Patient and Caregiver Support
Find the support you need
One of the primary goals of the Lung Cancer Initiative is to support patients in meeting their unique needs. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung cancer, we encourage you to connect with Cheryl LeCroy, our Survivor Liaison, at CLeCroy@LungCancerInitiative.org. Cheryl is here to provide guidance and support every step of the way.
Educational Resources
We believe it’s important to provide information to patients and caregivers in a manageable way, and provide print materials to make the facts about lung cancer more comprehensible. Below are the materials we have produced to help educate and empower lung cancer advocates and patients.
If you are interested in receiving any of the materials printed, please fill out this form or download them yourself below!
Patient Resources
ACS
ACS CARES App
ACS CARES™ (Community Access to Resources, Education, and Support) equips those facing cancer with curated content, programs, and services to fit their specific cancer journey.
ACS Auxiliary Aids & Services
American Cancer Society print publications that are available at no cost to individuals are also available free of charge in alternative formats upon request. Persons with visual impairments can request copies in braille or large print. Persons with hearing impairments can request audio copies of materials
American Society of Clinical Oncology
American Society of Clinical Oncology
The American Society of Clinical Oncology’s (ASCO) mission is to improve cancer care and prevention. ASCO is dedicated to advancing the education of oncologists and oncology professionals, advocating for policies that increase and provide access to high-quality cancer care, and supporting increased clinical and translational research to improve the care and treatment of people living with cancer.
ASCO Answers Patient Education Materials
ASCO Answers Patient Education Materials
Comprehensive, patient-friendly guides that contain trusted information about the diagnosis, treatment, side effects, and psychosocial effects of a specific cancer.
CancerCare
CancerCare
Founded in 1944, CancerCare® is the national leader in providing professional services to help people manage the emotional and financial challenges of cancer.
CancerGRACE
CancerGRACE
CancerGRACE is a nonprofit organization that was developed as a means of improving the overall medical care for cancer patients by democratizing cutting edge information on optimal cancer management and providing it directly to patients
Cancer.net
Cancer.net
Oncologist-approved cancer information from the American Society of Clinical
Oncology.
Caring Ambassadors Lung Cancer Program
Caring Ambassadors Lung Cancer Program
The Caring Ambassadors Lung Cancer Program works daily to:
● Address the informational needs of people living with lung cancer and their loved
ones
● Provide compassion and support to those facing the many challenges of lung
cancer
● Increase lung cancer awareness to augment the priority of lung cancer on local,
state, and national health agendas (both public and private)
● Bring hope to families living with lung cancer
Information about Hypertrophic Pulmonary Osteoarthropathy (HPOA)
Information about Hypertrophic Pulmonary Osteoarthropathy (HPOA)
“Although it’s uncommon, hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, or HPOA, is an odd and therefore memorable syndrome that can be a side effect of lung cancer. It features an abnormal proliferation of skin and bone tissue, primarily in the hands and feet. Patients can develop clubbing, which is most commonly associated with NSCLC (up to 1/3 of patients) more than SCLC (only about 5%), and adenocarcinoma in particular.” – Dr. West, Cancer Grace
International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer
International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer
International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) members work to
enhance the understanding of lung cancer among scientists, members of the medical community and the public. IASLC publishes the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, a valuable resource for medical specialists and scientists who focus on the detection, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.
Lung Cancer Initiative Survivor Luncheons
Lung Cancer Initiative Survivor Luncheons
Meet and fellowship with other lung cancer survivors at our Online Survivor Luncheons which are on the first Wednesdays of every month. This is a perfect time for us to come together from across the state and socialize while we’re apart. These events will be held on Zoom
Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation is the nonprofit collaboration of patients and families, physicians, advocates, and researchers dedicated to eradicating the life-ending and vicious effects of mesothelioma.
National Cancer Institute
National Cancer Institute
The National Cancer Institute coordinates the National Cancer Program, which
conducts and supports research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer, rehabilitation from cancer, and the continuing care of cancer patients and the families of cancer patients.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) offers guidelines for patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer as well as other diseases. They aim to provide people with cancer and the general public with state-of-the-art cancer treatment information in easy-to-understand language. The guidelines are meant to help patients with cancer talk with their physicians about the best treatment options for their disease. NCCN Guidelines for Patients do not replace the expertise and clinical judgment of the physician.
National Lung Cancer Support Group Network
This group is open to current lung cancer survivors, their families, and friends to meet their unique needs. Assists patients in dealing with the diagnosis, treatment, and nutritional aspects.
North Carolina Medicaid Expansion
NC Medicaid Expansion
NC Medicaid now covers people ages 19 through 64 years with higher incomes. You may be able to get health care coverage through Medicaid even if you did not qualify before. NC Medicaid pays for doctor visits, yearly check-ups, emergency care, dental care, mental health and more – at little or no cost to you.
Palliative Care Booklet
Palliative care is specialized medical care focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. Its goal is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family by addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Patient Empowerment Network
Patient Empowerment Network
Patient Empowerment Network’s (PEN) mission is to fortify cancer patients and care partners with the knowledge and tools to boost their confidence, put them in control of their healthcare journey, and assist them in receiving the best, most personalized care available to ensure they have the best possible outcome.Their programs enhance patient health literacy to enable shared decision-making and provide informational and educational resources to empower patients and care partners at every step of their cancer journey.
Southeastern Cancer Care
Southeastern Cancer Care
The Southeastern Cancer Care Grant Program provides help with basic living essentials to people who have been diagnosed with cancer in Eastern North Carolina. If you live East of I-95 and are undergoing treatment, you may qualify for our grant program.
Triage Cancer
Triage Cancer
Triage Cancer® is a national, nonprofit organization that provides free education on the legal and practical issues that may impact individuals diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers, through events, materials, and resources.
Caregiver Resources
CareYaya
CareYaya
CareYaya is the “Uber of caregiving” – convenient, reliable, standardized student caregivers and affordable.
The Center for Volunteer Caregiving
The Center for Volunteer Caregiving
The Center for Volunteer Caregiving helps older adults and adults with disabilities in Wake County live independently for as long as possible. Our clients find themselves aging without family members who can provide help and without a community of support.
Family Caregiver Alliance
Family Caregiver Alliance
Founded in 1977, Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) was the first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. Long recognized as a pioneer in health services, FCA now offers programs at national, state and local levels to support and sustain caregivers.
Growing Thru Grief
Growing Thru Grief
Growing Thru Grief is a program offered by a coalition of area religious and civic organizations, which offers support and education to those who mourn. There is no charge to attend, and all are welcome.
Lung Cancer Initiative Caregiver Empower Hour
Caregiver Empower Hour
Caregiver Empower Hour is a program designed for caregivers. A caregiver is described as a person who cares for someone else. This could be a spouse,a parent, a sibling, a child, a friend, anyone can become a caregiver.
This program is a time to share your story and meet other caregivers away from the person you are caring for. Whether you need some self-care, want to chat, or just listen, join us via zoom for an hour of empowering and supporting one another.
Financial and Legal Resources
ACS Road to Recovery
ACS Transportation
The American Cancer Society Road To Recovery program provides transportation to and from treatment for people with cancer who do not have a ride or are unable to drive themselves. Depending on your individual needs and what’s available in your area, we may be able to coordinate a ride with an American Cancer Society volunteer driver.
Patients must be traveling to a cancer-related medical appointment.
Other eligibility requirements may apply. For example, a caregiver may need to accompany a patient who cannot walk without help, or is under age 18. Contact us to find out what is available in your area, and what the specific requirements are.
It can take several business days to coordinate your ride, so please call us at 1-800-227-2345 well in advance of your appointment date.
CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation
CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation
The CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps people being treated for cancer afford co-payments for chemotherapy and targeted treatment drugs, ensuring their access to care for prescribed treatments.
Cancer Insurance Checklist
Cancer Insurance Checklist
The Cancer Insurance Checklist is designed to help you when shopping for insurance on your state’s Health Insurance Marketplace/Exchange if you have cancer, a history of cancer, or are at risk for cancer.
Mack D Foundation
Patient Assistance Application
We know the burden cancer can put on a family. Travel and treatment expenses can cause additional physical and mental stress on families. We have incorporated a Patient Assistance Plan to help families dealing with cancer.
Patient Advocate Foundation
Patient Advocate Foundation
Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) is a national nonprofit organization which provides professional case management services to Americans with chronic, life threatening and debilitating illnesses. Finding Ways to Pay for Care (National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship)cc Mission: To advocate for quality cancer care for all people touched by cancer.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance
Partnership for Prescription Assistance
The Partnership for Prescription Assistance helps qualifying patients without prescription drug coverage get the medicines they need for free or nearly free.
The Tomma Hargraves Gas Card Program
Tomma Hargraves Gas Card Program
The Lung Cancer Initiative Access to Care Gas Card Program provides assistance to lung cancer patients while seeking treatment including clinical trials. The goal of the program is to lessen the financial burden for patients to receive appropriate lung cancer treatment by providing gas cards.
Triage Cancer
Triage Cancer
Triage Cancer is a national, nonprofit organization that provides education on the practical and legal issues that may impact individuals diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers, through free events, materials, and resources.
Transportation Services
NC Transportation Services
Must be 60 years old or older.
Transportation services provide travel to and/or from community resources providing needed services or carrying out activities of daily living. There are two categories of transportation services: general and medical. An agency may provide general or medical or both.
- General Transportation: destinations may include, but are not limited to, nutrition sites, senior centers, shopping centers, pharmacies and recreational facilities.
- Medical Transportation: destinations may include, but are not limited to, doctor’s offices, hospitals, and health clinics.
Local Cancer Resources
Here are a few external local resources available to lung cancer patients as well.
Cancer Services
Cancer Services
Cancer Service’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for those living with cancer and to provide the gift of life through education.
Cancer Services of Eastern NC
Cancer Services of Eastern NC
Cancer Services of Eastern North Carolina provides resources, support and education for individuals, families and caregivers who are affected by cancer.
Daughters for Dads (Pitt County, NC)
Daughters4Dads
A Non-profit organization supporting family and friends coping with cancer.
Lung Cancer Initiative Patient Access to Care Gas Card Program
Lung Cancer Initiative Patient Access to Care Gas Card Program
The Lung Cancer Initiative Access to Care Gas Card Program provides assistance to lung cancer patients while seeking treatment including clinical trials. The goal of the program is to lessen the financial burden for patients to receive appropriate lung cancer treatment by providing gas cards.
Single Fathers Due to Cancer
Single Fathers Due to Cancer
The Single Fathers Due to Cancer program is dedicated to helping the thousands of fathers who each year lose their spouses to cancer and must adjust to being sole parents. Remarkably, few resources are available for fathers and very little is known about the unique challenges they face and how to best help them through this enormously difficult time.
LiveLung
LiveLung
LiveLung hosts support groups across the United States and virtually for lung cancer survivors, featuring guest speakers like oncologists, nurse navigators, and other cancer experts
Children and Family Resources
Resource Document
Resource Document for Children and Families Effected by Lung Cancer
Please reference the link above to find resources for children and families. The document is divided by age, reactions to transition, and needs of the family.