Brain Tumor and Brain Cancer Support Services and Resources

Brain Tumor and Brain Cancer Support Services and Resources

Below is a list of support services and resources for those diagnosed with brain tumors or brain cancer.  We wish you all the best on your cancer journey.  There are other support services available.  Please discuss with your Medical Oncologist or Neurosurgeon all of your needs.

American Brain Tumor Association

https://www.abta.org/about-the-abta/
8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Ste 550
Chicago, IL 60631
Telephone Numbers 773-577-8750 or 773-577-8738 or 800-886-2282 
info@abta.org 
http://www.abta.org/brain-tumor-treatment/brain-tumor-support/

Are you a brain tumor patient, survivor, or caregiver looking for one-on-one support? 

The American Brain Tumor Association is the nation’s oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to brain tumor education, support, advocacy, and research. In 1973, the ABTA was founded by two mothers determined to find answers that, at the time, were not yet available. Since then, the ABTA has funded more than $32 million in brain tumor research and now reaches a national audience, providing educational and support resources.  
In an effort to provide compassion, support and guidance to ease the brain tumor journey, the American Brain Tumor Association CommYOUnity™ Connect program pairs newly-diagnosed brain tumor patients and caregivers with “Mentors” who have been through a similar diagnosis. Often the best “medicine” is talking with someone who has walked in your shoes.  To be matched with a mentor please go to the webpage:

https://www.abta.org/patient-mentor-and-mentee/ 

or call the ABTA CareLine at 800-886-2282 

American Brain Tumor Association Brain Tumor Support Groups

Having a brain tumor can be overwhelming, and the support of others is life-affirming.  Support groups can improve your emotional well-being and quality of life by providing information, emotional support and resources.

Support Groups Brain Tumors on American Brain Tumor Association website:

New York Area

https://www.abta.org/tag/new-york/

Can’t find a support group close to you?  Call the ABTA CareLine at 800.886.2282 for additional resources.

Brain Tumor Network

816 A1A North, Suite 207 Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Reach out by phone 904 395-5220 or toll free 844 286-6110 or live chat at: 
https://www.braintumornetwork.org/contact-us/
https://www.braintumornetwork.org/
Monday to Friday  9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Eastern Time

Guiding Patients and Empowering Care

Our Mission for Adult and Pediatric Brain Tumors

To provide free, individualized navigation to help patients and loved ones manage a primary brain tumor diagnosis, overcome treatment obstacles, and facilitate access to quality healthcare.

Brain Tumor Network is a trusted source for reliable information about primary brain tumors for patients of all ages. Our dedicated, neuro-oncology navigators help you find answers. 
 
https://curethekids.org/resources/?resource_tax=newly-diagnosed-families

Since 1991, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s family support, research funding, and advocacy have led the way in ending the childhood cancer community’s biggest crisis: pediatric brain tumors. Dedicated wholly to addressing this rare but devastating disease and guided by the experiences of patients, survivors, their parents, and siblings, we are an organization designed to meet families’ needs along every step of their cancer journey. The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation offers resources for newly diagnosed families, clinical trial information, virtual support groups, Life After a Brain Tumor Diagnosis, Survivorship Information, and more, in English and in Spanish.

Voices Against Brain Cancer

254 West 31st Street 6th Floor
New York, NY 10001
EMAIL US AT  INFO@VOICESAGAINSTBRAINCANCER.ORG
CALL US NOW  (212) 340-1340

Voices Against Brain Cancer’s (VABC) mission is to find a cure for brain cancer and brain tumors by advancing scientific research, increasing awareness, creating a brain cancer and tumor community, and supporting patients, their families and caregivers afflicted with this devastating disease. Voices Against Brain Cancer is the personal brainchild of a family, and a father who lost their son to brain cancer.
For Brain Tumor Survivor, Malignant and Non Malignant Brain Tumor Support Group information:
https://www.voicesagainstbraincancer.org/support-groups/

National Brain Tumor Society

Headquarters
55 Chapel Street, Suite 006
Newton, MA 02458
Phone: 617-924-9997
https://braintumor.org/contact/

Community here. Breakthroughs ahead.

An estimated 1 million Americans are living with a brain tumor. Patients and their loved ones like Julio and Liz need groundbreaking treatments, a better quality of life, and cures. Together, we will be the community to defeat brain tumors — once and for all.

Website provides information about brain tumors, diagnosis & treatment, later stages, survivorship, and shares stories of living with brain tumors.  They also provide information on Research and Clinical Trials and Advocacy, Support Groups (see below), and Patient & Care Partner Resources, Financial and Legal Assistance, Advanced Care Planning, Quality of Life and Supportive Care, Transportation and Care Coordination, Support for Underserved Communities, Children, Teens &

Young Adults and more.

Patient & Care Partner Resources

Being diagnosed with a brain tumor or caring for someone with a brain tumor can be a challenging and stressful experience in many ways. Fortunately, there are resources available to assist people with brain tumors, their families, and their care partners in navigating these challenges. For additional assistance, you can contact the National Brain Tumor Society Personalized Support and Navigation team at:
 patientnavigator@braintumor.org.

National Brain Tumor Society Brain Tumor Support Group (Virtual)

https://braintumor.org/take-action/brain-tumor-support-conversations/

Honest, supportive discussions with brain tumor patients and care partners in a virtual support group
The Brain Tumor Support Conversations are an online support group run by the brain tumor community for the brain tumor community. This group is attended and run by patients and care partners who have had firsthand experience with the challenges and effects of a brain tumor diagnosis.  This support group is a safe space where patients and loved ones can talk about the feelings and emotions that accompany any aspect of the brain tumor experience.
These online support group conversations are held on the third Sunday of each month at 7 pm ET/4 pm PT.  Register at:

https://braintumor.org/support-services/support-groups/brain-tumor-supp…    

National Support

Gilda's Club Westchester – Living With Cancer Groups 

https://gildasclubwestchester.org/mission-and-history/
80 Maple Ave,
White Plains NY 10601
(914) 644-8844
Español (914) 997-6006
info@gildasclubwestchester.org

Has your life been touched by cancer?

We are here for you. Gilda’s Club Westchester provides free support, education, healthy lifestyle and social programs for anyone impacted by any type of cancer residing in New York or Connecticut.

http://gildasclubwestchester.org/

Call 914-644-8844 for more information.  Stacy Weissberg, LCSW at sweissberg@gildasclubwestchester.org

Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids Brain Tumor Support Group

https://www.abta.org/gildas-club-grand-rapids-brain-tumor-support-group…;  

Contact Person

• Sandi Oosse, LMSW    Telephone 616-453-8300
• Virtual and in person:

Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids 1806 Bridge Street NW Grand Rapids, MI

Date and Time    Third Monday of every month    6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

This group is meeting hybrid – in person and virtually via Zoom (at the same time). Contact Sandi Oosse for details.

This support group invites patients and caregivers impacted by brain cancer/tumor to learn and share together. Group primarily focuses on malignant tumors and/or metastases, but those with benign tumors are welcome too. Group is facilitated by a social worker.

CancerCare

www.cancercare.org
800-813-4673
https://www.cancercare.org/services

CancerCare provides resource navigation, support groups, connect education workshops, financial assistance, specialized programs, community programs, counseling, and additional services.

Connect Education Workshops and Podcasts @ https://www.cancercare.org/diagnosis/brain_cancer

Cancer Care Support Groups 

Brain Tumor Caregiver Support Group and

Young Adult Brain Tumor Caregiver Support Group

To learn more about CancerCare’s telephone and face-to-face support groups or to register for an upcoming group, call 800 813 HOPE (4673) or email info@cancercare.org.

Counseling

CancerCare Oncology social workers are licensed professionals who provide emotional support and help people affected by cancer access practical assistance.

Oncology social workers provide individual counseling, lead support groups, locate services that help with home care or transportation, and guide people through the process of applying for Social Security disability or other forms of assistance. CancerCare’s oncology social workers are available to help face-to-face, online or on the telephone, free of charge.  Counseling for people with cancer, caregivers and loved ones is available over the telephone no matter where you live in the U.S. or in person at our offices in New York City, Long Island and New Jersey. 

Call 800 813 HOPE (4673); or email us at info@cancercare.org.

Hopeline Hours (800-813-HOPE)        Office Hours

Monday – Thursday: 10 am. – 6 pm EST    Monday – Thursday 9 am – 7 pm EST

Friday: 10 am – 5 pm EST                 Friday 9 am – 5 pm EST

American Cancer Society

Contact Us

Call: 1-800-227-2345 or Chat

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/brain-spinal-cord-tumors-adults.html

Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors in Adults

If you have a brain or spinal cord tumor or are close to someone who does, knowing what to expect can be helpful. Here you can find out all about brain and spinal cord tumors in adults, including risk factors, symptoms, and how they are found and treated. 

At our National Cancer Information Center trained Cancer Information Specialists can answer questions 24 hours a day, every day of the year to empower you with accurate, up to date information to help you make educated health decisions.  We connect patients, caregivers, and family members with valuable services and resources.  Or ask us how you can get involved and support the fight against cancer. Please call or schedule a video chat today.

For medical questions, we encourage you to review our information with your doctor.

Local Resources

Hudson Valley Cancer Resource Center 

100 Ward Street, 
Montgomery, NY 12549

Casey Macdonald

https://www.hudsonvalleycancer.org/

Our mission is to be the voice of advocacy and support for the Hudson Valley community of people living with and affected by cancer by providing informational and educational resources and support services to improve quality of life through all stages of the cancer journey.

Jewish Family Services

https://jfsorange.org/
720 Route 17M Middletown, NY 10940 845.341.1173
F: 845.342.6436 info@jfsorange.org

At Jewish Family Service of Orange County, we are dedicated to welcoming all members of the entire Orange County community connecting them to resources and services that can provide support and comfort. Our mission is to empower all people facing challenging times to live with dignity, hope, and strength. Our doors are open to the entire community and we invite you to learn more about us.

Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities

Safety Net Program

Our Safety Net Program is designed to help older adults and adults with disabilities continue living in their homes in the absence of caregivers and for those with caregivers that need support. We provide a variety of supports and services to individuals and their families when illness strikes or worsens. The Safety Net Program includes:

• Case Management Services
• Friendly Visitor Program
• Counseling Services

In addition, the Financial Empowerment Program provides a “safety net” through financial assistance.

Local Support Groups

Montefiore/St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital

Support Groups available at MSLC:

Cancer Survivors Support Group
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, support groups are currently virtual. Please contact the Oncology Navigation Social Worker at 845-458-4381 to register.

ST. LUKE’S SURVIVORS
For anyone who has survived or is living with any type of cancer. Meets the first Wednesday of the month from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

CARE GIVER SUPPORT
A group for sharing support and information on community resources for those caring for a loved one with a chronic illness. Meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 5:30 p.m.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT
A group to discuss healthy habits. Led by an MSLC dietitian, the group meets the third Wednesday of the month at 4 p.m.

General Cancer Support Group for Cancer Patients

Dyson Center for Cancer Care 

Vassar Brothers Medical Center/Nuvance Health   

45 Reade Place
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
(845) 454-8500  TTY (800) 421-1220
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

Young Adult and Stage IV Cancer Support Groups in place as of 2023

Connect with Others

Friend for Life Cancer Support Network

https://www.friend4life.org/
Volunteers at this organization are cancer survivors and caregivers who are trained by healthcare professionals to provide one-on-one emotional and psychological support to those who received a cancer diagnosis.  Callers are matched with a volunteer by cancer diagnosis and course of treatment.  Friend for Life has over 200 volunteers to assist callers.  To be matched with a volunteer call FFL at 866-374-3634.

Imerman Angels

https://imermanangels.org/

This organization offers a free service that matches a person with cancer with someone who has completed treatment for the same type of cancer.  The service aims to bring together two people with other traits in common, such as age, gender, geographic location, or anything else important to the person with cancer.  Once the introduction is made, you and your buddy are free to shape the relationship as you wish.  Some pairs meet and talk in person, while others talk by phone or exchange e-mails.  Imerman Angels helps caregivers too by matching them with another caregiver to receive emotional support and encouragement.  To be matched with a buddy, call Imerman Angels at 877-274-5529.

Cancer Hope Network
 
https://cancerhopenetwork.org/

Matches cancer patients or family members with trained volunteer cancer survivors who themselves have undergone and recovered from a similar cancer experience.

Call Patient Services Coordinators at 1-800-552-4366

All information, content, and material in this document is for informational purposes only and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. The information contained is not intended to recommend the self-management of health problems or wellness or to endorse or recommend any particular type of medical treatment. Should any reader have any health care related questions, promptly call or consult your physician or healthcare provider. No information contained in this document should be used by any reader to disregard medical and/or health related advice or provide a basis to delay consultation with a physician or a qualified healthcare provider.  Garnet Health Medical Center disclaims any liability based on information provided in this document.

MEDICAL EMERGENCY - If you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.