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M – P
Make-a-Wish Foundation of America
800 722-9474
602 279-9474
www.wish.org
An organization that grants the wishes of children and teens, ages 2 to 18, who have life-threatening illnesses.
Making Headway Foundation Inc.
914 238-8384
www.makingheadway.org
Strives to improve treatment, quality of life and survivorship for children and adolescents with brain and spinal cord tumors through research, support, education, and advocacy.
Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation
www.makingmemories.org
Mission to grant wishes for metastatic breast cancer patients to have a dream or wish fulfilled by providing a special time of ‘Making Memories’ together with their families. Strives to advance the awareness of breast cancer and to educate the public about the vast resources and support available to breast cancer patients and their families.
Malecare
www.malecare.org
info@malecare.com
212 844-8369
Gay/ Bi/ Transgender men's cancer survivor advocacy and support group national non-profit. Founded in 1998, Malecare has helped thousands of Gay men diagnosed with prostate, testicular, and male breast cancer with online and in-person support groups throughout the United States. Malecare has represented numerous times in Congressional and FDA hearings and has facilitated over 150 community cancer survivor events. Malecare's publications include the seminal work, A Gay Man's Guide to Prostate Cancer. All services are free.
MAMM Magazine
www.mamm.com
The first magazine devoted to meeting the needs of women diagnosed with breast and reproductive cancers. Helps readers understand more about their diagnoses, improve their quality of life, and assess current treatments and new therapies on the horizon.
Marguerite C. Johnson Senior Center
640 Drake
Marin City, California 94965
415 332-9323
A non-profit organization located in southern Marin providing programs for senior citizens 60 and older. Activities include monthly shopping trips, groceries, bingo, arts & crafts, tai-chi, movie day, and monthly lunches with guest speakers.
Marilyn’s Fund
Marin General Hospital Foundation
1350 South Eliseo #140Greenbrae, California 94904
415 925-7920
Provides a one-time grant of financial assistance up to $300 to women for complementary treatments, medications, wigs, nutritional supplements, and miscellaneous expenses while they are in treatment.
Marin Cancer Institute
1350 South Eliseo Drive
Greenbrae, California 94904
415 925-7822
www.marincancerinstitute.org
An integrated program of care that promotes prevention, early detection, and provides treatment, rehabilitation, and supportive care offered in the Cancer Care Center at Marin General Hospital. A coordinated comprehensive breast imaging, breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery program. Provides individual and group education on all aspects of breast health and breast cancer. Cancer support groups, including a group focusing on cancer and parenthood and one for partners of women with breast cancer. Workshops, retreats, and classes incorporate yoga and other healing arts. Resource Center offers books, videos, and tapes. Prosthesis, wardrobe, grooming, breast prosthesis, hats and turbans, wigs.
Marin Center for Independent Living
710 Fourth Street
San Rafael, California 94901
415 459-6245
Program for under-insured, low-income residents. Provides financial assistance with medical premiums and rent/mortgage payments. Maximum allotment is $2000 per person. Offers benefits counseling, advocacy, referrals to resources, lists of jobs and affordable housing, and case management. Public and private benefits counseling services for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer in Marin County.
Marin Community Clinic
250 Bon Air Road
Greenbrae, California
400 Professional Center Drive, Suite 424
Novato, California 94947
415 448-1500
www.marinclinic.org
Provides comprehensive primary health-care services to uninsured and low-income residents in Marin. Mobilizes physicians, other health-care providers, public agencies, and a network of community organizations to create an extensive health-care delivery system serving more than 14,000 patients every year. Monthly Breast Health Days are held on the first Saturday of every month for Marin Community Clinic patients (low-income, under-insured or uninsured women from all ethnic groups). Participants receive clinical breast exams, breast health education, and a screening mammogram.
Marin Community Food Bank
75 Digital Drive
Novato, California 94949
415 883-1302
The “Brown Bag” serves low-income seniors (age 60 and over) twice a month. “Compassion in Action” provides food once a month to those in need and in long-term medical crisis situations. The Food Bank provides short-term “emergency food” for those who meet eligibility requirements.
Marin County Department of Health and Human Services
361 Third Street #E
San Rafael, California 94901
415 507-4019
Provides various tests and medical services for a reduced cost or for free.
Marin Friends of Women
Yolanda Gibson
P.O. Box 2154
San Anselmo, California 94979
415 721-4612
Bilingual support and interpreting for Latina women suffering with breast cancer. Offers nutrition information and workshops on healthy cooking. Outreach in the Latina community to educate women on mammography and how to navigate through the health system.
MarinLink
www.marinlink.org
5800 Northgate Mall, Suite 250
San Rafael, CA 94903
415 472-0211
"Connecting our community for success" with Warm Wishes program, Project Homelesss Connect, The Corridors Project, Fiscal Sponsorship Progra, 2-1-1 Marin ... and more
Marin Lymphedema Information and Support Group
1350 South Eliseo
Greenbrae, California 94904
415 925-7787 or 924-1699
Meetings are usually held monthly at the Marin Cancer Resource and Recovery Center.
Marin Man to Man
Corte Madera, California
415 459-3434
A drop-in free group open to any male whose partner has or had cancer. The breakfast group meets every Wednesday in Corte Madera.
Marin Orthopedic
479 Entrada Drive
Novato, California 94947
415 883-3334
www.marinorthopedic.com
A retail durable medical equipment store with certified fitters. Provides a full line of mastectomy and ostomy products and lymphedema sleeves.
Martin Rossman, MD
www.the healing mind.org
1341 South Eliseo Drive, Suite 350
Greenbrae, California
415 925-8600
Dr. Rossman has worked with cancer patients for over 35 years, doing Integrative Medicine consultations and treatment planning, helping them make decisions, acting as a patient advocate, and working individually to support their health with acupuncture, nutritional support, and guided imagery. He says, "The power of the mind is vast. A great deal of medical research shows that guided imagery can relieve stress, pain, and anxiety, reduce complications from surgery and medical procedures, and stimulate healing responses in the body. Imagery also leads to greater mind/ body awareness and gives you a powerful set of tools for changing your life to support your health." Larry Dossey MD and author of Healing Beyond the Body, Reinventing Medicine, and Healing Works, speaks of Dr. Rossman's book, Fighting Cancer from Within: "From one of America's pioneers in holistic medicine comes a book that approaches cancer from a comprehensive body-mind-spirit perspective. No one who is dealing with cancer can afford to neglect any of these dimensions."
Matt’s Promise Foundation
973 467-1211
www.mattspromise.org
Provides funding for treatment, research, education, and support programs for young adults affected by cancer.
Mautner Project for Lesbians with Cancer
866 628-8637
202 332-5536
www.mautnerproject.org
National organization dedicated to lesbians with cancer, their partners, and caregivers. Site provides education and information about cancer and advocacy on lesbian health issue in national and local arenas.
Meals of Marin
3095 Kerner Blvd.
San Rafael, California 94901
415 457-4666
Prepares and delivers 350 meals every day to people battling AIDS, cancer, and other critical illnesses. They often provide food for their clients' loved ones as well, most often for their under-age children. With this, they help bring a sense of balance and normalcy back into their lives. The volunteers not only bring delicious meals. They also provide comfort through human contact.
Medicare
800 633-4227
www.medicare.gov
Information about Medicare, including how to choose the right plan, billing information, search tools for various health services, and prescription drug coverage.
Medicare Rights Center
800 333-4114
212 869-3850
202 544-5561
www.medicarerights.org
Largest independent source of health-care information and assistance for people with Medicare. Helps older adults and people with disabilities get good affordable health care.
Medicine Online
www.meds.com/leukemia
Offers information and education on prescription oncology medicines. The Leukemia Information Center is an educational library for healthcare professionals and patients in the U.S.
Melanoma International Foundation
866 463-6663
610 942-3432
www.melanomaintl.org
Mission is to ease the burden and bring hope to the journey of melanoma through patient support, early detection, education, and advocacy.
Melanoma Research Foundation
800 673-1290
ww.melanoma.org
Mission is to support medical research for finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, to educate patients and physicians about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of melanoma, and to act as an advocate for the melanoma community to raise the awareness of this disease and the need for a cure.
Men Against Breast Cancer
866 547-6222
www.menagainstbreastcancer.org
The first national organization designed to provide support services to educate and empower men to be effective caregivers when breast cancer strikes a female loved one, as well as to mobilize men to be active participants in the fight to eradicate breast cancer. Offers book For the Women We Love: A Breast Cancer Action Plan and Caregivers’ Guide for Men.
Merck Patient Assistance Program
800 727-5400
Medication assistance
Merck Prescription Discount Program
800 506-3725
Medication assistance
Meredith McCarthy
Marin County, California
www.healingcuisine.com
Meredith is an holistic nutritionist, diet counselor, and nutrition educator. She is the author of three cookbooks including Sweet and Natural, winner of the Versailles World Cookbook Award. She is the former Associate Editor of Natural Health Magazine and Director of the East West Center for Macrobiotics for 19 years.
Mesothelioma
www.mesotheliomaweb.org
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lung caused by exposure to asbestos. Many people have been exposed to asbestos at some point in their lives but, because of long latency periods, a person might not be diagnosed with mesothelioma until many years after he or she has been exposed. If you have been exposed to asbestos or know someone who has, please visit this site. For a decade, Mesothelioma Web has been one of the most comprehensive sites on mesothelioma, providing facts about palliative care, nutrition, and chemotherapy, as well as information on clinical trials.
Mill Valley Health Club & Spa
Mill Valley, California
www.millvalleyhealthclub.com
Miwok Livery Stables
701 Tennessee Valley Road
Mill Valley, California
415 383-8048
www.miwokstables.com
The Livery has given riding lessons and guided trail rides at Miwok Stables for 26 years. Residents of San Francisco and Marin, park visitors from the Bay Area, and tourists from near and far have enjoyed riding at Miwok. The Stable is located in an historic dairy barn built early in the last century by Portuguese settlers. Miwok Indians lived here for centuries before the valley became part of a Spanish land grant. The stables and surrounding thousand acres were purchased by the National Park Service in 1973 to become the Golden Gate National Recreational Area - a national park gem with unspoiled rural vistas, valleys, and wildlife hidden in a protected pocket, just minutes away from the urban landscape of San Francisco. Linda Rubio and her staff have been gracious in offering classes to cancer survivors.
Mommy’s Light
610 725-9790
www.mommyslight.org
Mission is to bring joy and comfort to children and teens by helping them keep alive traditions or simple pleasures they shared with their mothers.
Mothers’ Living Stories Project
2011 Cedar Street
Berkeley, California 94709
510 466-5053
www.motherslivingstories.org
Helps Bay Area mothers living with cancer audio-record a life story and personal legacy for their children. Another Morning: Voices of Truth and Hope from Mothers with Cancer by Linda Blachman, Project Founder, is based on the mothers’ stories and the work of the Project.
Mothers Supporting Daughters with Breast Cancer
410 778-1982
www.mothersdaughters.com
Free support services designed to help mothers who have daughters battling breast cancer. Includes one-on-one support by mother volunteers who have experienced the same challenge.
Mouth Cancer Foundation
www.mouthcancerfoundation.org
Objective is the relief of sickness and the promotion and protection of good health among those suffering or at risk for mouth, throat and other head and neck cancers by the collation and dissemination of relevant information among the general public and by the provision of support to patients, caregivers, and health professionals.
Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
203 229-0464
www.multiplemyeloma.org
MMRF supports research grants and professional and patient symposia on multiple myeloma and related blood cancers. Publishes a quarterly newsletter and provides links to other organizations.
Naomi’s Hope for a Cure
800 366-CCCF
www.hope4acure.net
Mission to develop new ‘smart drugs’ to give children and adolescents hope for a future and a complete cure.
National Action Plan for Cancer Survivorship
www.cdc..gov/cancer/survivorship
A collaboration in 2002 of LIVESTRONG and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to lead a public health effort to address the issues faced by the growing number of cancer survivors. The project charts a course for the public health community to move effectively and comprehensively to address cancer survivorship with the goal of improving the quality of life for survivors across physical, emotional, and practical topics. In 2006, 2 addenda were added to the National Plan: African American Priorities and Native American Priorities. Stakeholders in each community participated in prioritizing the needs and topics contained in the original action plan and provided comments on each topic area. The resulting addendum provides a framework for actively addressing the needs of these diverse groups of cancer survivors.
National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations
888 806-2226
www.nabco.org
A network of breast cancer organizations that provides information, assistance, and referrals. Acts as an advocate for the interests and concerns of breast cancer survivors and women at risk.
National Asian Women’s Health Organization
One Embarcadero Center, Suite 500
San Francisco, California 94111
415 773-2838
www.nawho.org
NAWHO works to improve the health status of Asian women and families through research, education, leadership, and public policy programs. Designed and implemented national health promotion campaigns and programs on breast and cervical cancer.
National Association of Hospital Hospitality Houses Inc.
800 542-9730
www.nahhh.org
Offers information and a directory of organizations that provide lodging for families of those receiving medical care away from home. Contact them for more specific information.
National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors
703 770-8100
www.naifa.org
Provides information about disability and long-term care insurance. Contact information for health insurance agents in the area. Topics covered include health savings accounts, health insurance choices, COBRA coverage, Social Security, and a glossary of health-care and insurance terms.
National Bone Marrow Transplant Link
800 546-5268
248 358-1886
www.nbmtlink.org
Provides information and support services for bone marrow/ stem cell transplant patients including resource referrals and patient advocacy, telephone peer support, educational publications and videos. Offers a booklet Resource Guide for Stem Cell Transplant, Including Bone Marrow, Peripheral Blood, and Cord Blood: Friends Helping Friends, which lists support networks, donor information, financial resources, information about the transplant process, and practical issues and emotional concerns.
National Brain Tumor Foundation
22 Battery Street, Suite 612
San Francisco, California 94111
800 934-CURE
415 834-9970
www.braintumor.org
NBTF is dedicated to promoting a cure for brain tumors, improving the quality of life and giving hope to the brain tumor community by funding meaningful research and providing patient resources, timely information, and education. The Foundation conducts national and regional conferences, publishes printed materials for patients and family members, provides access to a national network of patient support groups, and awards grants to fund research. Some Spanish-language publications are available.
National Breast Cancer Coalition
800 622-2838
202 296-7477
www.natlbcc.org
NBCC is the nation’s largest grassroots breast cancer advocacy group with more than 600 member organizations and 79,000 members and supporters. Formed with one mission, to eradicate breast cancer through action and advocacy. Lobby at the national, state, and local levels for public policies that impact breast cancer research, diagnosis, and treatment. NBCC’s sister organization, the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund, empowers and trains NBCC members to be effective in every aspect of the fight to end breast cancer. It gives women the tools to makes their own informed decisions and to work beside legislative, scientific and clinical policy makers.
National Cancer Institute
800 422-6237
www.cancer.gov
A component of the National Institute of Health, one of eight agencies that comprise the Public Health Service in the Department of Health and Human Services. Coordinates the National Cancer Program which conducts research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and the continuing care of patients and their families. The government's cancer information service can direct patients to local programs. National Cancer Institute Cancer Information Services800 422-6237 www.nci.nih.govOffers an extensive listing of financial assistance programs for cancer care.
National Cancer Institute Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine
888 644-6226
www.cancer.gov/cam
Mission is to improve the quality of care of cancer patients and those at risk for cancer and those recovering from cancer treatment by contributing to the advancement of evidence-based complementary and alternative practice and the sciences that support it as well as the availability of high-quality information for the health care community, researchers, and the general public.
National Cancer Institute Office of Cancer Survivorship
www.dccps.nci.hih.gov.ocs
The OCS provides extensive information to survivors, their families, health-care providers, advocates, and the research community. One of the most useful sections is “Post-Treatment Resources: Follow-up Medical Care After Cancer Treatment” with fact sheets, tips, and access to adult and pediatric guidelines for care from selected organizations.
National Cervical Cancer Coalition
800 685-5531
818 909-3849
www.nccc-online.org
A grassroots nonprofit campaign to educate the public about cervical cancer/ HPV prevention, new screening and treatment options, and follow-up programs. Works to have young girls and women vaccinated to prevent this cancer.
National Cervical Cancer Public Education Campaign
312 578-1439
www.cervicalcancercampaign.org
Led by the Gynecological Cancer Foundation and supported by more than 30 national organizations engaged in informing the public about prevention, early detection and quality treatment of cervical cancer.
National Children’s Cancer Society
314 241-1600
www.nationalchildrenscancersociety.org
Mission is to improve the quality of life by providing financial and in-kind assistance, advocacy, support services, and education.
National Children’s Leukemia Foundation
800 448-3467
718 251-1222
www.leukemiafoundation.org
Mission is to provide the cure and to ease the family’s burden during their hospital stay. The “Make a Dream Come True” program is designed to fulfill the dreams and wishes of young leukemia patients, both by answering their individual desires, and by arranging trips, outings, and private introductions that fulfill their dreams.
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
877 622-7937
301 650-9127
www.canceradvocacy.org
The oldest survivor-led cancer advocacy organization in the country with the mission to address the full spectrum of survivorship issues of living with, through and beyond cancer. Pursues systemic changes at the federal level to influence how the government researches cancer and regulates, finances, and delivers cancer care. Publishes educational materials and develops online networks and tools on various aspects of survivorship. The Cancer Survival Toolbox is a free award-winning audio program that teaches skills that can help people with cancer meet the challenges of their illness. The Toolbox includes a Basic Skills set that covers six important topics: communicating, finding information, making decisions, solving problems, negotiating, and standing up for your rights. The Toolbox includes four additional programs that cover topics for older persons, finding ways to pay for care, caring for the caregiver, and living beyond cancer. Program is available in Spanish and Chinese (transcript only). Cancer: Keys to Survivorship is a free program that teaches participants how to be pro-active about their health. Cancer Advocacy Now! is a grassroots legislative network that advocates for cancer-related issues such as better access to high-quality therapies, care, and clinical trials, Medicare coverage and reimbursement for anti-cancer drugs and treatments, and better palliative and end-of-life care. A Cancer Survivor’s Almanac contains information on employment discrimination, health insurance, financial planning, communicating with family and friends, and advocacy.
National Collegiate Cancer Foundation
717 215-0943
www.collegiatecancer.org
Sponsors an annual non-renewable $1,000 scholarship for college students whose lives have been impacted by cancer and who are seeking to continue their higher education while still undergoing treatment. Applicants must be college students between the ages of 17 and 27. Recipients are selected on the basis of financial need, an essay, recommendations, cancer story of survivorship, and demonstrating a “Will Win” attitude.
National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance
213 240-3900
www.www.eiffoundation.org/national/nccr
A program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation dedicated to the eradication of colorectal cancer by promoting the importance of early medical screening and funding research to develop better tests, treatments, and ultimately a cure.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
215 690-0300
www.nccn.com
An alliance of 19 of the world’s leading cancer centers. An authoritative source of information to help patients and health professionals make informed decisions about care. Dedicated to providing state-of-the-art care to patients, advancing research on prevention, and enhancing the effectiveness of cancer care delivery. Develops, updates, and disseminates a complete library of clinical practice guidelines.
National Family Caregivers Association
800 896-3650
301 942-6430
www.thefamilycaregiver.org
Addresses the needs and concerns of all family caregivers.
National Foundation for Credit Counseling
800 388-2227
www.nfcc.org
A coalition of nonprofit consumer credit counseling services which provides confidential financial counseling for people having trouble managing their expenses.
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
800 658-8898
703 837-1500
www.nhpco.org
NHPCO is a membership organization representing programs and professionals that provide hospice and palliative care in the U.S. The mission is to lead and mobilize social change for improved care at the end-of-life. Offers publications, information about how to find a hospice, and information about the financial aspects of hospice. Maintains a consumer-focused website called Caring Connections (www.caringinfo.org) that provides a wide range of free materials about hospice, palliative care, advance care planning, caregiving, etc. Some Spanish-language publications are available.
National Lung Cancer Partnership
www.nationallungcancerpartnership.org
Formerly Women Against Lung Cancer. The only national lung cancer organization founded by physicians and researchers. Mission is to decrease deaths due to lung cancer and help patients live longer and better through research, awareness, and advocacy.
National Marrow Donor Program
800 627-7692
888 999-6743 Office of Patient Advocacy
www.marrow.org
NMDP is funded by the Federal Government to improve the effectiveness of the search for bone marrow donors. It maintains a registry of potential bone marrow donors and provides free information on bone marrow transplantation, peripheral blood stem cell transplant, and unrelated donor stem cell transplant. The Office of Patient Advocacy assists patients and physicians through the donor search and transplant process by providing information, referrals, support, and advocacy. The Marrow Foundation Patient Assistance Program provides financial assistance to help patients pay for transplant costs.
National Organization for Rare Disorders
800 999-6673
www.raredisease.org
A nonprofit group of health organizations that work with people who have rare diseases. Sponsors a medication assistance program for uninsured and under-insured individuals.
National Ovarian Cancer Association
416 971-9800
www.ovariancanada.org
Established in 1996 as the Corinne Boyer Fund to address the neglect surrounding the "disease that whispers," NOCA is dedicated to overcoming ovarian cancer, providing leadership by supporting women and their families, raising public awareness, funding research to develop reliable early detection techniques, improved treatments, and ultimately a cure.
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
888 682-7426
561 393-0005
www.ovarian.org
NOCC raises awareness about ovarian cancer and promotes education about the disease. Provides a toll-free number for information, referrals, support, and education. Offers support groups, a national newsletter, a link to a database of gynecological oncologists, and educational materials on symptoms, risk factors, and treatment. A limited selection of Spanish-language publications is available.
National Pancreas Foundation
866 726-2737
617 578-0382
www.pancreasfoundation.org
Mission is to support the research of diseases of the pancreas and to provide information and humanitarian services to those people who are suffering from such illnesses.
National Patient Travel Center
800 296-1217
www.patienttravel.org
NPTC provides a helpline for assistance locating air transportation for patients who need specialized medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment in distant locations. Provides referrals to all major medical transport providers in the network. Some air services arrange free air transportation for cancer patients and bone marrow donors going to and from cancer treatment centers. Others provide a free air ambulance for patients requiring medical care during the flight.
National Prostate Cancer Coalition
888 245-9455
202 463-9455
www.fightprostatecancer.org
Mission to reduce prostate cancer through awareness, outreach, and advocacy.
Native American Cancer Research Corp.
303 838-9359
www.natacancer.org
Dedicated to helping improve the lives of Native American cancer patients and survivors. Seeks to reduce Native American cancer incidence and mortality, and to increase survival from cancer among Native Americans.
Native American Cancer Survivors Support Network
800 537-8295
303 325-3377
An educational community-based research study to help improve the quality of cancer care and the quality of life for all American Indian, Alaska Native, and First Nations cancer patients and their loved ones. The network objectives include: to learn more about who is getting cancer in Indian Country and what type of care they are receiving; to help Native cancer patients get the quality cancer care before and after their diagnosis; to identify quality of life issues from a Native survivor’s view point; to encourage the development of survivor programs in local communities; and to improve communication between survivors, their loved ones, and health care providers.
Native People’s Circle of Hope
www.nativepeoplescoh.org
A coalition of Native American cancer support groups who share the mission to provide hope, an improvement of communication, support, education, and advocacy for the cancer survivor.
Navigating the New Normal
215 955-8370
www.kimmelcancercenter.org
A new program of The Kimmel Cancer Center to help young adults navigate the ‘new normal’ that a cancer diagnosis brings.
Needy Meds
334 662-0023
www.needymeds.com
A nonprofit clearinghouse for free information about getting medications from pharmaceutical company patient assistance programs. This site also provides articles of interest such as safety updates and information related to Medicaid and Medicare Part D.
Next Step Fund
617 864-2921
www.nextstepnet.org
Provides retreats, camp excursions, creative workshops, and social networking for young adults facing cancer.
Nicki Leach Foundation
904 304-8531
www.nickileach.org
Offers high school and college students (16-25) with cancer the opportunity to enjoy normal or unusual activities they might otherwise not be able to afford. Funding for car expenses, clothing, and hair or make-up costs as well as special funding that might include a special trip, a camera, a computer, or cell phone. Goal is to give the teens and young adults the things they would not normally ask for but would love to receive, so that they may enjoy life while undergoing treatment for their disease.
Nordstrom – Corte Madera
1870 Redwood Hwy
Corte Madera, California 94925
415 927-1690
www.nordstrom.com
The lingerie department offers custom breast prostheses, garments, swimwear and bras fitted by certified staff.
Northern California Cancer Center
www.nccc.org
Resource guides and fact sheets, including estate planning, support groups for breast cancer, and a guide for employers with employees affected by cancer. Also a clearinghouse for cancer demographic information. Releases an annual cancer incidence and mortality report.
Nourish by Nancy
Marin County, California
www.nourishbynancy.com
Through training in Holistic Nutrition and Organic Culinary Arts and extensive work with cancer patients, Chef Nancy Holland is experienced in providing personal chef services tailored to minimize the symptoms caused by radiation and chemotherapy. Nancy, a certified Natural Chef, attended Bauman College of Holistic Nutrition and Organic Culinary Arts in Berkeley. She has also studied the culinary arts in Italy, Greece, Thailand, and Turkey. In addition to her culinary training, Nancy completed a one-year internship in Integrative Medicine at The Institute of Health and Healing at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. She has worked with medically-challenged individuals, particularly cancer patients, and focuses on diet and alternative healing techniques to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and promote personal harmony.
Novartis Patient Assistance Program
800 282-7630
Medication assistance
Novato Human Needs Center
1907 Novato Blvd.
Novato, California 94947
415 897-4147
www.nhnc.org
Emergency food and food vouchers, clothing, assistance with housing costs, employment services, counseling, parenting educational programs, information and referrals, and transportation. Serves Novato residents only. Services available in Spanish.
Nueva Vida
202 223-9100
www.nueva-vida.org
Mission is to inform, support, and empower Latinas whose lives are affected by cancer, and to advocate for and facilitate the timely access to state-of-the-art cancer care, including screening, diagnosis, treatment and care for all Latinas.
OncoLink.org
212 662-7979
www.oncolink.org
Comprehensive current information about specific types of cancer, updates on treatments, and news about research advances. Includes a special section, Financial Issues for Patients that provides information on reimbursement assistance programs. In collaboration with the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania.
Oncology Nursing Society
866 257-4667
412 859-6100
www.ons.org
The largest professional oncology association in the world (over 35,000 registered nurses and other health-care providers) dedicated to excellence in patient care, education, research, and administration.
OncologySTAT
www.oncologystat.com/index.html
www.oncologystat.com/cancer-types/lung-cancer.html
www.oncologystat.com/cancer-types/breast-cancer.html
OncologySTAT is committed to providing up-to-date news, journal scans, chemotherapy regimens, interviews with reputable doctors, and informative videos. OncologySTAT's mission is to improve worldwide cancer care and prevention by providing healthcare professionals with immediate integrated access to the most authoritative evidence-based information available.
Oral Cancer Foundation
949 646-8000
www.oralcancerfoundation.org
OCF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives through education, research, prevention, advocacy, and support. Provides an online Oral Cancer Forum, which includes a message board and chat room that connects newly diagnosed patients, family members, and the public. Site provides information about the rates of occurrence, risk factors, signs and symptoms, treatments, and current research.
Osher Center for Integrative Medicine
1701 Divisadero Street, Suite 150
San Francisco, California 94115
415 353-7700
www.osher.ucsf.edu
The mission is to search for the most effective treatments by combining conventional and alternative approaches that address all aspects of health and wellness: biological, psychological, social, and spiritual. They are working to transform health-care by conducting rigorous research on the medical outcomes of complementary and alternative healing practices; educating medical students, health professionals, and the public about these practices; and creating new models of clinical care.
Outlook – Life Beyond Childhood Cancer
www.outlook-life.org
Focus is to address the needs of survivors of childhood cancer and their families. Offers many practical resources, emotional support, and links to camps, books, and websites.
Out With Cancer
www.lgbtcancer.org
www.outwithcancer.org
info@outwithcancer.org
Founded in 2005, Out With Cancer is our country's first advocacy and support national nonprofit for all Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender cancer survivors. Our online support network is a safe and secure environment where all LGBT cancer survivors can meet and help each other with emotional support and helpful advice. Our research and advocacy arm, known as the LGBT Cancer Project, at www.lgbtcancer.org, is a leading source and innovative engine for the latest news and research about LGBT cancer survivorship. We are an all-volunteer organization of social workers, psychologists, and oncologists, providing free support and information nationwide.
Ovarian Cancer Aliance of California
209 567-3112
3900 Penandale Avenue #420, PMB 336
Modesto, California
Ovarian Cancer Awareness
P.O. Box 5115
Petaluma, California 94955-5115
707 481-5640
www.wcagroup.net
Contact Lydia Zipp, Women's Cancer Awareness Group
Ovarian Cancer Coalition of Greater California
P.O. Box 40035
Studio City, California 91614
818 985-0288
Ovarian Cancer Foundation for Living
info@ocforliving.org
1039 Windermere Avenue
Menlo Park, California 94025
Our mission is to raise awareness in the general public, as well as providing those with the disease opportunities to raise their quality of life. We support women and their families by lending a financial and emotionally supportive hand. Our focus will be to use hip and non-traditional ways of raising money to ensure that we capture the attention of those usually not involved with philanthropic activities or events.
Ovarian Cancer National Alliance
800 535-1682
202 331-1332
www.ovariancancer.org
OCNA works to increase public and professional understanding of ovarian cancer and to advocate for research to determine more effective ways to diagnose, treat, and cure this disease. Activities include an annual national conference, a public education program targeted to women and primary care physicians, and training programs to help survivors become effective advocates and spokespeople for the disease. The OCNA Clinical Trials Matching Service provides links to clinical trial options.
Ovarian Cancer Orange County Alliance
P.O. Box 27596
Anaheim, California 92809
714 974-0698
Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, Inc.
212 268-1002
www.ocrf.org
Strives to find an early diagnostic tool and a cure, to support patients and their loved ones in understanding this disease and its treatment, and to provide outreach programs and raise public awareness.
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
877 272-6226
310 725-0025
www.pancan.org
Educates professionals and the public about pancreatic cancer. Services provided include Patient and Liaison Services, a comprehensive free call-in information program, the Survivor and Caregiver Network, support groups, conferences and telephone workshops. PanCan advocates for increased funding for research and promotes access to the latest medical advances, support networks, clinical trials, and reimbursement for care. Provides funding for pancreatic cancer research.
Pancreatic Cancer Study Group at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
www.mdanderson.org/Departments/Pancreatic
Information about news of the Study Group, about survivors, and clinical trials
Pancreatica.org
www.pancreatica.org
The latest news and information in regard to clinical trials and other responsible medical care in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Aim is to present impartial knowledge to give a sense of the range of existing treatment options, to aid patient/doctor partnerships, and thus to help optimize personal treatment strategies.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance
888 477-2669
www.pparx.org
An organization of pharmaceutical companies, doctors, health-care providers, patient advocacy groups and community organizations. Helps uninsured or under-insured individuals to find programs that offer free or nearly free prescription medicines. You can also print applications for the programs for which you qualify. Information is available in Spanish.
Patient Access Network Foundation
866 316-7263
www.patientaccessnetwork.org
Dedicated to improving access to needed health services for insured patients who cannot afford the out-of-pocket costs associated with their treatment.
Patient Advocate Foundation
800 532-5274
866 512-3861 Co-Pay Relief Program
757 873-6668
www.patientadvocate.org
www.copays.org
Provides education and legal counseling about managed care, insurance, job discrimination, and financial issues for cancer patients. Serves as an active liaison between the patients and their insurers, employers, and creditors to resolve insurance, job discrimination, and debt crisis matters relative to their diagnosis through case managers and attorneys. The Co-Pay Relief Program provides limited payment assistance for medicine to insured patients who financially and medically qualify.
Patient Advocate Foundation’s Scholarships for Survivors
800 532-5274
www.patientadvocate.org
Scholarships for cancer survivors to initiate or complete a course of study that has been interrupted or delayed by a diagnosis of cancer. Recipients must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and complete 20 hours of community service during the school year.
Patient Services Inc.
800 366-7741
www.uneedpsi.org
Assists patients in accessing health insurance coverage (COBRA) and pharmacy co-payment assistance.
Pearls of Hope
The Lorraine Jackson Foundation
310 753-6556
www.pearlsofhope.com
The primary mission is to provide scholarships for secondary education for children who have lost a parent to breast cancer.
Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation
800 253-6530
828 665-6891
www.pbtfus.org
Seeks to find the cause of and cure for brain tumors in children by supporting medical research, increasing public awareness of the disease, and aiding in early detection and treatment of childhood brain tumors. Supplies educational resources to families, medical professionals, and the public. Also has an educational scholarship program for pediatric brain tumor survivors.
Penny Jay Funds
1350 South Eliseo #140
Greenbrae, California 94904
415 925-7920
Provides funding for screening mammograms for those women who are uninsured.
People Living with Cancer
888 651-3038
703 519-2927
www.peoplelivingwithcancer.org
Patient information website of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the world’s leading organization representing medical professionals who treat people with cancer. Provides oncologist-approved information on more than 50 types of cancer and their treatments, clinical trials, coping, and side effects. Additional resources include Find an Oncologist database, live chats, message boards, a drug database, and links to patient support organizations.
Pfizer Connection to Care
866 776-3700
Medication assistance
Pilates of Marin/ Pilates Wellness Institute
500 Tamal Plaza, Suite 503
Corte Madera, California
415 927-7800
www.pilatesofmarin.com
www.pilateswellnessinstitute.org
Pilates of Marin offers two separate programs for individuals during all phases of cancer treatment. The first program is for breast cancer patients and is sponsored by The Marin Cancer Institute and To Celebrate Life Breast Cancer Foundation. The second program provides subsidized training for individuals with other types of cancer. The non-profit organization, Pilates Wellness Institute, was established by Shelley Ballestrazze, the owner of Pilates of Marin.Mary Russell has worked with cancer patients for 2 years and is a certified Pilates Instructor with additional training in special conditions. She is also a certified Cancer Exercise Specialist.
Pine Street Chinese Benevolent Association
124 Pine Street
San Anselmo, California 94960
415 485-0484
www.pinest.org
Home of the Pine Street Clinic. In addition to seeing thousands of patients, PSCBA has also launched numerous educational initiatives. Such programs include establishing the California Association for Acupuncture Tutorials, an education advocacy group; lecturing on Chinese medicine to audiences both at home (Marin General Hospital, UCSF, UC Berkeley, Marin Jewish Community Center, Alta Bates Hospital, the American Cancer Society) and abroad (in China, Germany, England, Switzerland, and Denmark); inventing PulsImagery, a computer-based Chinese pulse diagnostic system; publishing articles and books; hosting a study group for classic Chinese texts, including the Dream of the Red Chamber and the Nan Jing; producing a play about and translating the formulas of Doc Hay, one of the first doctors of Chinese Medicine in the United States; and maintaining one of the largest private libraries of Chinese medical journals and texts in California.
Pine Street Foundation
124 Pine Street
San Anselmo, California 94960
415 455-5878
www.pinestreetfoundation.org
Founded in 1989, the Pine Street Foundation’s mission is to help people with cancer reach more informed treatment decisions through education and research. This is accomplished through educational events and our “Becoming Your Own Advocate” series of articles along with meta-analysis of medical literature from around the globe and through the design and implementation of innovative clinical trials. Critical to our efforts is our emphasis on ensuring the highest scientific quality of our research designs and trial date. By publishing the results of our work in reputable medical journals, we are able to make the results of our efforts widely available to other researchers, practitioners, and patients.
Planet Cancer
512 452-9010
www.planetcancer.org
Award-winning young adult community offering survivor retreat programs, social networking, and online forums with real world advice and inspiring stories.
Planned Parenthood
Pop Smear
978 744-5300
www.theyellowumbrella.org
Educates and raises awareness about cervical cancer through advocacy and international benefit concerts featuring survivor musicians.
Prepare to Live
www.preparetolive.org
Uses the web and documentary-style filmmaking to provide hope, help, information, and inspiration specifically to young adults worldwide coping with cancer.
Prevencion, Inc.
www.prevencion.org
Committed to enhancing the health of Latinos by educating and motivating them to engage in preventive health practices. Strives to produce and distribute high-quality Spanish-language health information that is culturally sensitive, ethnically appropriate, and scientifically accurate. Focuses communication efforts to reach Latinos with limited literacy, income, and access to quality health information.
Prevent Cancer Foundation
800 227-2732
703 836-4412
www.preventcancer.org
Started in 1985, it is one of the leading health organizations and has catapulted cancer prevention to prominence.Through healthy lifestyle choices, you can reduce your risk of many types of cancer.The Foundation has provided more than $106 million in support of cancer prevention and early detection research, education and community outreach programs. The Foundation's peer-reviewed grants have been awarded to more than 300 scientists from more than 150 of the leading academic medical centers nationwide. This research has been pivotal in developing a body of knowledge that is the basis for important cancer prevention and early detection strategies. Assistance in Spanish is available.
Prostate Cancer Education Council
www.pcaw.org
Educates men, women, and the medical community about the prevalence of prostate cancer, the importance of early detection, treatment options, and other men’s health issues.
Prostate Cancer Foundation
800 757-2873
310 570-4700
www.prostatecancerfoundation.org
Advocates for greater awareness of prostate cancer and provides funding for research projects to improve methods of diagnosing and treating prostate cancer and finding a cure. The world’s largest philanthropic source of support for prostate cancer research. Free publications about detection and screening, research, clinical trials, and nutrition. The Report to the Nation on Prostate Cancer: A Guide for Men and their Families highlights key issues that men with prostate cancer face.
Prostate Cancer Support Group
Marin General Hospital Medical Library
Greenbrae, California 94904
415 459-4668
Men meet every week to share their experiences, discuss current and new therapies, and offer support and understanding. The participants are newly diagnosed men and those who have already had therapy. Significant others are very welcome to attend.
Prostate Net
888 477-6763
www.prostate-online.org
Provides credible and actionable information, using a blend of cancer survivors, renowned cancer clinicians, researchers, and corporate sponsors to enable patients, their families, and health professionals to partner in making the appropriate choices to assure the best chance for cure and retention of the desired quality of life.
PubMed
www.pubmed.gov
The largest, most comprehensive medical database in the world produced by the U.S. National Library of Medicine with access to professional biomedical and some selected health-related lay journals. Coverage includes all aspects of medicine, research, integrative medicine, and allied health. Use by a novice searcher is facilitated by a powerful search engine interface and an excellent online tutorial.
The information in this web database has been offered by the organizations themselves.
If you find any information that is not current or correct, please contact Nancy.
If there are organizations that are not listed here that you feel would be helpful to others, we welcome your suggestions.
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For medical questions, please consult your physician.
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