The Peer Support Program offers cancer patients and their caregivers the opportunity to speak with others who have "been there" and can share their experiences. The program is a free, on-the-phone service of the Ida and Joseph Friend Cancer Resource Center.

Patient Peer Support

Patients are matched with peer support volunteers according to criteria such as diagnosis, cancer stage, age, gender or by preference of the person seeking support. Talking with someone who has lived with cancer can be comforting and reduce the sense of anxiety and isolation that a cancer diagnosis brings.

All cancer patients are welcome regardless of where the care is received.

Peer support volunteers are a devoted group of individuals who can provide support, comfort, and practical information, but not medical advice, to those with cancer. Hearing their experiences can be invaluable.

Neuro-oncology Peer Support for Caregivers

Caregivers who are caring for patients with neurological cancers such as brain tumors, have the opportunity to talk by phone with other caregivers as a way to reduce the anxiety and stress that they may experience. Caregivers are matched with volunteers who have had similar experiences or who meet the needs of the caregiver seeking support.

All caregivers are welcome, regardless of where care is received.

How It Works

To participate in the patient or caregiver program and connect with a volunteer by phone, you'll be asked to provide:

• A signed consent form.
• A form requesting information about your particular needs along with relevant medical information.

To inquire about the patient and caregiver services, contact Idonah Molina, program coordinator, at 415-885-7801 or by email.

Online Peer Support

The program also has an Online Peer Support service, where you can submit a question about coping with breast or prostate cancer to a volunteer online.

Becoming a Volunteer

Experienced patients and caregivers can share their knowledge and insight as a peer support volunteer. By doing so, volunteers not only help others, but have the opportunity to make a rewarding connection.

Prospective Peer Support Volunteers must:

• Complete a one-time training event.
• Make a commitment to uphold the values and mission of UCSF.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all the patients and caregivers.
• Make a one-year commitment to the program.

For more information about becoming a volunteer, contact Idonah Molina, program coordinator, at 415-885-7801 or by email.

Peer Support is a program of the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center.