Patient Resources
Patient Resources
The following links will direct you to sites offering up-to-date information about cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment. In addition, the oncology social workers at Ackerman Cancer Center are always happy to provide information about local support programs.
To find out more information about patient resources, please call the social work department at (904) 880-5522 or email socialwork@ackermancancer.com.
Local Resources
Ackerman Cancer Foundation
The non-profit arm of Ackerman Cancer Center providing patient support services to those touched by cancer.
Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those touched by cancer by offering patient support services, including financial support, educational programs, and services.
American Cancer Society
It provides various programs to patients and their families across the First Coast and all over the United States. Visit their website or call them to find out more about programs that fit your needs.
4030 Boulevard Center Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32202
904.398.0537
800.ACS.2345
www.cancer.org
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
This is a volunteer organization dedicated to curing leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma and improving the quality of lives of those affected by these cancers. They offer a monthly support group and limited financial assistance for costs associated with diagnostic services.
7077 Bonneval Road Suite 103
Jacksonville, FL 32216
904.332.6414
www.leukemia.org
Kids Together Against Cancer
Talking with your family is one of the hardest things to do when you have cancer. Kids Together Against Cancer (KTAC) provides support to children and their families when a parent is diagnosed with cancer.
KTAC programs are free to the public, and anyone, no matter where they are being treated, can participate. We offer educational workshops and monthly support groups, as well as information and resources to give you helping hands during your cancer journey.
Jennifer Maggiore
904.742.2916
info@ktacjax.com
www.ktacjax.com
Live for Today
This is a cancer support group for young adults.
It is a nonprofit organization that helps young adults with cancer by providing programs that create adventure, encourage new experiences, uplift through support, and inspire a healthy lifestyle.
Live for Today Foundation, Inc.
340 Sawmill Lane
Ponte Vedra, FL 32082
904.273.4590
mail@live-for-today.org
www.live-for-today.org
Bosom Buddies
Women’s Center of Jacksonville
It provides support and education for women with breast cancer.
 5644 Colcord Avenue
Jacksonville, FL 32211
904.722.3000 ext.224
mail@womenscenterofjax.org
www.womenscenterofjax.org
The Sontag Foundation
The Sontag family began their foundation as a way to fund biomedical research. Our primary focus is on brain cancer, with additional support for rheumatoid arthritis. Providing grant support to programs helping individuals in Northeast Florida become more self-sufficient has also become a priority.
info@sontagfoundation.org
sontagfoundation.org
Sisters Network
Sisters Network® Inc. is committed to increasing local and national attention to the devastating impact that breast cancer has on the African American community.
904.757.6622
neflorida@sistersnetworkinc.org
www.sistersnetworkinc.org
Toula’s Tips for Caregivers
Tune in to 600 AM WBOB to listen to words of encouragement and tips to help you care for yourself as well as your loved ones.
Call 904.854.1320 to talk to Toula during the show.
The Donna Foundation
The Foundation raises money to be used exclusively for First Coast women living with breast cancer who, for whatever reason, can’t make ends meet. We have partnered with Catholic Charities, the largest social service agency in the area. It lovingly screens each recipient, and then the Donna Foundation makes the checks payable to the mortgage company, the utilities carrier, the doctor’s office, etc.
The Donna Foundation
1015 Atlantic Blvd. #144
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
904.242.0034
www.thedonnafoundation.org
Jacksonville Dragon Boat Club / The Mammoglams
We’ve won the battle, now let’s paddle!
The Mammoglams are a Jacksonville Dragon Boat Club team made up entirely of breast cancer survivors. The team was formed by Jeri Millard, founder of In the Pink (a boutique for women living with cancer). Contact Marty Millard, team coach, if you are interested in joining.
Jacksonville Dragon Boat Club
2305 Beach Blvd, Suite 110 & 111
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
904.536.3475
millardm@comcast.net
www.jacksonvilledragonboatclub.com
www.jaxinthepink.com
Patient Assistance Foundation
The foundation provides short-term financial assistance to patients undergoing treatments for cancer or blood-related diseases in Northeast Florida.
The mission of the Patient Assistance Foundation of Cancer Specialists of North Florida is to ease the financial burden of patients in our community who are suffering from cancer or malignant blood-related diseases.
7015 A C Skinner Parkway, Suite 1
Jacksonville, FL 32256
904.519.2739
foundation@csnf.us
www.pafcsnf.org
BEAM Team (Bravely Educating and Mentoring)
The BEAM Team is a group of cancer survivors who are available to speak to anyone about their cancer journey—whether you have just been diagnosed or are currently on treatment or have a loved one with cancer. BEAM stands for Bravely Educating and Mentoring.
If you would like to connect with a member of the BEAM Team, please contact the Ackerman Cancer Center Social Work Department at 904.880.5522.
National Resources
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society provides educational material and information on cancer and maintains a database of a variety of resources to help you through the cancer experience. You may call the Florida Service Center at 800.277.9954 to register for services such as the Lifeline Transportation Program, which assists patients with finding transportation resources. Other support programs include a prostate cancer support group, breast cancer support after surgery, and assistance with wigs and prosthetics.
800.ACS.2345
www.cancer.org
CancerCare, Inc.
This is a nonprofit social service agency that provides counseling and guidance to assist patients and their loved ones through the cancer experience. They offer support groups and educational teleconferences as well as a variety of publications on up-to-date cancer information. You may register on their website or by phone to receive information.
1.800.813.HOPE
www.cancercare.org
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
This is a volunteer organization dedicated to curing leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma and improving the quality of lives of those affected by these cancers. They offer a monthly support group and limited financial assistance for costs associated with diagnostic services.
800.955.4572
www.leukemia.org
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
The NCI provides comprehensive information on cancer research and treatment. Italso has information on clinical trials and locations of specific trials currently being offered throughout the United States. It also provides free publications on a variety of topics.
800.4.CANCER
www.cancer.gov
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS)
NCCS’s mission is to advocate for quality cancer care for all people touched by cancer. Founded by and for cancer survivors, NCCS created the widely accepted definition of survivorship and defines someone as a cancer survivor from the time of diagnosis and for the balance of life.
301.650.8868
www.canceradvocacy.org
Cancer Hope Network
We provide one-on-one support to people undergoing treatment for cancer and to their families. We provide this support by training individuals who have recovered from cancer and matching them with cancer patients currently undergoing a similar experience. Through this matching process, we strive to instill hope and to make a difference in their fight against cancer.
877.HOPENET
www.cancerhopenetwork.org
LIVESTRONG
We believe that unity is strength, knowledge is power, and attitude is everything. Our programs, awareness events, and advocacy work are the heart of what we do, and our leaders and donors provide both the vision and the support for us to carry out our mission.
866.235.7205
www.livestrong.org
Inheritance of Hope – Every Family Deserves A Legacy
This is a nonprofit organization that works with young families facing the loss of a parent. Through counseling and retreat programs, Inheritance of Hope helps spouses and children of terminally ill patients prepare for the eventual loss of that parent.
info@inheritanceofhope.org
www.inheritanceofhope.org
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
For more than 20 years, the Susan G. Komen Foundation has been a leader in the fight against breast cancer through its support of innovative research and community-based outreach programs. The Komen Foundation is fighting to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by funding research grants and supporting education, screening, and treatment projects in communities around the world.
800.462.9273
www.komen.org
Prostate Cancer Foundation
This organization provides information and support to prostate cancer patients. The Prostate Cancer Foundation funds research to find better treatments and a cure for prostate cancer. The website has information on various treatment options and supportive resources.
800.757.CURE
www.prostatecancerfoundation.org
Lung Cancer Alliance
This is a national nonprofit organization dedicated solely to patient support and advocacy for people living with lung cancer and those at risk for the disease.
800.298.2436
www.lungcanceralliance.org
National Brain Tumor Foundation
This foundation provides education, resources, and support for those diagnosed with brain tumors. Its comprehensive website provides information on local support groups, online message boards, and information on its financial assistance program.
800.934.CURE
www.braintumor.org
Melanoma Research Foundation
Its aims are: to support medical research for finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma; to educate patients and physicians on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of melanoma; to act as an advocate for the melanoma community to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure.
800.MRF.1290
www.melanoma.org
Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer
This patient-directed, self-help organization is dedicated to meeting the needs of oral and head and neck cancer patients. It addresses the broad emotional, physical, and humanistic needs of this population.
800.377.0928
www.spohnc.org
Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN)
The PAN Foundation offers help and hope to people with chronic or life-threatening illnesses for whom cost limits access to breakthrough medical treatments.
866.316.7263
www.panfoundation.org
HealthWell Foundation
Our vision is to ensure that no patient, adult or child, goes without essential medications because they cannot afford them. We reduce financial barriers to care for underinsured patients with chronic or life-threatening diseases.
800.675.8416
www.healthwellfoundation.org
Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF)
This is a nonprofit organization that provides professional case management services to Americans with chronic, life-threatening, and debilitating illnesses. PAF’s case managers serve as active liaisons among the patient and their insurer, employer, and/or creditors to resolve insurance, job retention, and/or debt crisis matters as they relate to their diagnosis and are also assisted by doctors and health-care attorneys. PAF seeks to safeguard patients through effective mediation, ensuring access to care, maintenance of employment, and preservation of their financial stability.
866.512.3861
www.patientadvocate.org
Partnership for Prescription Assistance
Our mission is to increase awareness of patient assistance programs and boost enrollment of those who are eligible. We offer a single point of access to more than 475 public and private programs, including nearly 200 offered by biopharmaceutical companies.
888.477.2669
www.pparx.org
NeedyMeds
We are a national nonprofit organization that maintains a website of free information on programs helping people who can’t afford medications and health care costs. More than 1.3 million patients, family members, health care professionals, social workers, and patient advocates use the NeedyMeds website each year. We regularly update data on over 5,000 assistance programs, 13,000 free/low-cost/sliding scale clinics and 1,500 drug discount coupons. We also publish information about resources for specific diseases. All our information is accessible online, at no charge and without registration.
800.503.6897
www.needymeds.org
MOSAIC – MetaCancer Foundation’s Online Community
Mosaic is an oasis that allows you to share your experiences with others or just keep them to yourself. It’s a safe and supportive environment that lets you express yourself and chronicle your journey, no matter where you are or what you’re feeling. From a shout to a whisper, you can make your voice heard—even if it’s only by you. Mosaic is moderated by a licensed clinical social worker.
MetaCancer – An Oasis for Survivors and Caregivers Living with Metastatic Cancers
This organization provides resources and support for metastatic cancer survivors and their caregivers. MetaCancer encourages dialogue among those with very different types of metastatic cancer (breast, prostate, colorectal, ovarian, bladder/urinary, skin, lung, and testicular among others), even though respective treatment protocols and medical issues may seem to have little in common with each other.
The Whole Care Network
The Whole Care Network is a multimedia, multichannel platform for caregivers to locate and share trusted resources where they can take comfort and refuge through real-life stories while being personally validated in their caregiving journey by those who understand. Audio, video, and written word through podcasts, live (video) events, and blog posts are the types of resources available and can be accessed through its website.