CANCER AWARENESS

Freebies & Discounts for Cancer Patients

Air Fare:Air Care Alliance (ACA). Provides listing of nonprofit organizations, nationwide, that fly patients to treatments at no charge. 800-296-1217; www.aircareall.orginfo@nationalpatienttravelcenter.org; Charlee@patienttravel.org

Corporate Angel Network, Inc. (CAN) Free airfare for cancer patients who can walk and travel without life-support or medical attention. www.corpangelnetwork.org

National Patient Travel Center Helpline Gateway leading to options to pay airfare as well as for ground transportation for trips up to 300 miles to get to and from treatment. 1-800-296-1217; info@nationalpatienttravelcenter.org; http://www.patienttravel.org/

Basic Needs:Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund (BMCF). For patients ages 18-40. Provides services to meet daily needs not covered by insurance. Typically $600 of medical co-payments, rent and mortgage, transportation, car insurance, repairs, and groceries; http://www.bmcf.net; 661-310-7950

Cancer Fund of America. Food, clothes, hygiene, and other products; www.cfoa.org/available_products.html

Children's Cancer Fund of America.Children with cancer receive $25 to $50 each month. www.ccfoa.org

National Children's Cancer Society. Financial assistance, meals during treatment, phone cards, lodging during treatment, health insurance premiums, medical expenses not covered by insurance. Child must be diagnosed on or before his/her 18th birthday) 314-241-1600; 800-532-6459; www.children-cancer.com

United Way. Their 2-1-1 telephone helpline provides information and referral with food, housing, employment, health care, counseling resources and more. www.211.org

Breast Cancer Screenings:

Free MRI's or help paying for them. For any woman with US residency. On-line application:https://www.patientservicesinc.org/onapp/apply.aspx. Or have a form mailed or faxed to you by calling Patient Services Inc 800-366-7741.

Breast Prostheses and Post-mastectomy Bras:Breast Form Fund. These items are free for underserved women. Also provided is professional support and information for anyone coping with breast cancer. www.support@all4onealliance.org. Or Contact Breast Form Fund: 413-584-6673.

Breast Friends. These items are free for women with no or very limited insurance. Other offerings, such as volunteer matches providing emotional, spiritual, and social support to survivors with any female cancer (one on one in some locations; by phone anywhere in the county); www.breastfriends.org; support@breastfriends.org.

Crickett's Answer For Cancer. Free for any woman with breast cancer. CrickettsAnswer@comcast.net; 717-843-7903; 301-935-4411

Liberator Fashions. Free catalog of mastectomy bras and other lingerie. Company will see that qualifying customers get insurance reimbursement. Often no or little out-of-pocket expense for items. www.liberatormedical.com/mastectomy-fashions/pdfs/2011mastectomycatalog.pdf

Y-Me. Breast prostheses and mastectomy bras for women with limited resources; YourShoes 24/7 Breast Cancer Support Center. 800-221-2141.

Camping (for kids with cancer as well as programs for siblings):Most are free

Camp directories by state and city:

http://www.ped-onc.org/cfissues/camps.html

http://www.chemoangels.net/Chemo%20Angels%20sub%20content/Help%20Pages/cancer_camps.htm

Classes:

Counseling, Tai Chi, yoga, exercise classes, meditation, guided imagery. Support groups for family members, on-line forums for survivors. Free through the Wellness Community in many cities. www.cancer.supportcommunity.org; 888-793-9355

American Cancer Society. I Can Cope. Class via phone from your home addressing issues like nutrition, finances, emotional well-being and pain management. 800-ACS-2345

American Cancer Society. Look Good Feel Better. Cosmetics and workshop on making yourself up. Free. For women undergoing treatment. 800-ACS-2345

Colon Cancer Help: A $300 grant for colon cancer patients in treatment to help with rent, utilities, food, or other essentials. For colon cancer patients making less than $75,000 a year. Blue Note Fund of the Colon Cancer Alliance. http://www.ccalliance.org; 202-628-0123

Ostomy supplies. Free for uninsured colon cancer patients. Call for other free supports like educational programs. Colon Cancer Alliance. http://www.ccalliance.org; 202-628-0123

A $250 grant to qualified colorectal cancer patients. Help with living expenses like child care, transportation to and from appointments, groceries, cleaning services, and wigs. Chris 4Life. htttp://www.chris4life.org; info@chris4life.org; 773-551-5434

Gasoline:Free GasUSA. Assistance paying for gas to get to treatments, grocery shopping, and other places of necessity; www.freegasusa.org

Hats:Breasts Friends Hat Project. Free hats to women in treatment for cancer. http://www.breastfriends.org/programs/patient-outreach/hat-project; mail@breastfriends.com

Caps Against Cancer. Free ball caps for patients who have experienced hair loss due to chemotherapy treatments. PO Box 38731 Charlotte, NC 28278; www.facebook.com/capsagainstcancer

Hats for Happiness. Free (new and lovingly worn) www.hatsforhappiness.org

Heavenly Hats. Free hats to cancer survivors around the United States; http://www.heavenlyhats.com/

Hats off for Cancer. Free hats for children and young adults up to age 21. http://hatsoffforcancer.org/request-a-hat/

House Cleanings:

Free. Four monthly cleanings for women with cancer. In many states. www.cleaningforareason.org; 877-337-3348

www.canswerlink.org/supportus.html

Legal Assistance:

Cancer Legal Resource Center. Provides free information and resources on cancer-related legal issues to cancer survivors, their families, and others dealing with cancer; 866-843-2572; http://www.lls.edu/academics/candp/clrc.html

Patient Advocate Foundation. Not legal service, but will advocate for patients whose insurance companies practices are questionable or help find insurance. www.patientadvocatefoundation.org

Lodging During Treatments:Joe's House/Hope Lodge. 800-ACS-2345. Discounted lodging during treatment; www.joeshouse.org

American Cancer Society. Lodging at downtown and suburban hotels for cancer patients. Discounted; 877-824-0660

National Association of Homes and Hospitality. Keeps a directory of nonprofits that offer free or significantly discounted lodging to patients during treatment; http://www.nahhh.org

Lymphedema Alert Band Alerts medics that you have or tend toward lymphedema. Free for patients with or at risk of developing lympedema. www.lymphedema.com/alertband.htm; 1-800-29-EDEMA

Lymphedema sleeves and hand gauntlets. Free to any woman with breast cancer. CrickettsAnswer@comcast.net; 717-843-7903; 301-935-4411

Meals:Meals on Wheels. Free In-home-delivered meals for income-eligible adults and children. Available in most areas of the country. Some programs also offer other home-related assistance, such as grocery shopping; 703-548-5558; www.mowaa.org

Medications/Health Care:Cancercare.org. Financial Assistance for cancer care. 800-813-HOPE (4673); www.cancercare.org

Bone Marrow Foundation Patient Aid Program. Helps cover costs of donor searches, compatibility testing, bone marrow harvesting, medications, home and child care, medical equipment, transportation, cord blood banking, housing costs and other expenses associated with transplant; 212-838-3029; 800-3651336; http://www.bonemarrow.org/contact/contact.php

Needymeds. One-stop resource to find financial assistance for medications and health care costs. www.needymeds.org

Partnership for Prescription Assistance. Helps uninsured and financially struggling patients access healthcare and prescription assistance programs that offer medicines for free or nearly free. www.pparx.org; or 1-888-4PPA-NOW.

Good Days (Chronic Disease Fund) Financial assistance with medication for the underinsured. http://www.gooddaysfromcdf.org/aboutus

Ovarian Cancer Tumor Profiling Testing:

Free or discounted test, analysis and report. Downloadable application: http://www.clearityfoundation.org/financialform.aspx

Pampering:

Lydia Project. Tote bag with goodies inside. Free. www.thelydiaproject.org/secure/requestatote.asp

Crickett's Answer For Cancer. Mastectomy massage, other massage therapies, facial, manicure, basket of pampering products. Free to any woman with breast cancer. CrickettsAnswer@comcast.net; 717-843-7903; 301-935-4411

Rent or Utilities:Breast Cancer Charities. For breast cancer patients during treatment. Those who qualify receive up to $500. Must be submitted by social worker or nurse; www.thebreastcancercharities.org/

Retreats:Camp Mak-A-Dream. Medically supervised, cost-free Montana experience, in an intimate community setting, for different groups, including women of all cancers, ovarian cancer patients, children, and young adults with cancer. info@campdream.org; 410-549-5987; http://www.campdream.org/contact.html

Casting for Recovery. Woman affected by cancer learn fish flying in a peaceful natural setting, while making friends. Counseling, education, facilitated by health/psychosocial professionals. Offered throughout most of the United States. 1-888-553-3500 http://castingforrecovery.org

First Descents. Kayaking, rock climbing and other outdoor adventures for young adults with cancer. Offered in six states. Free. Travel scholarships available to those in need. 303-945-2490; http://www.firstdescents.org

Transportation to and from treatments and doctors appointments

Road to Recovery. Free. 800-ACS-2345; http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/SupportProgramsServices/road-to-recovery

Patient Travel Foundation. Long ground trips (and flights) http://www.patienttravel.org

Vacations and Other Special Wishes:Dream Foundation. Grants final dreams from the heart to adults with life-threatening illnesses. May include vacation with a couple of family members, help with a utility bill, an appliance, or gift for ill adultâ€™s child. 805-564-2131; http://www.dreamfoundation.org/contact-us

Web-based Support Communities:

www.lotsahelpinghands.com. Forum for help organizing assistance with meals, rides, and other support. Provides a platform for sharing information.

www.caringbridge.org. On-line features include care journal to update family and friends, guest book for messages of support, photo gallery, and support for using the service

www.carepages.com. Displays updates on the patient's condition, photos, message board for visitors, open forums to connect to other CarePage members; researched health information

www.MyLifeLine.org. Forums for updating friends and family, guest book for leaving messages, photo gallery for posting pictures, planner to facilitate scheduling help

Wigs:American Cancer Society. Free. 800-ACS-2345 to locate a chapter near you

Wigs for Kids. For children under the age of 18. Free. www.wigsforkids.org/medical

Susan G. Komen for the Cure. To locate a chapter near you; http://ww5.komen.org/affiliates.aspx

Crickett's Answer For Cancer. Wigs and other head fittings as well as salon services for wigs. Free to any woman with breast cancer. CrickettsAnswer@comcast.net; 717-843-7903; 301-935-4411

Y-ME. Wigs and styling tips for women with limited resources. YourShoes 24/7 Breast Cancer Support Center; 800-221-2141

PWEA ANNUAL COMEDY SHOW

FUND RAISER

Cancer is not laughing matter.
Help us put a SMILE on
a few faces!!!

WE DONATE ALL PROCEEDS

ACTUAL CANCER PATIENTS

FUNDS WILL BE GIVEN

DIRECTLY

ACTUAL CANCER PATIENTS

OUR GOAL IS TO BLESS
25 OR MORE CANCER PATIENTS
WITH A LOVE OFFERING

Contact us for tix today!

COME DIRECTLY FROM WORK

DOORS OPEN AT 6:00PM

* GREAT FOOD * BEVERAGES AND MORE for SALE...

COME OUT * BRING 2 FRIENDS 'N TELL THEM TO BRING 2 FRIENDS

* HAVE A GOOD TIME*

AND BE A BLESSING TO THOSE THAT ARE

HEALING FROM ALL CANCERS!

********

THE PHENOMENAL WOMEN

EMPOWERMENT ALLIANCE LLC

supports and has teamed up with THE FOUNDATION OF CANCER RESEARCH AND WELLNESS to increase awareness about the cancers that affect the lives of millions everyday.

CLICK HERE
to learn more about the organization, UPCOMING EVENTS and how YOU can help support the CANCER FOUNDATION.

Foundation for Cancer Research & Wellness provides research, advocacy, education, and support for people living with cancer - patients, survivors and caregivers alike.

Six areas of life - medical, nutritional, exercise, attitude, support and spiritual are key components to prevention, survivorship and wellness. These areas comprise the Cancer Recovery Wellness Pyramid and the core of what we believe at Foundation for Cancer Research & Wellness.

At Foundation for Cancer Research & Wellness, we sincerely hope and pray that you will carefully, rationally and thoughtfully consider incorporating these practices in your own life. We are here to support you each step of the way. You are not alone.

Call toll free at: 800.238.6479 Visit us on the web at: http://www.cancerresearchandwellness.org/

Cleaning for a Reason

If you know any woman currently undergoing Chemo for Breast cancer, please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning - 1 time per month for 4 months while she is in treatment. All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service. http://www.cleaningforareason.org Please pass this information on to bless a woman going through Breast Cancer treatment. This organization serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help these women. It's our job to pass the word and let them know that there are people out there that care. Be a blessing to someone and pass this information along.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER...

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in women. Breast cancer is the number one cause of cancer death in Hispanic women. It is the second most common cause of cancer death in white, black, and Asian/Pacific Islander and Indian/Alaska Native women.

BREAST CANCER RISK FACTORS WHICH CANNOT BE CHANGED

GENDER
Being a woman is the main risk factor for developing breast and ovarian cancers. Women are constantly exposed to growth promoting effects of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone, making breast cancer more common in women than men.

AGING
Risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer increase as women get older. About 78 % of women with breast cancer are 50 years and older.

GENETIC
Breast cancer and ovarian cancer risk is higher among women with close blood relatives (mother, sister, grandmother or aunt) who has the disease.

RACE
White women have a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer than African - American women. However, African -American women are more likely to die from the disease. Experts believe the reason is that African -American women often have more aggressive growing tumors.

BREAST CANCER RISK FACTORS WHICH CAN BE CHANGED

ALCOHOL
Alcohol use is believed to increase the risk of breast cancer. The risk increases by the amount of Alcohol consumed. The American Cancer Society recommends that women limit their amount of alcohol consumption.

OBESITY AND HIGH FAT DIETS
Being obese or overweight has been found in most studies to increase the risk of developing breast cancer. While the ovaries produce most of the estrogen, fat tissue also produces estrogen, therefore increases the risk of cancer after menopause.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Growing evidence indicates that physical activity in the form of exercise reduces cancer risk.

BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSIS
Early detection and treatments are the keys to a cure of breast cancer.

TEST FOR BREAST CANCER
Includes Imaging techniques mammography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Fine needle aspiration biopsy with tissue analysis, ductal lavage and ductoscopy

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BREAST CANCER SCREENING
Monthly breast self examination starting at age 20.
Breast examination by a health care provider every three years starting at age 20.

Annual clinic breast exam at age 40.
Annual screening mammography starting at age 40
Women in high risk group should start at age 30

UTERINE FIBROIDS
Statistic shows almost 80% of all women have uterine fibroids and 1 in 4 ends up with symptoms severe enough to require treatment. Researchers don't k now the causes of fibroids.
Medical name: Uterine Leiomyomata

Uterine fibroids are the most common, non-cancerous tumors in women of childbearing age.Uterine fibroids are tumors or lumps made of muscle cells and other tissue that grow within the walls of the uterus.

Most fibroids grow; within the walls of the uterus, between the muscle of the uterus, and outside of the uterus.
What are the risk factors for developing uterine fibroids?

Current statistics show that African-American women are three to five times more likely to develop fibroids than women of other racial groups. Women who are overweight or obese have a slightly increased risk of developing uterine fibroids.

SYMPTOM OF UTERINE FIBROIDS
Heavy menstrual bleeding, Prolonged menstrual periods ? seven days or more of menstrual bleeding, Pelvic pressure or pain, Frequent urination, Difficulty emptying your bladder, Constipation, Backache or leg pains

TREATMENT
Surgical Procedures that Remove or Neutralize the Fibroids and Keep the Uterus Intact
Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE)
Drug Therapy alone or in Combination with Surgery
Hysterectomy removal of the uterus

healthquestions@nwhn.org healthquestions@nwhn.org healthquestions@nwhn.org healthquestions@nwhn.org

THE INFORMATIOM WRITTEN HERE IS BRIEF AND GENERAL AND SHOULD NOT BE THE ONLY SOURCE OF YOUR INFORMATION ABOUT THE TOPIC. CONSULT YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER FOR MANAGEMENT OF YOUR HEALTH