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.

Support Resources for Patients with Blood Cancers
Support for patients
General support
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].
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.
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
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.
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 Support 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 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+ 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 resources
American Cancer Society
Information on choosing wigs and resources offering free wigs, hats and turbans. See the EverYou catalog of wigs, hats and scarves.
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 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
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.
UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.