Free Help Through the Tough Times of Cancer
Posted: Monday, November 09, 2009
by Steven Rogers
Every day, we hear more about cancer on the TV, on the radio, and in the news. I have heard it said that cancer is an epidemic sweeping across the world. Each year, more then 1.4 million American's are diagnosed with cancer. That's one out of every three people in their lifetime. Every one of us has been touched in some way by this disease. I was speaking with one of my patients the other day and she was preparing for the effects of chemotherapy by cutting her hair short. She was scared and the reasons are more than obvious. Coping with hair loss is just one of many aspects of treatment that cancer patients must endure. Hair falls out due to the hair follicles weakening from chemo. It is just one of the difficulties that accompanies a cancer diagnosis. There is the strain physically as patients are put through harsh drugs and severe radiation. There is a strain mentally. Even with the advances in treatment there is still a lot about cancer that we still don't know. Then, there is the stress financially. Treatments, medication, travel, and even things like wigs put a heavy burden on these people. I have compiled a short list of services, websites, and organizations specific to cancer patients and their needs in the hope that they will help lift some of the burden from the shoulders of these people and also let them know that we care.
In 2001when he was just ten years old, Anthony D. Leanna started Heavenly Hats Foundation. The program was started to provide brand new hats to patients who lose their hair due to disease or treatment. Anthony says," Hair loss during the battle of a disease can be uncomfortable, depressing, and at times even a little humiliating. The hat is just a small symbol of hope and love, but my wish is that it will have the power to brighten the patient's day so that they can look to the future with a smile." (To date over 450,000 new hats have been provided free of charge to medical patients in need)
Style and comfort go hand in hand when picking out a wig. Important as it is to find a wig that is good looking it is equally as important to find one that is comfortable and easy to wear. Quality wigs do not come cheap. Prices vary from $100 all the way up to thousands of dollars. It is for this reason that several organizations offer free wigs to cancer patients.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) provides free wigs through their wig banks. The ACS has teamed with the Entertainment Industry Foundation to distribute free wigs donated by the Pantene Pro-V beautiful Lengths campaign. They rely on ponytail donations to make wigs and distribute them to ACS wig banks nationwide. If you are interested in obtaining a wig through the American Cancer Society you can contact them at 1-877-227-1596.
www.cancercare.org
Cancer care, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing completely free and professional support to cancer patients and their families, offers free wigs. You can take advantage of their generosity by visiting their website.
www.wigsforkids.org
Children under the age of 18 are eligible to receive wigs from Wigs For Kids. This is another non-profit group that offers wigs free of charge. They also rely on ponytail donations to create wigs for children. To request one simply fill out the application on their website.
www.access2wellness.com
If someone is uninsured or under insured, they may have trouble getting the prescriptions they need. They could find themselves trying to choose between medication and other necessities. This is a choice that no one should have to make. Access2wellness is designed to help. It provides one of the broadest selections of assistance programs that offer over a thousand prescription medications to those who qualify. To see if you are qualified for any of these programs go to their website.
www.corpangelnetwork.org
Corporate Angel Network is the only charitable organization in the USA whose sole mission is to ease the emotional stress, physical discomfort and financial burden of travel for cancer patients by arranging free flights to treatment centers, using the empty seats on corporate aircraft flying on routine business. Based in White Plains, NY, Corporate Angel Network occupies an office donated by the Westchester County Airport. 50 part-time volunteers and five paid staff work with patients, physicians, corporations, flight departments and leading treatment facilities to arrange 2,500 flights a year.
Eligibility to participate in our program is open to all cancer patients, bone marrow donors, and bone marrow recipients who are ambulatory and not in need of medical support while traveling. Eligibility is not based on financial need, and patients may travel as often as necessary.
For information about different types of cancer, new studies, treatments, and to connect with others who share your concerns you can subscribe to Cure Today magazine. The subscription is free at their website www.curetoday.com .
The number of resources for cancer patients is almost endless. The generosity of Americans is second to none. If you need these resources take advantage of them and if you don't need them please give what you can to these organizations. They touch so many lives but without our help would not be able to do so.
Steven is a self proclaimed right wing Christian extremist. He is a former Marine and currently work in the laboratory of a cancer research and treatment facility. He is the father of three and is referred to as genius by his wife (mostly as a sarcastic term of endearment!)
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