Inc –1-800-813-4673. Operates AVONCares Program for Medically underserved women with breast CA. Can provide transportation, child care, home care, pain med co-pays and lymphedema supplies ONLY. It is not for help with ins copays or medical bills. Can help with gas money for treatments
  • American Breast Cancer Foundation –1-877-539-2543. Key to Life Breast Cancer Screening Program-helps with access to screening. The American Breast Cancer Foundation provides direct financial assistance to uninsured and underserved women and men of all ages for breast cancer screening and diagnostic tests through the Key to Life Program. This includes annual screenings for women over 40, as well as support services for breast cancer patients. They also help with obtaining clinical breast exams, screening and diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds, surgical consults, & emergency biopsy assistance.
  • American Cancer Society Cancer Resource Network – 1-888-227-6333. Can arrange for transportation, limited financial assistance for meds
  • Patient Access Network – 1-866-316-7263. Offers copay financial assistance for medications only-chemo, pain etc
  • Chronic Disease Fund – 1-877-968-7233 can help with medication copay assistance for chemotherapy drugs only
  • Healthwell – 1-800-675-8416 can help with copay assistance
  • Heavenly Hats – Provides free hats to patients in need
  • Virginia Initiative for Employment not Welfare – The Virginia Initiative for Employment not Welfare (VIEW) supports the efforts of families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to achieve independence through employment. VIEW focuses on the participants’ strengths and provides services to help them overcome job-related challenges, as well as personal, medical and family challenges that affect employment.
  • Fairfax County Dept of Family Services – 703-787-4900. Patients must go in for appt to see if they qualify. Hours are 8-430PM M-F. They offer food stamps, checks for help with rent etc, Medicaid, TANF(Temporary Assistance for Needy Families-provides cash assistance for low-income families with children under 18), child care assistance, energy assistance etc
  • Loudoun County Dept Family Services – 703-777-0353. They offer the Community Support Unit (CSU)- Social workers in this program can aid with housing and rent, access to medical and dental visits, prescriptions, utility assistance, food, and many other needs. To see if you qualify, call the CSU phone screener. They also offer the TANF program like FFX county, energy assist, food stamps etc. Need face to face interview for these things. For assistance finding job placement: Workforce Resource Center 102 Heritage Way, N.E. First Floor, rear entrance Leesburg, VA 20176 Ph: 703-777-0150
  • Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation – 1-804-285-1200 can help find resources
  • A Message of Hope – Resources are limited-download application online. They help with ANY bills
  • The Salvation Army of Fairfax County – provides emergency food, rent (financial assistance), utility, clothing, social services & prescription assistance. 703-385-8700
  • Free Gas USA – Can help with gas cards for medical treatment transportation or help with utilities
  • Lolly’s Locks – Offers free human hair wigs to women with financial hardship
  • Amy’s Army – offers grant assistance for non-covered medical bills associated with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and any complications thereof, basic living expense emergencies, & non-medical expenses related to medical treatment
  • Women of Virtue Financial Assistance Fund – 301-505-3981 Provides financial assistance to individuals, primarily women, who are going through financial hardships due to major illnesses and/or family crisis.
  • Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition – A coalition of financial assistance organizations joining forces to help cancer patients experience better health and well-being by limiting financial challenges
  • Breast Cancer Freebies – Connects you with people and organizations whose mission it is to make the journey a little easier and take the burden off your wallet with FREE wigs, hats, make-up, house cleaning, transportation and so much more
  • Little Pink– littlepink.org provides FREE week long vacations for breast cancer patients and their families
  • The Pink Fund – http://thepinkfund.org/ The Pink Fund provides up to 90 days of non-medical financial aid to cover basic cost of living expenses
  • Fairfax Law Foundation – Provides pro-bono legal assistance
  • Legal Information Network for Cancer Patients – Legal assistance for cancer survivors
  • Gay and Lesbian Medical Association – 202-600-8037
  • Mary-Helen Mautner Project for Lesbians with Cancer – 1(866)MAUTNER (628-8637) toll free or1(202)332-5536
  • Trans People and Cancer
  • Transgendered and Transsexual Individuals – An access to care & cancer disparity Fact Sheet published by the American Cancer Society.
  • National LGBT Cancer Network – The first program in the country to address the needs of LGBT people with cancer and those at risk.
  • Out With Cancer – Online and offline support groups, advocacy and information for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people affected by cancer. 212-673-4920

     

  • Loudoun Breast Health Network – (for residents in Loudoun County only). Can help with wigs, bras, puffs, prostheses
  • American Cancer Society Cancer Resource Network –1-888-227-6333. Can arrange for transportation, limited financial assistance for meds
  • Chronic Disease Fund –1-877-968-7233 Provides assistance to underinsured patients who are diagnosed with cancer and require expensive medications
  • CancerCare – 1-866-552-6729 Helps with insurance co-pays to cover medication costs
  • needymeds – helps needy patients obtain medications. Offers drug discount cards
  • Patient Advocate Foundation -1-866-512-3861. Co-pay Relief Program
  • Together RX Access -1-800-444-4106
  • Linking A.R.M.S. Program –1-800-813-4673 (1-800-813-HOPE) CancerCare has partnered with Susan G. Komen for the Cure to create the Linking A.R.M.S. program. The program provides limited financial assistance for hormonal and oral chemotherapy, pain and anti-nausea medication, lymphedema supplies, and prostheses for women with breast cancer. A reimbursement grant is available for up to $325 per year. To apply for a reimbursement grant, download an application form online or contact CancerCare to receive the application.
  • National Cancer Coalition – 919-821-2182
  • Partnership for Prescription Assistance – 888-4PPA-NOW
  • Patient Access Network Foundation – 866-316-PANF
  • Patient Services Inc -800-366-7741
  • RXassist
  • RXHope
  • Together RXaccess
  • PPARxVA -(888) 477-2669 PPARxVA is a program that connects qualified, low-income Virginia residents (earn less than 200% of the federal poverty level-approximately $19,000 for an individual or $31,000 for a family of three) with discount prescription drugs, direct from the pharmaceutical manufacturer.
  • Friends of Man – (303) 798-2342 grants up to $600
  • Marilyn Westbrook Garment Fund
  • Cancer Fund of America – Services provided by CFA through its’ patients assistance programs include such items as: liquid nutritional supplements and vitamins, adult diapers, bed pads, exam gloves, fans and seasonal gift boxes, lotions, ointments, food items, medical supplies & non-prescription meds, toys, clothing, hygiene items.
  • Virginia Drug Card – 800-248-1062
  • Target/Wal Mart Discount Prescription Programs
  • FISH –703-391-0105 For FFX Cty residents-one time only
  • Northern Virginia Family Services -703-385-3267
  • Loudoun Community Health Center – 703-442-2000 (not the same as the Loudoun Free Clinic)
  • Lolly’s Locks – provides high quality wigs to women with limited financial resources
  • Heavenly Hats – Provides free hats to patients in need
  • Vienna Rexall – 703-938-7111. Measure/provide lymphedema sleeves
  • Breast Cancer Freebies – Connects you with people and organizations whose mission it is to make the journey a little easier and take the burden off your wallet withFREE wigs, hats, make-up, house cleaning, transportation and so much more
  • The Pink Lily – 855-746-5545 Provide wigs, prostheses, mastectomy bras and camisoles. Personal shopper will come to your home and measure you to help find the best fit

Support for African American Women

  • Sister’s Network, Inc – 1-866-781-1808 Provides assistance to African American women facing financial challenges after diagnosis. Provides financial assistance for mammograms, co-pays, office visits, prescriptions, medical related lodging and transportation
  • African Women’s Cancer Awareness Association – Supports, guides, educates women of African descent in DC, MD, VA during their cancer care. Also assist with finding resources

Support for Latina Women

  • Nueva Vida – Nueva Vida helps Latinas with cancer to interact with the health system and obtain life-saving services and treatments
  • Angel Flight-1-877-247-5433 Free air transport to treatment
  • National Cancer Coalition -919-821-2182
  • National Patient Travel Helpline – 800-296-1217
  • American Cancer Society Cancer Resource Network – 1-888-227-6333. Can arrange for transportation, limited financial assistance for meds
  • National Patient Travel Center – 1-800-296-1217. Offers medical air transportation for appts
  • Air Charity Network – 1-800-296-3797. Provides access to free air transport for medical treatment or family/community crisis
  • Medical Transport Management, Inc – 1-866-796-0601. Provides transportation to medical appts for Medicaid recipients
  • Local transport company – Michelle Bell-703-403-8836 All college educated people. Companionship-$20/hr; <10 miles transport RT-$25/hr and >10 miles RT-$30/hr
  • Road to Recovery – only for pts who need transportation to medical treatments-not doctor appointments. Call American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345
  • Shepard’s Center of Oakton (only for pts in Oakton) – 703-281-0538 contact Sandy McCauley. Pt must be >50, no financial requirements. Hours: M-F 10-2. Need 4 days notice. Provide rides to patients for treatment
  • Herndon Reston FISH – 703-391-0105. M-F 10-5. Need 3-5 days notice
  • James Mott Community Assistance Program – 703-591-1600. M-F 9-. Need 2 days notice
  • Shepard’s Center of FFX/Burke – 703-323-4788. M-F 9-5
  • Western Fairfax Christian Ministry – 703-988-9656. M-F 10-2. Need 3-5 days. Contact Lien Furr X102
  • Metro Access – for people in wheelchairs-1-301-562-4640
  • Area Agency on Aging in Loudoun County – Elizabeth (contact) 703-771-5008. Sets up rides for lower income patients (no Medicaid). They do not call to confirm, they just send a cab. If they are 15 min late, call 703-777-0257 (main #)
  • Department of Family Services Loudoun County – 703-777-0353
  • Loudoun Breast Health Network – for residents in Loudoun County only. Can help with car payment, gas, taxi fare etc.
  • The Tigerlilly Foundation – To educate, advocate for, empower and provide hands-on services and support to young women (15-40), before, during and after breast cancer.
  • Young Survival Coalition (YSC) –1-877-972-1011 is the premier international organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women and breast cancer. YSC 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.
  • Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund – provides support to women 18-40 up to $600 for co-pays, rent and mortgage, transportation, car insurance, repairs groceries etc. (800) 878-9184 or bmcf.net
  • The SAMFund – Assists 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
  • Planet Cancer – Connects young adults with each other to empower and help them access support and resources they wouldn’t have known about otherwise.
  • Sharsheret – For young Jewish women facing breast cancer
  • Hope Connections For Cancer Support – Support group for peers who understand the unique challenges of living with a cancer diagnosis as a young adult. 301-493-5002 5430 Grosvenor Lane, Bethesda MD
  • Lombardi Cancer Center Young Women’s Breast Cancer Support Group – For women with breast cancer, age 40 and under. Third Wednesday of every month. 5:30-7pm 202-444-3755
  • City Girl – Blog written by a young breast cancer survivor about relationships, sex, dating, pregnancy, breast cancer, and & health advocacy
  • I’m Too Young for This – Empowering young adults with cancer. Offers age-appropriate support resources.
    Hope for Two…Pregnant With Cancer Network – sed with cancer while pregnant with information, support and hope.
  • Everything Changes – A comprehensive book about cancer in your 20’s and 30’s. Men and women in Everything Changes confess their most vulnerable moments, revealing cancer experiences they never told anyone else – what they thought about at night before going to bed, what they wish they could tell their lovers but were too afraid to. With irreverent flare and practical wisdom, Everything Changes includes stories, how-to resources, and expert advice on must-know issues

Survivorship

  • LiveStrong Foundation – 866-235-7205 Inspires and empowers people affected by cancer to focus on living. Provides practical information and tools for survivors to live life on their terms
  • National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship – 877-NCCCS-YES (877-622-7937) Advocates and aims to inspire & empower cancer survivors. Website includes patient resources on financial assistance, health insurance, employment rights, cancer advocacy, and clinical trials, as well as an online resource guide.
  • Cancer and Careers – 866-THE-CLRC Empowers and educates cancer survivors to thrive in the work place by providing expert advice, interactive tools, and educational events.
  • Expedition Inspiration – Promotes the physical and mental well-being of breast cancer survivors through organized and sponsored outdoor activities. Includes information about “Take-a-Hike” and other programs for breast cancer survivors
  • Casting for Recovery – A 2 1/2day retreat- at no cost to the participants-for women of all ages and in all stages of breast cancer who live in DC, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Provides counseling and medical education and incorporates fly fishing to promote physical and emotional healing. Connect with other women- Enjoy the beauty of the outdoors- Learn a new sport- Focus on quality of life and empowerment
  • Retreat for Women Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer and Their Female Caregivers– A Journey of Courage and Hope for Women and Women who Support Them. Free Retreat. Contact Johns Hopkins Breast Center for dates and to register. 443-287-0592
    Pearlpoint
  • Fertile Hope –1-888-994-4673. Can help with genetic counseling, family planning, fertility preservation
  • Shady Grove Fertility – 1-301-545-1381 (call center) Make sure they know you are a breast cancer patient and they will expedite appt.
  • MyOncoFertility – 866-708-3378 Provides information the potential effect of cancer and treatment on fertility, options for preserving fertility, and resources for discussing these issues with a doctor. The website has a physician finder resource to search for a physician who can assist with fertility preservation options
  • Pure Romance – 866-ROMANCE (866-766-2629), Offers an exclusive line of lubricants and bedroom accessories including products specifically for women affected by breast cancer. The Sensuality, Sexuality, Survival Program focuses on helping survivors recapture their sexuality.
  • The Lovin’ Ain’t Over for Women with Cancer by Ralph & Barbara Alterowitz
  • Livestrong – Discusses female sexual health after cancer
    Cancer Sexuality for women with cancer
    Lubricant info

Treatments

Radiation Therapy

  • American Brachytherapy Society-americanbrachytherapy.org. Provides information about the use of brachytherapy to treat breast CA
    The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) –1800-962-7876
  • Mammosite – info on mammosite radiation 1-877-566-9866
  • Reston Hospital Radiation Therapy Department –703-689-9330
  • RT Answers – Explains how radiation oncologists use radiation therapy to treat cancer safely and effectively.

Chemotherapy

  • ChemoCare – chemocare.com Information on chemotherapy drugs, managing side effects, and eating well during chemotherapy.

 

  • Breast Cancer Wellness – Talks about ways you can help heal yourself after breast cancer & can get magazine subscription offering info on holistic health and wellness
  • GW center for Integrative Medicine – Center for Integrative Medicine 908 New Hampshire Ave Suite 200 Washington, DC 20037 (202) 833-5055(office) (202) 833-5755 (fax )
  • Center for Mind-Body Medicine
  • National Center for Complimentary & Alternative Medicine
  • Office of Cancer Complimentary & Alternative Medicine
  • Annie Appleseed Project
  • American Institute for Cancer Research
  • Plastic Surgery – pictures/video and chat room for patients who need or have had reconstruction
  • Your Breast Options – Comprehensive information about breast reconstruction options, including testimonials. Includes before & after photos, including information such as age, weight, height, procedure information and implant style that has been used or flap.
  • The American Society of Plastic Surgeons – Website includes a before/after photo gallery of breast reconstruction
  • Breast Reconstruction – A comprehensive resource for breast reconstruction. Includes photos and personal stories.
  • American Cancer Society-Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy
    Vinnie Myers – 3-D Nipple tattooing in Baltimore, Maryland (410-876-4638) 2025 Suffolk Rd, Finksburg MD 21048
  • Patient Advocate Foundation – Assist pt with obtaining a screening mammogram thru Every Woman’s Life and help them get charity assist – 1-800-532-5274
  • Every Woman’s Life Program for free mammograms – Willston Multicultural Center-6131 Willston Dr #6 Falls Church, VA 22044. The contact is Yen Truong and her number is 703-532-3716.
  • Virginia program – do not need to be a Falls Church resident. Also helps to provide free clinical breast exams, Pap tests and pelvic exams to women who qualify.
  • Washington DC-Capital Breast Center – 1-202-784-2706
  • CDC-National Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Programs –1-800-232-4636
  • NovaClinics – helps find free clinics
  • GW Mammovan – 202-741-3252 (go to website to see schedule of locations) M-F 8am-5pm
  • Loudoun Breast Health Network – for patients in Loudoun County only. Can help with paying for mammo or there are resources on website for free mammos in Loudoun.
  • The Cancer Project – 1-202-244-5038. Educates people on the benefits of a healthy diet for cancer prevention and survival
    Reston Hospital Nutrition Dept – 703-689-9108
    ACS Dietician on call –1-800-227-2345
    Life with Cancer nutrition classes – 703-698-2526
    American Institute for Cancer Research
  • Reston Hospital Center PT/OT – 703-689-9250 Kanchan Akmanchi OTR, Certified Lymphedema Therapist Suite 200 Pavilion Bldg
    Jackson Clinics – Herndon office 150 Elden St. Suite 242 Herndon, VA 20170. 703-689-3737
    Inova Physical Therapy Center-Ashburn – (Crystal Phelps & Michelle Porter work with the ROM and lymphedema prevention) 703-726-1616 20905 Professional Plaza, Suite 110 Ashburn, VA 20147
    National Lymphedema Network – 1-800-541-3259
    Stephanie L. Grant, CMT – Eurobronze 8693 Sudley Rd, Manassas. 703-447-9040. Certified in oncology massage therapy and manual lymph drainage
    BrightLifeDirect – Website offering lymphedema products.
    Marilyn Westbrook Garment Fund – Provides financial funds for patients who do not have insurance or the financial means to purchase compression sleeve(s)/stocking(s)
    The Pink Lily – 855-746-5545 Provide wigs, prostheses, mastectomy bras, camisoles, and lymphedema sleeves. Personal shopper will come to your home and measure you to help find the best fit

Specific Cancers

  • Triple Negative Breast Cancer Helpline (TNBC Helpline) –1-877-880-8622 (1-877-880-TNBC)
  • Triple Step Toward the Cure – Offers general and financial support for triple negative breast cancer patients.
  • Life with Cancer – offers the Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Support Network (monthly support group meeting for individuals with BRCA mutations) or 703-698-2526
  • FORCE – Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (for individuals & families affected by hereditary breast & ovarian cancer)
    Previvors and Survivors
  • HerConnection – Free educational program to get information and helpful advice from registered oncology nurses about Her2+ breast cancer and Herceptin.
  • HER Connection Support Line – 1-866-449-HER2 (4372) Connects patients with oncology nurses who can tell them all about HER-2 + breast cancer and can connect them with people who have the diagnosis.
  • Inflammatory Breast Cancer Support
  • Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation – 877-786-7422
  • Advanced Breast Cancer Community – An information source and online community dedicated to the needs of advanced/metastatic breast cancer patients, caregivers
  • Metastatic Breast Cancer Network –1-888-500-0370 Dedicated to easing the fear of metastatic disease, & helping pt with disease mgmt & coping
  • The METAvivor Research Program
    Faces of MBC – Learn from the unique experiences and challenges of living with and supporting someone with MBC. Through Faces of MBC, participate in a community of people who are coming together to build a stronger connection with each other and better understanding of this disease

If you are an organization providing resources to breast cancer patients and would like to be included in this list, please complete our online form.