Support Resources for Patients with Blood Cancers

Facing the realities of blood or bone marrow cancer can be difficult, but you don't have to go it alone. This guide has information on support groups and other helpful resources for patients of all ages and their families. Whether you want to connect with others who understand what you're going through, find other sources of emotional support, or access practical help, a broad range of resources is available. In addition, check with your local hospital to learn about groups or programs that may be open to you even if you receive your medical care elsewhere.

General support for patients

• American Psychosocial Oncology Society. Helpline for individuals with cancer and their caregivers to find support and counseling in their local communities. Call 866-276-7443.
• Amyloidosis Support Group. For the Bay Area, contact Dena Heath at 925-939-0688 or [email protected]. For Sacramento, Sonoma and the Central Valley, contact Mary Polo at [email protected].
• Blood Cancer United. The national organization's Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program connects patients or family members with individuals who have navigated the same disease. Local chapters offer support groups and services throughout Northern California, including San Francisco, the East Bay, Sonoma, Sacramento and Fresno.
• BMT InfoNet. The Caring Connections Program offers peer support for patients undergoing bone marrow transplant or CAR T-cell therapy, as well as their family members.
• CancerCare. A variety of services, including online support groups for adults, young adults, teens, parents and caregivers.
• CancerCare for Kids. Support services and educational materials for children and teens affected by cancer as well as educational workshops for parents.
• Cancer Exercise Counseling. UCSF program offering one-on-one fitness guidance for cancer patients and survivors.
• Cancer Support Community. Support groups and services in Walnut Creek, Richmond, Concord, San Ramon, Vallejo and Pleasanton. Also offers online support groups.
• Imerman Angels. Connects cancer patients, survivors and caregivers with mentors who've been through the same experiences.
• International Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Foundation. The website has a list of support groups in the Bay Area.
• Myeloma Support Group (Bay Area). Meets in San Francisco, Oakland, Walnut Creek and Palo Alto.
• Multiple Myeloma Support Group (Sonoma and Napa). For information, email [email protected].
• Student Scholarships. A directory of college scholarship programs for students undergoing cancer treatment and for cancer survivors.
• Stupid Cancer. Online community for young adults. Offers information, resources and connection.
• SuperSibs! Information and support for siblings of children with cancer.
• Ulman Foundation. Support and resources for young adults with cancer and their families.
• UCSF Blood Cancer Support Group. An online support group for hematology and bone marrow transplant patients. Call 415-353-2965.
• USCF Patient and Family Cancer Resource Center. Offers a variety of support groups and programs – such as nutrition, guided imagery, writing, yoga and meditation – in San Francisco. Individual counseling is also available.
• Women's Cancer Resource Center. Support groups and programs in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Call 510-601-4040.
• WomenCARE. Support groups and programs in the Santa Cruz area.

Language-specific patient resources

• Cameron House. Individual counseling, cancer support groups and case management in Cantonese and Mandarin.
• Chinese Community Cancer Information Center. Educational materials in Cantonese and Mandarin, transportation, and supportive services.
• Circulo de Vida. Spanish-language information and support services for Latinos with cancer in San Francisco.
• Richmond Area Multi-Services (RAMS). Individual counseling in Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese and Russian.

LGBTQ+ patient resources

• Cancer Facts for Gay and Bisexual Men. Information from the American Cancer Society.
• Cancer Facts for Lesbian and Bisexual Women. Information from the American Cancer Society.
• National LGBT Cancer Network. Resources and peer support groups.
• UCSF LGBTQIA+ Cancer Resources. Books and organizations for people in the LGBTQIA+ community affected by cancer.

Body image and beauty patient resources

• Friend to Friend Specialty Shops. UCSF boutiques providing personalized assistance with shopping for wigs, hats, skin care products, inspirational books and CDs. Also offers beauty makeovers and wig-trimming services.
• Hansen Fontana. High-end wigs in San Francisco.
• Look Good Feel Better. Online and in-person workshops as well as guides on techniques to address treatment side effects that affect appearance. Programs offered throughout the Bay Area. Also find special guides for men and teens. Email [email protected].

Fertility patient resources

• Livestrong Foundation. Livestrong Fertility helps patients access discounted fertility preservation services.
• Resolve: The National Infertility Association. Information and support for people with fertility challenges.

Camps and retreats for patients

• Camp Kesem. Summer camp for children with a parent who has or had cancer. Email [email protected].
• Camp Mak-A-Dream. Montana-based program provides summer camp programs for children and teens with cancer or who have a family member with cancer. Hosts weeklong conference for ages 19 to 35. Scholarships available.
• Commonweal Cancer Help Program. Weeklong retreat in Bolinas, California, that includes massage, yoga, meditation, guided imagery and psychotherapy.
• First Descents. Free outdoor adventures, such as climbing and kayaking, for young adults (ages 18 to 39) affected by cancer.
• Reel Recovery. Free fly-fishing retreats in different locations across the country for men with cancer.
• Smith Center for Healing and the Arts: Cancer Retreats. Offers three-day retreats in Washington, D.C., for people with cancer.
• Spirit Rock Meditation Center. Daylong and residential meditation retreats in Woodacre, California. Scholarships available for people with medical conditions.

Caregiving services and support

• Caregiver Action Network. Information and phone support for anyone who provides care for a loved one with a medical condition.
• CaringBridge. Helps patients use online tools to stay connected with friends and family.
• Cleaning for a Reason. Free housecleaning for people with cancer.
• Family Caregiver Alliance. Nonprofit agency dedicated to providing caregivers with support and education. Has information on respite care (ways to get a break from primary caregiving) as well as literature on various relevant topics. For more information, visit the website or call 415-434-3388 or 800-445-8106.
• In-Home Supportive Services Program. Pays for in-home assistance for Californians who are elderly, disabled or blind and eligible for Medi-Cal. Visit the website to learn more and download an application.
• Institute on Aging. Helps people over 60 and their caregivers with home care services and other kinds of support.
• Jewish Family and Children's Services. Comprehensive social services, including meals, financial assistance and attendant care. Locations include San Francisco, Marin and Sonoma counties.
• Lotsa Helping Hands. Free online tool helps caregivers organize support and assistance with meals, errands, rides, childcare and other activities of daily living.
• National Alliance for Caregiving. A nonprofit coalition of organizations seeking to support and empower family caregivers.

Meals assistance

• Meals on Wheels America. Home-delivered meals for seniors. Using this service is not recommended within six months of a bone marrow transplant due to the increased risk of food-borne illness.
• Project Open Hand. Provides meals and groceries for critically ill individuals in San Francisco and Oakland. Using this service is not recommended within six months of a bone marrow transplant due to the increased risk of food-borne illness.
• UCSF Nutrition Counseling and Workshops. Free dietary consultations, classes and workshops for people with cancer. For appointments, contact the oncology practice providing your care. For more information, email [email protected].

Transportation assistance

• Angel Flight West. Volunteer pilots provide free air travel for cancer patients whose medical appointments are hours from home.
• Corporate Angel Network. Arranges free flights for cancer patients in corporate jets.
• Mercy Medical Angels. Free transportation to receive medical care, either through flights, gas gift cards, train tickets or bus tickets.
• Paratransit services. Local transportation for people who can't use public transit because of a disability or medical condition.
  • Alameda County. Call 510-287-5000.
  • Contra Costa County. Call 925-676-7500.
  • Marin County. Call 415-454-0902.
  • San Francisco. Call 415-351-7000.
  • Sonoma County. Call 800-992-1006 or 707-585-7516.

Integrative medicine

Note: Please consult your doctor before trying any herbs or other supplements as they may interact with your medical care.

• Charlotte Maxwell Clinic. Integrative care for low-income women with cancer in Oakland and San Francisco. Free complementary therapies – including acupuncture, herbs, massage, energy work and nutrition education – to address treatment side effects.
• National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Part of the National Institutes of Health. Provides information and education on alternative medicine.
• Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Part of the National Institutes of Health. A source of information and resources for cancer patients.
• Osher Center for Integrative Health. UCSF program offering acupuncture, massage, meditation, guided imagery, nutritional counseling and yoga.