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Minnesota Cancer Resources

  

Minnesota Screening & Direct Services Resource Guide

 

*Note: Many of the organizations below have income eligibility requirements – applicants should contact the organization directly to see if they qualify.

 

 

SCREENING 
 
Sage Screening Program 
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/healthimprovement/working-together/who-we-are/sage.html

Contact: 1-888-6HEALTH (1-888-643-2584)
- Sage, the largest program within the Sage Screening Program family, is a breast and cervical cancer screening program. 

- For eligible women, Sage provides a free screening mammogram and Pap smear as well as the associated office visits. 

- If a screening test shows a problem, Sage covers diagnostic services and can often cover treatment, if needed. 

- Sage services are available at over 450 clinics throughout the state. 

- Eligibility guidelines include women who:

- Are age 40 or older (see website for exceptions for women under 40).

- Have no insurance or are underinsured.

- Have income within Sage guidelines (see website for guidelines).

- Call 1-888-643-2584 to check eligibility and schedule an appointment. 

 
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

 

Allina Associated Foundation “Hope Fund”
https://www.allinahealth.org/Cambridge-Medical-Center/Foundation/Hope-Fund/  

Cambridge Medical Center 
Contact: Julie Gotham (763) 688-9393 or julie.gotham@allina.com
- Applicants must be 18 years or older and in active treatment for breast cancer.

- Applicants must be living in or being treated in Chisago, Mille Lacs, Isanti, Kanabec, Pine, Steele, Waseca, Dodge, Wright, Sherburne, Meeker, McLeod Counties. Some exceptions may apply for individuals who do not qualify for other similar programs. 

- Maximum grant amount is $1500. 

 

Angel Foundation "Emergency Financial Assistance Program"
https://mnangel.org/financialassistance/  

Contact:  Emergency Financial Assistance, Program Director, Jennifer Kielas

(612) 627-9000 ext. 502 or jkielas@mnangel.org                 

- Applicants must be 18 years or older and in active treatment for breast cancer (Angel Foundation has additional grants that provide assistance for those with other types of cancer).

- Applicants must be living in or being treated in the seven-county (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington) metro area.

- Maximum grant amount is $850 per individual per every two years.

Care Partners “Breast Cancer Financial Assistance Program” 
http://www.carepartners.org/financial.html

Contact: Tasia Hoag (218) 404-1411 or the4hoagies@q.com
- Applicants may be in any phase of treatment for breast cancer (Care Partners has additional grants that provide assistance for those with other types of cancer and illnesses).

- Care Partners helps individuals and families on the Iron Range in Northern St. Louis County – cities include Babbitt, Ely, Cook, Tower, Aurora/Hoyt Lakes, Biwabik, Gilbert, Palo, Eveleth, Virginia, Mt. Iron, Lakeland, Buhl, Kinney, Cherry Chisholm, Hibbing, Side Lake, Britt, and Zim. 

- Applicants can be a patient at any medical facility.

- Maximum grant amount is $1,200 in the enrollment year, starting at date of enrollment – the applicant is initially granted $400 and if help is still needed, it’s possible to get assistance of $400 two more times if approved by the board.

- A small fund is also available (separate from the Komen grant) for individuals living in Grand Rapids and International Falls who are patients at the Essential Clinic in Hibbing.

- Any questions, patients or a family member should call the Care Partners contact. 

 

Cancer Care's Online Helping Hand

https://www.cancercare.org/helping hand

​The financial costs associated with cancer are often overwhelming. Even having health insurance doesn’t guarantee you’ll be able to afford treatment. It’s best to start researching your options before a financial crisis develops.

 

Cancer Support Community

https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/resources

Find Support, Information and Financial Resources

Circle of Hope 
http://www.circleofhopeduluth.org/

Contact: Peggy Anderson (218) 464-1626 or peggy@circleofhopeduluth.org
- Circle of Hope is located in Duluth, MN and serves breast cancer patients in northern Minnesota and northern Wisconsin. 

- The organization is committed to helping people of any age in poverty and/or financial distress with a breast cancer diagnosis, at any stage with short term help.

- This program provides financial assistance in two areas:

- Medical bills for breast cancer treatment.

- Assistance with bills for rent/mortgage, utilities, food and gas. (Circle of Hope is building this fund through a series of fundraisers, donations and grants – contact the organization directly to see if funds are available for qualifying applicants) Free financial counseling and support is available to help patients access their needs. 

- For breast and gynecological cancer patients, Circle of Hope also provides:

- Emotional support through Circle of Support by way of the telephone calls, the internet, small coffee group meetings, many survivorship and engagement activities. 

- Free financial counseling

- Prayer boxes filled with educational materials, a chemo cap, prayer shawl or blanket, prayer squares, slippers and other items are sent or given to patients. 

- Metastatic Breast Cancer:

- There are special programs for various areas related to breast cancer patients, some local, others out of the area.
 
Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Emergency Assistance Grants
http://www.hopechest.com/get-help

-The Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation's mission is to provide the quickest access to financial assistance for urgent daily living needs of local breast cancer patients. Their program offers emergency financial assistance funds to help with costs such as rent (housing), utilities, child care and transportation.
- Applicants must be a Minnesota resident and must currently be receiving treatment for breast cancer in the state of Minnesota.

 

Masonic Cancer Center - University of Minnesota
Contact: Susan Pappas-Varco, RN, MA
(612) 273-6434 or spappas-varco@umphysicians.umn.edu
- Applicants must be in active treatment (chemo and/or radiation) for breast cancer at Fairview Health System or Masonic Cancer Center – University of Minnesota. 
 
Piper Breast Center at Abbott Northwestern Hospital 
https://www.allinahealth.org/Abbott-Northwestern-Hospital/Services/Virginia-Piper-Cancer-Institute/Support-services/

 

Ridgeview Medical Center 
https://www.ridgeviewmedical.org/about-us/ridgeview-foundation/

 
Mercy & Unity Hospitals Foundation “Breast Cancer Patient Financial Assistance Grants”

https://www.mercy.com/global/about-us/financial-assistance-programs
Contact: Laurie Kelzenberg (763) 236-5623 or laurie.kelzenberg@allina.com
- Applicants must be 18 years or older. 

- Applicants must be in active treatment for breast cancer at Unity Hospital or Mercy Hospital.

- Maximum grant amount is $1,500 per patient per year.

​

Pay it Forward Fund 
Contact: Sheila or Debbie (9am-1pm on Tuesday & Friday)
Patient Volunteer Coordinator (952) 442-2191 x6369#
payitforwardfund@ridgeviewmedical.org
http://www.payitforwardfund.net/
- Applicants must be receiving treatment (surgery, chemo and/or radiation) for breast cancer at Buffalo, Fairview Maple Grove, Glencoe, HCMC, Maple Grove, Mercy,  Methodist, Monticello, North Memorial, Northland, Ridgeview, Sibley & Unity medical centers in Minnesota. Pay it Forward Fund has additional grants that provide assistance for those with other types of women’s cancer.

- Maximum grant amount is $1,500 per patient per year. 

Pay it Forward Fund – Red Wing  
Mayo Clinic Health System – Red Wing

Contact:  Pam Horlitz (651) 385-3302 or Horlitz.Pamela@mayo.edu
- Patients from the Red Wing service area who are currently being treated, or who have completed treatment for any type of cancer are eligible to receive assistance.

- Financial assistance toward basic living expenses, “essentials” such as utilities, housing, child care, transportation, etc. 

 

Susan G. Komen® Treatment Assistance Fund​

The Susan G. Komen® Treatment Assistance Fund bridges the gap for underserved individuals who are actively undergoing breast cancer treatment. Funding helps women of any age who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, at any stage of the disease. Financial assistance is granted to women who meet pre-determined eligibility criteria. Click here to learn more OR go to http://www.cancercare.org/financial for more information. 

 
St. Joseph’s Foundation – Essentia Health “Pink Ribbon Cupboard” 

Click here for more information

Contact: Kathy Buxton (218) 330-6648 or kathybuxton@q.com

- Applicants must be in active treatment for breast cancer.

- Applicants preferably should live in Aitkin, Cass or Crow Wing County, but will consider requests from other out-state counties as funds allow.

- Maximum grant amount is $1,000. 
 

MEAL PREPARATION & DELIVERY
 
Open Arms of Minnesota

“Healthy, Organic and Sustainably Sourced Meals for People with Breast Cancer” 
www.openarmsmn.org

Contact: Client Service Representative (612) 872-1152
- Open Arms of Minnesota cooks and delivers nutritious, delicious meals for people living with breast cancer, as well as their caregivers and children. 

- Meals are free, regardless of income, and we use the highest quality ingredients --- including organic, whenever possible.

- Applicants must be in active treatment for breast cancer (Open Arms has additional grants that provide assistance for those with other types of cancer and illnesses).

- Applicants must be living in the Twin Cities metropolitan area (694/494 loop). 

 

Cooking for Chemo
www.cookingforchemo.org​​

Contact: Chef Ryan cookingforchemo@gmail.com

  
LEGAL SERVICES
 
Cancer Legal Care “Breast Cancer Legal Project (BCLP)” 
http://www.cancerlegalcare.org/

Contact: (651) 917-9000

- Cancer Legal Care provides free legal care to Minnesotans affected by cancer who otherwise have no access to an attorney’s help for the legal issues that directly impact their health and quality of life. By doing so, our clients are better able to focus their energies on healing rather than an endless loop of "what if" and worry.

- Applicants must reside or work in Minnesota.

- Applicants are eligible for services at any time from diagnosis on. 

 

Just Great Lawyers

http://justgreatlawyers.com/legal-resources-for-cancer-patients 

- As you deal with the realities of your treatments, medications, doctor's appointments and all of the rest of life with cancer, you may be surprised to find that your rights, from financial rights to employment rights, are not protected when you are dealing with the realities of cancer.

 

EDUCATION & SUPPORT
 
African American Breast Cancer Alliance (AABCA) 
www.aabcainc.org

Contact: (612) 492-6813 or at info@aabcainc.org 
- The African American Breast Cancer Alliance (AABCA) seeks to empower women to take charge of their health and take care of their lives by becoming knowledgeable about breast cancer.

- The AABCA is dedicated to providing hope, awareness, education, emotional and social support to breast cancer survivors, their family members and the community. 

- Information and action is particularly important because Black women tend to have more aggressive breast cancers at younger ages and benefit from earlier detection and aggressive treatments. 
 
American Cancer Society - Look Good Feel Better
Contact: 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345) www.cancer.org/
- Licensed volunteer cosmetologists teach cancer patients techniques to restore their appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation.

- This program is made possible through a collaboration of the Personal Care Products Council Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and the Professional Beauty Association/National Cosmetology Association.

American Cancer Society - Reach to Recovery
Contact: 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345) www.cancer.org/
- Female breast cancer survivors are matched with women facing a diagnosis of breast cancer. 

- One-on-one support is given through visits between the survivor and patient (either face-to-face or phone visits). 

- Visitors are matched to the patient based on the concerns the patient expresses, type of surgery, reconstruction, age at diagnosis, etc. 

 

Angel Foundation “Facing Cancer Together” 

https://mnangel.org/upcoming-facing-cancer-together-programs/

Contact:  Facing Cancer Together, Program Director, Melissa Turgeon, MPS, ATR, CCLS

(612) 627-9000 ext. 507 or mturgeon@mnangel.org

- At Angel Foundation, we recognize that the whole family is affected by a cancer diagnosis. The goal of our Facing Cancer Together program is to help adult cancer patients and their families develop communication and coping strategies to combat the stress and anxiety that often accompany a cancer diagnosis. With these tools, each family can build upon their own strengths and continue to thrive during difficult times.

- The Facing Cancer Together program provides expertise in adult oncology support. Focusing on how cancer affects the entire family, we provide consults throughout the entire cancer experience (new diagnosis, survivorship, recurrence, end-of-life), year-round therapeutic programs, and a variety of online resources.

- Who qualifies for Facing Cancer Together?  Facing Cancer Together is offered to Minnesota families with children (ages 0-26) who are facing a parental or caregiver cancer diagnosis. Program activities are provided free-of-charge to any local family, including those who do not qualify for Angel Foundation’s Emergency Financial Assistance program.

- What do parents learn?  Parenting through cancer can be difficult. Through Facing Cancer Together programming, parents learn how to open up healthy lines of communication with their children; how to talk honestly about their diagnosis; and to be aware of different behaviors that may manifest in their child. Parents are also encouraged to reflect on their own needs, identify reliable self-care techniques, and build a support network through interaction with other families who attend program activities.

- What do children learn?  Children learn about cancer by attending age-appropriate programs such as Camp Angel, medical play sessions, field trips, and family retreats. These activities also teach children they cannot “catch” cancer (nor did they cause their parent’s cancer) and that it’s okay to cry. Lastly, they benefit from a community of strong peer support alongside other kids who are going through a similar experience. Through Facing Cancer Together, children see that they do not have to go through the cancer experience alone.

- Clinical expertise.  Melissa Turgeon, Facing Cancer Together Program Director, has 15 years of clinical experience in pediatric and adult oncology support. As a trained art therapist and Certified Child Life Specialist, her background and experience includes new diagnosis, treatment, coping interventions, maintenance, survivorship, grief and loss.

 

Brighter Days Grief Center

www.brighterdaysgriefcenter.org

-Brighter Days Grief Center is a newly established nonprofit organization serving individuals anticipating or enduring the death of a beloved family member. Although we are a Grief Center providing necessary services and resources, we are so much more than that at our core. We are a community of professionals and families turned into volunteers, staff and board that are bound together by our own experiences.

-These experiences, although personally painful, have inspired us to support and guide grieving families in ways that were not available to us. Our programs are designed to address the many layers that come with grief. We realize each family member grieves differently, and therefore has different needs. Our goal is to help determine those needs, and provide the resources to compassionately address them.

Cashman Center- Therapies for Mind & Body

http://cashmancentermn.com/

Contact: (952) 224-8990

-The Living Well with Cancer program helps those those diagnosed with cancer or in remission move beyond fear and survival to a life worth living. We use personalized, integrative therapies to help emotionally support individuals and treat complex health issues that arise during and after

cancer treatment.

-6 week group therapy. Introduction to integrative medicine strategies to improve quality of life, like Yoga, Acupuncture, massage, Reiki and others. Most insurance taken and scholarships available through the Kukowski foundation.

-Tuesdays 4:00-6:30 pm.  New sessions begin the first Tuesday of February, May, August & October.  

 

Cleaning for a Reason

https://cleaningforareason.org/patients-2/learn-more

Contact Phone: (877) 337-3348, Ext 1 or info@cleaningforareason.org

- Open weekdays from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm CST

- Providing services in cities across United States and in Canada, our maid services take on two patients at a time, each of whom receives one general house cleaning per month for four consecutive months. However, we can’t always guarantee there will be an available maid service in your area.

- Please be sure to fill out the application completely so we may begin the process of matching you with a maid service as soon as possible. If during this process you learn there is no maid services available in your area, please continue filling out the application, so that our system may continue to search for a match.

- Once you are matched, you will be asked to provide us with a note from your physician confirming you are in treatment. Upon receipt of that note, you will be notified by the maid service to schedule your first cleaning.

 

Conversations with Kelly

http://wwwcwkonlone.net/#home

-Walking the sacred walk with people experiencing deep human loss, Kelly Grosklags created Conversations with Kelly(CWK) for a powerful purpose: to alleviate suffering.  CWK was born out of Kelly’s childhood encounter with grief, coupled with a life-long passion for building communities of healing. Kelly’s 20+ years as a clinical practitioner has expanded to teaching, writing and now engaging with live audiences through storytelling,dialogue and music.

-Today Kelly’s message of hope and healing celebrates the power of coming together, where patients, survivors, friends,family, providers and caregivers unite in an intimate forum dedicated to creating positive change. CWK gives each participant a comforting opportunity to share and discover ideas and insights about the range of human emotion. Join Kelly for the next Conversation as you invite healing to happen.

Disability Services - Learn about qualifying for social security benefits with breast cancer. Click here.

Firefly Sisterhood
www.fireflysisterhood.org

Contact: Jenny Cook (612) 412-7713 or jenny@fireflysisterhood.org

- The Firefly Sisterhood connects women diagnosed with breast cancer and trained local breast cancer survivors to offer support, guidance and hope though phone calls, email, texts, or meeting in person. 

 
Gilda’s Club Twin Cities 
http://www.gildasclubtwincities.org/

Contact: (612) 227-2147
- Gilda’s Club Twin Cities (GCTC) is the local affiliate of the Cancer Support Community, a network of more than 57 supportive, free and welcoming “clubhouses” where everyone living with cancer can come for social, emotional and psychological support. 

- Behind the red doors at GCTC is a welcoming community, a place to go for support for anyone dealing with cancer (men, women, teens and children) along with their families and friends. 

- The Gilda’s Club program is grounded in a one-of-a-kind model of social and emotional support, professionally facilitated and designed by and for those who know first-hand what living with cancer requires. 

- This program honors all viewpoints and encourages members to create a customized plan based on their personal needs and wants. 

- GCTC's comprehensive, evidence-based program tests on five cornerstones: Support, Education, Healthy Lifestyle, Social Opportunities, Information and Referrals.

- All programs are free of charge and available to anyone impacted by cancer.

 

LGBTQ Breast Cancer Information

-Facts for Life: Click Here

-Cancer Care: Click Here

-Living Beyond Breast Cancer: Click Here

-National LGBT Cancer Project: Click Here

-National LGBT Cancer Network: Click Here

-Young Survivor Coalition: Click Here

​

Jack's Caregiver Coalition
www.jackscaregiverco.org

Contact: (612) 547-6929 or email contactus@jackscaregiverco.org

- Jack's Caregiver Coalition: Our mission is to improve the way men think, feel and act in their role as a cancer caregiver.  Our hospitality brings these men together, and together they improve.  

 

Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) 
http://www.lbbc.org

Contact: (855) 807-6386
- Living Beyond Breast Cancer offers programs and services for people with early stage and metastatic (advanced) breast cancer.  These programs are developed with the help of trusted medical experts, professional caregivers and people just like you. 

 

Masonic Cancer Center Survivorship Conference

​https://www.cancer.umn.edu/news-events/events/save-date-annual-cancer-survivorship-conference

The 15th Annual Cancer Survivorship Conference will be held on June 6, 2020 at the Earle Brown Heritage Center.  A cancer diagnosis can alter the landscape of your life.  Although it doesn't redefine you, it can change your lifetime healthcare needs.  Save the date for this FREE educational conference that is focused on questions and issues survivors and their families often face after a cancer treatment or following stem-cell transplantation.

 

Masonic Cancer Center – University of Minnesota Support Groups
Contact: Susan Pappas-Varco, RN, MA

(612) 273-6434 or spappas-varco@umphysicians.umn.edu
- University Breast Cancer Support Group For women, all ages with new diagnosis or history of breast cancer  Meets 3rd Tuesday of each month Noon-1:30 pm, includes light lunch Hope Lodge 2500 University Ave., S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55414 
- University Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group
Focus on unique issues of individuals with stage 4 breast cancer
Meets 2nd Tuesday of each month 9:00-10:30 am Hope Lodge 2500 University Ave., S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55414 
- Young Survivors Breast Cancer Support Group Focus on unique issues of young individuals with breast cancer, ages 20 to 40’s Meets 3rd Thursday of each month. 6:30-8:00 pm Hope Lodge, 2500 University Ave SE, Minneapolis

 

Metastatic Trials Research

https://www.breastcancertrials.org/

- BreastCancerTrials.org was developed specifically for women and men interested in breast cancer trials and is a non-profit service that is dedicated to providing accurate information about breast cancer clinical trials.

- BreastCancerTrials.org in collaboration with Susan G. Komen offers a custom matching service to help you find a clinical trial for people with metastatic breast cancer. 

 

Midwest Metastatic Breast Cancer Conference

www.komenminnesota.org

Contact:  Susan G. Komen Minnesota (952) 746-1760

-This conference is designed and intended for people with metastatic breast cancer and those who have had breast cancer, nurses, healthcare professionals and others who participate in the care of patients with metastatic breast cancer.  The conference will be held at the Sheraton Hotel in Bloomington, MN.

-The conference is presented by Susan G. Komen Minnesota & Living Beyond Breast Cancer and the title sponsor is Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota.

 
Pathways Health Crisis Resource Center 
http://www.pathwaysminneapolis.org/about_us/

Contact:  (612) 822-9061
- Pathways’ mission is to provide resources and services for people with life-threatening illness to explore and experience complementary healing approaches.

- Pathways’ serves individuals who seek healing for body, mind and spirit, offering complementary healing services designed specifically for people affected by health crisis. 

- Pathways’ provides a safe, warm, creative, and nurturing environment in which participants can examine the possibilities of healing through means other than conventional Western medical treatment. 

 

SuperYou 

- You've got the power. The power to protect your family from cancer with genetic counseling.

- Breast and ovarian cancer can run in families. If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, genetic counseling gives you the super power to protect you and your family by predicting the likelihood of cancer for you and others in your family.

- By talking with an expert called a genetic counselor, you can be better informed about your family’s risk. And when you’ve got the knowledge, you’ve got the power to learn more about the steps you can take to protect you and your family’s health.

-More Information Coming Soon!

 

Susan G. Komen Breast Care Helpline 
To learn more, call the Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877-GOKOMEN (1-877-465-6636) or email helpline@komen.org.

- Breast Health and breast cancer information

- Support and counseling to anyone with questions or concerns

- Information about local organizations and resources that may provide financial assistance and other support services

- Educational Materials

- Free 12-week telephone support groups for men with breast cancer. These groups provide a safe place for men to discuss challenges of breast cancer, get information and exchange support.

 

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Clinical Trial Information

https://clinicaltrials.komen.org/

Clinical trial education that empowers people with trustworthy, accurate,current, and evidence-based information to dispel myths and increase awareness of breast cancer clinical trials, as well as, emphasize Komen’s involvement in and support of clinical trials.

To speak to a Komen Clinical Trial Information Oncology Social Worker or Specialist, call 1-877-GOKOMEN (1-877-465-6636).  

 

 
Virginia Piper Cancer Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital “Support Resources for Women living with Metastatic Breast Cancer” 
http://wellness.allinahealth.org/events/2417

Contact: Paula Colwell (612) 863-1093 or paula.colwell@allina.com
Virginia Piper Cancer Institute offers the following support resources related to metastatic breast cancer: 
- Together in Transition- support group for those living with metastatic breast cancer held at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.  The purpose of this group is to help women share thoughts, feelings and information with each other when metastatic breast cancer becomes a part of their lives. The intent is to provide a comfortable and caring environment that promotes quality of life, self-care and learning to focus on things that are within one's control. This group meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month.

- Support group for those with metastatic breast cancer at Unity Hospital.

- Education programs for those with metastatic breast cancer and their families. 

 

Young Survivor Coalition

https://www.facebook.com/groups/MNYSC/

- Are you looking to connect with other women diagnosed with breast cancer? This group is designed for breast cancer survivors diagnosed in their 40's or younger, regardless of your current age. For women at all stages of diagnosis, treatment or survivorship, join us to connect with others. Meeting the second Tuesday of the month: Click Here

 

Brainerd Lakes Area Support Groups

 

Aitkin

Security State Bank, Fireside Room

Fourth Monday each month 6pm

Contact: Elaine Hill 218-927-3469

 

Brainerd

Essentia Health

Second Friday each month at 11:30am –1:30pm

Contact: Pat Hassett 218-829-1683

 

Crosby

Cuyuna Regional Medical Center                                                                                 

Ambulatory Services Conference Room

Second Tuesday each month at 3:00-4:30pm

Contact: Jill Wittrock 218-546-4319

 

Staples Area

Bosom Buddies Support Group  

Lakewood Health Systems Main Campus

January, March, September, November—last Monday at 5:00pm

Contact: Karen Anderson 218-894-3658 (H) 218-839-0457 (Cell)

Barb Peterson 218-894-2627 (H)

 

Crosslake

Last Monday of the each month at 11:30am for lunch  

Pine Peaks Restaurant in Crosslake

Contact: Karen Christofferson 218-692-3213

 
LODGING 
 
American Cancer Society - Hope Lodge

Contact: 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345)

Minneapolis: http://www.cancer.org/treatment/supportprogramsservices/hopelodge/minneapolis/index

Rochester: http://www.cancer.org/treatment/supportprogramsservices/hopelodge/rochester-mn/index
- Hope Lodge offers free, overnight housing for cancer patients while they are being treated for cancer and a comfortable place where you can find support and friendship from others going through the same thing.

 

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity – A Brush With Kindness

https://www.tchabitat.org/services/abwk

Contact: (651) 207-1700

- Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity's Paint and Home Repair Program partners with low- and moderate-income homeowners to maintain their homes.
 
TRANSPORTATION 
 
American Cancer Society “Road to Recovery” 
http://www.cancer.org/treatment/supportprogramsservices/road-to-recovery

Contact: 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345)
- The American Cancer Society provides assistance to help cancer patients get to and from their treatment appointments, including the Road to Recovery Program where rides are provided by trained volunteer drivers.   
 
Air Charity Network  
Contact: (877) 621-7177  www.aircharitynetwork.org
- Provides air travel to treatment centers. 
 
CancerCare  
Contact: 1-800-813-HOPE (1-800-813-4673) www.cancercare.org
- Offers limited financial help to cover treatment-related transportation and childcare costs.
 
Corporate Angel Network  
Contact: (866) 328-1313 www.corpangelnetwork.org  
- Provides air travel to treatment centers.  

National Patient Travel Center 
Contact: (800) 296-1217 www.patienttravel.org
- Provides air travel to treatment centers. 
 
Raquel’s Wings for Life 
Contact: (940) 627-1050 www.raquelswingsforlife.com
- Provides air travel to treatment centers. 
 
 
HEALTH CARE ASSISTANCE
 
CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation 
www.cancercarecopay.org

Contact: (866) 55-COPAY (866-552-6729) or information@cancercarecopay.org
- Offers health insurance co-payment assistance to breast cancer patients undergoing some types of chemotherapy. 
 
Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and CancerCare’s Linking A.R.M.S.™ 
Contact: 1-877-GO-KOMEN (1-877-465-6636)  www.cancercare.org
- Linking A.R.M.S.™ is a partnership between Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and CancerCare. 

- For those who are eligible, Linking A.R.M.S.™ provides financial assistance grants of up to $350. 

- These grants can be used for oral chemotherapy and hormonal therapy medications, pain and anti-nausea medication, medical equipment and lymphedema support and supplies. 

 
Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and the Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief Program 
Contact: (866) 512-3861  www.copays.org
- The Co-Pay Relief Program (CPR) is a partnership between Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and the Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF). 

- CPR provides direct financial support for pharmaceutical drug co-payment assistance to insured patients, including those with Medicare Part D, who qualify. 

- This program offers call counselors who personally guide patients through the enrollment process. 
 
Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) 
Contact: 1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669) www.pparx.org/
- Offers low-cost and free prescription drug programs for those with limited income. 
 
NeedyMeds.com 
Contact: www.needymeds.com
- Provides information on how to find pharmaceutical manufacturer assistance programs. 
  
WIGS, SCARVES, HATS, CAPS, BRAS & ACCESSORIES

 
Ruth’s Free Wig Closet at Jeanie & Co. 
Contact: Jeanie Thompson at (218) 838-0441
116 Minnesota Avenue North, Aitkin, MN  56431 
- Ruth’s Free Wig Closet program is available for patients undergoing treatment for cancer, including at no charge:  Wig, Wig styling and cutting, Hats, Scarves, Caps, Personalized help choosing and tips on how to wear them

- The Wig Closet is located in Aitkin, MN and operates by appointment only.

- Ruth’s Free Wig Closet is happy to send a wig anywhere in the United States or Canada, and can assist with how to measure your head even if the client can't visit them in person. 

- If interested in receiving a wig through the mail, individuals should start by looking at Paula Young Wigs.

​

Hennepin County Medical Center

https://www.cancer.org/content/cancer/en/about-us/local/resources-list.detail.html/124637.html

Contact: (612) 873-9902
- Contact the Patient Navigator for assistance if you or someone you know is a cancer patient of Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC). For any patient undergoing cancer treatment, regardless of their insurance status (eg insured, uninsured or underinsured). Patients are eligible for one wig every rolling 12 months while they are in active treatment. It is not required to be a patient of Hennepin County Medical Center to receive assistance. Call for an appointment.

 

Masonic Cancer Clinic

Contact: (612) 676-5966
- Contact the Patient Navigator for assistance if you or someone you know is a cancer patient. It is not required to be a patient of Masonic Cancer Clinic to receive assistance. For any patient undergoing cancer treatment, regardless of their insurance status (ex. insured, uninsured or underinsured). Patients are eligible for one wig every rolling 12 months while they are in active treatment. Call for an appointment.

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Fantasia 
http://fantasiasalon.com/

Contact: (763) 544-9126
2756 Douglas Drive N.
Crystal, MN  55422
- Fantasia's hair replacement services include custom designed wigs and hairpieces, prosthetic eyelashes and prosthetic eyebrows.

 

Caring & Comfort
http://www.caringandcomfort.com/

Contact: Chira Dorfman at (651) 690-4100
1747 Ford Parkway, St. Paul, MN 55116

Email: HelpDesk@CaringAndComfort.com
- Custom wig makers.

 

Underneath It All 
www.underneathitall.com

Contact: (952) 937-9252
7942 Mitchell Road #102, Eden Prairie, MN 55344

- Fitting your intimate needs after breast surgery: Mastectomy Bras, Breast Forms, Wicking Sleepwear, Swimwear & Accessories. 

- Appointments are available at their store in Eden Prairie and a variety of hospitals (offered on certain days of the month). Check their website for more details.

- Underneath It All also accepts used breast forms and mastectomy bras that are nice and in good condition and distributes them to women in need.

 

Compare Reviews for Wig Companies

- People wear wigs for a variety of reasons, including hair loss, religious mandate or aesthetic preference. Whatever your reason, choosing your wig carefully and evaluating wig retailers can help you make a great purchasing decision. With so many options available, it is important to choose the type and style that works best for you.  Click Here.

 

Tattoos

 

https://wingnutmods.com/main/

Contact: (763-421-4696)

-Wingnut Tattoo is excited to announce that from now until further notice Daniel Barsody in the Anoka studio will be holding the fourth Sunday of every month open to provide breast cancer survivors with NO COST realistic reconstructive nipple tattoos.  Time slots are limited each month and interested parties will need to come into the studio for in in person consultation with Daniel prior to booking.  They will be offering this service on a first come first served basis.  Again the studio will not be charging clients for this service, the first time slots are available Sunday November 24th.  If you have additional questions please message them, call the Anoka Studio or stop in Saturday through Tuesday and speak with Daniel.

 

PLASTIC SURGERY
 
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures  

- Reconstructive surgery is performed to treat structure of the body affected aesthetically or functionally by congenital defects, development abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease.  It is generally done to improve function and ability, but may also be performed to achieve a more typical appearance of the affected structure.   

 

Pampering for Patients
 

https://www.postopprovisions.com/

- Kits from Post-op Provisions provide patients with supplies that decrease stress, increase independence, and improve patient satisfaction and outcomes.  Designed by a general surgeon, these kits contain items that you might not realize that you need, or may have difficulty finding, to aid in your recovery process after any procedure. The Breast Surgery POP Box has all the supplies and personal care as the Outpatient Surgery Box with a few extra things to help after breast surgery in particular.  Learn More 

*The products, processes, resources and services listed above are intended to serve as resources in Minnesota.  Susan G. Komen Minnesota does not necessarily endorse or recommend any of the products, processes, resources or services, nor does it guarantee that the list is complete, accurate or current.  Any views or opinions received or derived from any of the products, processes, resources or services or their sponsors do not necessarily state or reflect those of Susan G. Komen Minnesota.