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 & Joseph Friend Patient and Family Cancer Support Center.
Patients are matched with peer support volunteers according to criteria such as diagnosis, cancer stage, age, gender or 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 they receive care.
Peer support volunteers can provide support, comfort, and practical information, but not medical advice. Hearing their experiences can be invaluable.
Caregivers for patients with brain tumors have unique challenges. The UCSF Neuro-Oncology Caregiver Connection Program connects caregivers of UCSF brain tumor patients to other caregivers for peer support. Caregivers are matched, as best as possible, by tumor type, treatment, age and family situation so that family and friends can talk to someone who best understands their new caregiving circumstances.
To participate in the patient or caregiver program and connect with a volunteer by phone, you'll be asked to provide:
To inquire about the patient and caregiver services, contact Margaret Gray at (415) 885-7210 or [email protected].
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:
For more information about becoming a volunteer, contact Margaret Gray at (415) 885-7210 or [email protected].
Peer Support is a program of the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center.
