Many resources related to cancer diagnoses are disease specific. Unfortunately, being diagnosed with a rare cancer like GIST, which most people have never even heard of, can make finding resources more challenging. While this is not an exhaustive list of resources available, these organizations can provide a wealth of information and assistance.
Lodging
Hope Lodge through the American Cancer Society (ACS) is available in 36 major cities across the United States. Hope Lodge provides free lodging accommodations for patients and caregivers traveling far from home for outpatient medical care related to the patient’s cancer diagnosis. To qualify for a stay, you must reside more than 40 miles or one hour away from the cancer treatment center. Each patient must be accompanied by a caregiver. The request must be initiated by the treatment facility doctor or social worker. For more information visit https://www.cancer.org/ or call 1-800-227-2345.
Transportation/Travel
ACS has partnered with Lyft to provide free rides for those battling cancer. It is part of the society’s Road To Recovery program. The rides are available to and from treatments and are free of charge, courtesy of ACS. Road to Recovery offers patients who do not have a ride or are unable to drive themselves, free rides to cancer-related medical appointments. To find out if the Road to Recovery is available in your area contact the ACS at 1-800-227-2345 or online at https://www.cancer.org/
Uber has partnered with healthcare organizations to offer rides for patients through Uber Health. Ask your healthcare provider/hospital about this partnership to access its benefits.
Angel Airlines for Cancer Patients (AACP) provides no-cost commercial airline tickets for cancer patients and their families. An information specialist will determine the needs of the patient and make a determination of the best form of travel assistance. For more information please call 1-888-675-1405 or visit https://angelairlinesforcancerpatients.org
Mercy Medical Angels may be able to help with transportation costs in the form of gas cards, bus and train tickets, and air flights through commercial airlines and volunteer pilots. For more information please visit mercymedical.org
Open Homes by AirBnB provides free places to stay for people in times of need. The program supports medical patients and their caregivers, evacuees, relief workers, and asylum seekers. https://bit.ly/AirBnB-eligibility
Medications
Gleevec – Novartis Patient Assistance for patients taking Gleevec, Novartis offers financial assistance programs for those who have limited or no third-party insurance coverage for their medicines. For further information please call 1-800-282-7630 or visit https://www.pharma.us.novartis.com/our-products/patient-assistance
Financial assistance for Glivec is also available internationally through The Max Foundation through their The Glivec International Patient Assistance Program (GIPAP). For more information please call 1-888-462-9368 or visit https://www.themaxfoundation.org/what-does-treatment-access-mean-to-you/
Sutent – Pfizer RxPathways assists patient with financial challenges through insurance support, co-pay help, and medicines for free or at a savings. Call 1-877-744-5675 or visit https://www.pfizerrxpathways.com/
The Max Foundation has partnered with Pfizer for a pilot program to assist international patients with financial barriers gain access to Sutent. For more information please call 1-888-462-9368 or visit https://www.themaxfoundation.org/what-does-treatment-access-mean-to-you/
Stivarga – (REACH) Resources for Expert Assistance and Care Helpline offers financial assistance options for those struggling to afford Stivarga. For more information please visit: https://www.stivarga-us.com/getting-and-paying/
Ayvakit – Your BlueprintTM is a patient support program to assist you through your treatment by providing one-on-one support, financial assistance options, and resources. Connect with a case manager today atL 1-888-BLUPRINT (1-888-258-7768). Patient Guide is available at: https://ayvakit.com/wp-content/uploads/AYVAKIT_Patient_and_Caregiver_Guide.pdf
GoodRx is a prescription savings program for those who are uninsured or underinsured. You may not use GoodRx in combination with your insurance plan. If you have insurance and choose to use a GoodRx cost savings card, the price you pay will NOT count toward your deductible or out of pocket maximum. For more information please visit https://www.goodrx.com/
Psychosocial Support
CancerCare provides free individual and group support to anyone affected by cancer. Oncology Social Workers provide short-term, strengths-based emotional support and may also assist in locating practical assistance, including community resources. In-person services are available in New York City, New Jersey and Long Island. However, online and telephone support are available nationally. To learn more about these services please visit https://www.cancercare.org/ or call 1-800-813-HOPE (4673).
Cancer Support Community has 170 locations worldwide, including 46 licensed affiliates and health care partnerships. They provide in-person support groups, educational sessions and health and wellness programs that are available to patients with a cancer diagnosis as well as caregivers. They have helpline counselors available online and over the phone, Monday-Friday from 9am-9pm whether you are looking for cancer resources and information or someone to talk to about emotional and social worries that come along with a cancer diagnosis. For more information please call 1-888-793-9355 or visit https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/
Mary’s Place by the Sea is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women who are receiving treatment for cancer. They provide services that complement medical treatment including oncology massages, nutrition education, individual counseling, expressive writing, reflexology, Reiki, guided meditation, prayer, and yoga. These services are offered free of charge. There are several locations throughout the United States. To see the guest reservation guidelines and for more information please visit https://www.marysplacebythesea.org/ or call 732-455-5344.
211 is an organization available 24/7 that connects people with local resources and services. You can call, text, or online chat, with a resource specialist to help you find supplemental food and nutrition programs, shelter and housing options and utilities assistance, emergency information and disaster relief, employment and education opportunities, services for veterans, health care, vaccination and health epidemic information, addiction prevention and rehabilitation programs, re-entry help for ex-offenders, support groups for individuals with mental illnesses or special needs, and a safe, confidential path out of physical and/or emotional domestic abuse. For more information see http://211.org/
For more resources see: https://staging.liferaftgroup.org/financial-aid/
