Help Them Fight…
is just one of many resources online that you, your friend, or your loved one may find useful during this trying time. I’ve put together some of the most popular, unique, and information-rich websites that I’ve discovered that may be useful to you. Feel free to drop a link in the comments below if you know of a resource that should be on the list.
CaringBridge
CaringBridge is a fantastic platform that helps you stay in touch with family and friends throughout an illness. They help you create your own free website to post updates for your entire group of supporters. You can post help and prayer requests, and your community can offer words of encouragement right on your website. Save yourself time and stress of keeping everyone informed through this easy-to-use and free web service.
Belong.life
Belong.life is a social network website and organizational tool for cancer patients who want to use technology to connect with health professionals and other patients. Here you can chat with doctors and nurses, discuss tips with other patients, and receive support from the online community. Their mobile app allows you to store and manage your documents for easy use at medical appointments. They also help match patients to clinical trials.
Inspire
Inspire.com has over 50 online communities, grouped by cancer types. Patients and families can connect with others for support, encouragement, and information. Community non-profit supporters, like the American Lung Association and the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, help moderate the communities to provide answers to members’ questions. This site is a valuable mix of social connections and information.
Stupid Cancer
Young adults with cancer are at risk of social isolation and depression. While their peers are growing, learning, and building lives, young adults with cancer are focused on an entirely different process. This website offers information and support for young adults in a community of people with similar problems. Straight-forward advice and sharing stories make this website invaluable for young adults with cancer.
Cancer Support Community
The Cancer Support Community, a non-profit service and research organization, has a website full of resources for cancer patients and their loved ones. They provide free counseling by phone or live web chat, links to local support resources, and have partnered with Airbnb to offer free housing for cancer patients and caregivers who meet specific criteria. They also contribute to research about ways that support improves the lives of cancer families.
Jack’s Caregiver Coalition
Jack’s Caregiver Coalition hosts this website for men who are caregivers for someone with an illness. Their mission is to support and educate men throughout their caregiving experience. The website offers podcasts, a blog, and an email newsletter. They also coordinate events in Minnesota to bring men together for companionship and encouragement.
Live Strong
The Live Strong Foundation began in 1997 as the Lance Armstrong Foundation. They fund research on treatments, support, and cancer survival. Their website offers inspiration and encouragement through survivor’s stories and community programs. They also offer free, personalized support services in English and Spanish.
Lotsa Helping Hands
Getting help from family and friends is simple with LotsaHelpingHands.com. You can create a calendar with requests for help with meals and rides to the doctor. Let helpers know when it’s a good time for a visit or when you need someone to stay with your loved one or watch the kids. It’s easy to invite people to view your calendar link so they can sign up to help.
Cancer Hope Network
CancerHopeNetwork.org matches patients and families to one-on-one support volunteers. The volunteers have completed cancer treatment or are currently receiving maintenance therapies. They also have volunteers who have participated in clinical trials and offer support to others who are considering or experiencing that option. The website has a list of online resources grouped by cancer type, making it a good place to begin your search for more information.
Cancer Care
This website is the online resource from Cancer Care, an organization with 75 years of experience in helping cancer patients and their families. The website provides counseling, support groups, and education workshops online and over the phone. Their oncology social workers also help find financial assistance for co-payments and cancer-related expenses. The Stories of Help and Hope page offers encouragement and inspiration to fight this disease.
Cleaning for a Reason
This is a non-profit organization whose mission is to give the gift of a free house cleaning to women undergoing treatment for any type of cancer. They have partnered with over 1200 maid services from around the country to provide free house cleaning. Since beginning in 2006, they have provided cleaning services for over 30,000 women fighting cancer. What a great resource!
