Lucy's Love Bus pays for integrative therapies and holistic activities for childhood cancer families in New England. Click here to learn more about our programs!
Below is a list of resources for families of children and young adults with cancer that we have found over the years. We have tried to include a brief synopsis of the support offered by each organization, and qualifications for eligibility.
*Click here for more information about suggesting a resource or updating information on this page. Thank you.*
Our Partner Organizations
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A sanctuary for families with a child afflicted by cancer, offering a community of loving kindness and supportive activities to ease their experience with the disease in a peaceful, natural setting.
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Courageous Parents Network is a destination created by families, for families, to support and strengthen them as they care for very sick children. It is about providing parents with the skills, tools and virtual support they need to cope and adapt during their child’s illness journey so as to make the impossible possible.
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Camp Casco is a home away from home for childhood cancer patients and survivors. Each summer, they offer one free week of sleep-away summer camp to kids ages 7-17 in Becket, Massachusetts. In 2018 they launched their brand-new Camp Casco Day Camp Experience in partnership with LINX Camps in Wellesley, MA, for kids ages 5-10.
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MaxLove Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing families fighting childhood cancers and life-threatening conditions with accessible, practical, and kid-friendly whole-body wellness. MaxLove Connect is a network that brings together passionate childhood cancer parents who are ready to connect, learn, and grow by sharing cutting-edge wellness science, small group programs, and online courses tailored to the childhood cancer experience.
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The mission of the McKenna Claire Foundation is to cure pediatric brain cancer by raising awareness, increasing community involvement and funding research.
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The Ty Louis Campbell (TLC) Foundation was created in SuperTy's memory to raise awareness for pediatric cancer through his courageous battle, and to help fund the progress that is being made in developing more effective, less harmful treatment for a range of pediatric cancers including brain and spinal tumors.
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Team Continuum is dedicated to helping pediatric cancer patients fighting all types of cancer, and to help their families minimize the burdens of everyday life by providing immediate and vital assistance for non-medical essentials so they can focus on crucial medical care.
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Team Impact is a nonprofit organization chartered to improve the quality of life for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses through the power of team. Open to children between 5-15 years of age diagnosed with a life-threatening or chronic illness that has resulted in treatment and/or extended hospital stays within the past 3 years. Kids are partnered with a nearby sports team dedicated to encouraging and supporting the child as a means of improving their quality of life and instilling team-building skills.
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Liddle Kidz is the premier organization for infant massage and pediatric massage professionals worldwide.
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The SAMFund helps young adult cancer survivors recover from the devastating financial impact of cancer treatment. Offering financial support and resources to survivors age 21-39.
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The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long, healthy lives.
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Andrew's Helpful Hands Organization is helping families going through Bone Marrow Transplant.
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Endure to Cure's purpose is to aid the treatment and care for pediatric cancer patients, and help fund pediatric cancer research studies.
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Camp Sunshine, located in Casco, Maine, provides retreats combining respite, recreation and support, while enabling hope and promoting joy, for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. There is no cost for families to attend. All meals, lodging, on-site medical support and recreational programming are included! Travel assistance is available and prioritized for families coming to camp for the first time.
Additional Cancer Resources
FINANCIAL RESOURCES:
Pinky Swear Foundation
Pinky Swear Foundation strives to reduce financial worry and support each and every family along the way as they navigate through the relentless battle of cancer. click https://pinkyswear.org/programs-and-resources/
Strong Little Souls
Our organization can assist with critical household and family expenses, including but not limited to: gas or transportation expenses, groceries, cell phone payments, medical co-payments, and more. https://www.stronglittlesouls.org/financial-support
Family Reach Foundation
Family Reach is a national nonprofit dedicated to alleviating the financial burden of cancer. Working with more than 200 hospitals and cancer centers nationwide, the organization provides immediate financial assistance, education and navigation to families before they hit critical breaking points. Family Reach’s efficient, solutions-driven model bridges the gap between hospital and home, quickly providing the vital support families need to stay afloat. For more information visit www.familyreach.org. You can determine your family's eligibility and learn more about what expenses they cover at http://familyreach.org/family-eligibility/
Children's Cancer Recovery Foundation
Their Helping Hands Fund provides emergency bridge payments directly to the utility companies and landlords. http://childrenscancerrecovery.org/
B+ Foundation
The B+ Foundation is committed to emotionally and financially assisting families of children with cancer, so you can focus on helping your children get well. One of the objectives of The Andrew McDonough B+ (Be Positive) Foundation is to financially assist deserving families of kids battling cancer. The Foundation provides grants to minimize the financial hardship that is directly attributable to the child’s illness. Click here for the application: http://bepositive.org/need-help/
Grahamtastic Connection
Our mission is to provide free technology to children with cancer and other serious illnesses to support their education, as well as their social and emotional well-being. Technology, including iPads, laptops, robots and Internet access, enables our children to continue their education during treatment while also remaining connected to family, friends and medical providers. We currently support children in the US ages 3-18 giving first priority to children in the Northeast. https://www.grahamtastic.org/
Julia's Grace Foundation
Julia’s Grace Foundation® offers opportunities for special moments or what we call hugs to children with cancer and their families. Learn more about hugs here.
Julia’s Grace Foundation® also grants financial assistance, or grace, to families experiencing financial hardship due to the direct result of a child’s cancer treatment and care. Learn more about grace here.
Cerner Charitable Foundation
Cerner Chariable Foundation provides individual medical grants that cover a wide variety of clinical, equipment, travel & lodging, and vehicle modification costs related to children's healthcare needs. https://www.cernercharitablefoundation.org/request-funding
The Isaiah Alonso Foundation
The Isaiah Alonso Foundation financially assists deserving families of oncology patients. The Foundation provides grants to minimize the financial hardship that is directly attributable to the child’s illness. http://www.isaiahalonsofoundation.org/page/assistance
Compassion Can't Wait
When no other resources are available, social workers at children’s hospitals across the country send us urgent requests on behalf of single parent families in financial crisis. **Includes funding for activities for siblings.** https://compassioncantwait.org/how-we-help/
Live Like Bella Foundation
Supports the entire family by providing resources for recreation (examples include games, gift baskets, movie tickets, etc). They additionally assist with co-payments for medications and treatment costs. http://livelikebella.org/formtreatmentfunding.html
Keep Swimming Foundation
Keep Swimming Foundation provides grants to families to cover the non-medical expenses associated with a long term in-patient stay (at least 21 days) nationwide. We reimburse for gas/transportation/parking, hotels/lodging, meals, as well as rent and mortgage payments. We know that an extended hospital stay can cause financial burden, and our goal is to relieve that so families can focus on their loved ones, rather than the bills that are adding up. https://www.keepswimmingfoundation.org
Lazarex Cancer Foundation
Provides help in navigating your clinical trial options or financial assistance to attend a clinical trial, including transportation, lodging, and certain medical expenses not covered by insurance and necessary for clinical trial treatment. https://lazarex.org/helping-you/looking-for-help/
Cancer Care
They have a Financial Assistance Program as well as a Co-Payment Assistance program. More on both here: http://www.cancercare.org/financial_assistance
UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation
UHCCF provides medical grants of up to $5,000 for costs associated with medical services and equipment ($10,000 lifetime per child). To be eligible for a grant, children must be 16 years of age or younger. Families must meet economic guidelines, reside in the United States and have a commercial health insurance plan. Grants are available for medical expenses families have incurred 60 days prior to the date of application as well as for ongoing and future medical needs. Parents or legal guardians may apply for grants at www.uhccf.org
Joe's House
Joe’s House is not an actual house, but a nonprofit organization that helps cancer patients and their families find a place to stay when traveling away from home for medical treatment. https://www.joeshouse.org/
Diagnosis-specific:
Mission4Maureen
Mission4Maureen provides financial assistance to families who are burdened by the staggering cost of brain cancer treatment. Examples of bills we have paid are: rent, mortgage, electric, gas, phone, car payments, insurance, taxes, doctor bills, hospital bills, credit cards, loans and more! https://mission4maureen.org/apply-today/
Reflections of Grace Foundation
Offers assistance to families of children diagnosed with brain cancer throughout the US. The process takes approximately 4-5 weeks for approval and receipt of grants. At this time, we are able to help families with two $1000 grants in 12 month period. Families must submit an application which includes a letter of diagnosis from the treating physician and a copy of the child's birth certificate. https://www.reflectionsofgrace.org/
Headstrong Foundation
The Nicholas E. Colleluori Patient Financial Assistance Program grants financial aid to patients and families who are experiencing financial hardship due to a cancer diagnosis. Grant recipients must meet the following eligibility requirements: a. Undergoing treatment at time of application for leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma b. Experiencing financial hardship as a result of medical condition c. U.S. resident. Social workers must fill out the application, available at: https://headstrong.org/financial-assistance/
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
They have funding available for things such as travel and co-payments for disease-related appointments. More here: http://www.lls.org/support/financial-support
Young Adults with Cancer:
Allyson Whitney Foundation
The heart of the organization is to assist as many young adults as we can, an underserved demographic, through ‘life interrupted grants’™. Grants cover a wide range of needs, including (but not limited to): current and residual medical bills, rent, utilities, car and health insurance premiums, IVF treatments, integrative therapies, travel expenses, computer, phone, hair pieces, etc. The maximum amount awarded is $1,500. Grant rounds will be two to three times a year, funds permitting. Must be between the ages of 15 and 36; presently undergoing treatment or finished protocol within 6 months; a citizen of the US. https://allysonwhitney.org/what-we-do/grants/
Nicki Leach Foundation
The primary mission of the Nicki Leach Foundation, a non-profit organization, is to provide modest financial assistance to young adults (18-30) afflicted with cancer. http://www.nickileach.org/assistance
Next Step
At Next Step, we work with young people 16-29 years old who are living with both the immediate and long-term impact of cancer, HIV/AIDS or rare genetic disorders. We work to connect you with other with similar experiences to find your community through music, mentorship, and Campferences. Over shared stories, music, laughter and hard-won knowledge from the trenches, you form deep and meaningful connections with other participants, then head back to the “real world” knowing you are part of a tribe that has your back. nextstepnet.org
QUALITY OF LIFE ASSISTANCE:
Kids Kicking Cancer
Our program is now open to all children facing the pain and discomfort of any illness. We offer one-on-one training and group classes for both pediatric inpatients and outpatients in over thirty hospitals and institutions around the globe. There is never any charge for our program. *Siblings welcome.* http://kidskickingcancer.org/
On Belay
On Belay builds community among youth who have or have had a family member with cancer using adventure based programs that encourage participants to uncover their inner resilience. *Siblings welcome.* http://www.on-belay.org/
Camp Sunshine at Sebago Lake
Camp Sunshine is a retreat for children with life-threatening illness and their families and is free of charge to all families who attend. Travel assistance is available! Bereavement sessions are also offered to families who have lost a child to one of the diagnoses that we serve. www.campsunshine.org
KICKcancER
The KICKcancER Movement provides scholarships, to qualified families, so they can afford alternative therapies to help their children thrive, both during and after treatment. Throughout the year, the KICKcancER movement raises funds so that these therapies, otherwise not covered by insurance, are attainable. Some of the items offered include: essential oils, air purifiers, toxin free cleaning products, and more. http://www.kickcancermovement.com/
Magical Moon Foundation
Empowering children through fun and mysticism during treatment. http://www.magicalmoon.org/
LAD in a Battle
Innovative programs preserving legacies & stress the importance of living a meaningful life through multimedia outlets. https://www.ladinabattle.com/
Children's Miracle Network
Patients and families at partner hospitals have the opportunity for therapies such as massage while in the hospital. (Services available for caregivers!) Click here to find out if your hospital is a partner hospital, and for contact info to learn more: http://childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/Hospital/Search
Sara's Smiles Foundation
Offering "inspiration kits" to entertain children while in the hospital or anywhere, and providing compiled lists of resources to help kids thrive through treatment. https://saras-smiles.org/
Golden Heroes
We create care packages and chemo care kits for children with cancer to bring hope and smiles to difficult times. Families can request a care package on our website to be shipped to them free of charge. All care packages and chemo kits are filled with treatment essentials, comforting items, and fun activities to keep kids occupied during treatment. https://www.goldheroes.org/
Children's Oncology Camping Association, International
A comprehensive site including all camps inviting childhood cancer patients. http://www.cocai.org/
Gap Service Dogs
Pairing service and therapy dogs with medically qualified recipients. http://gapservicedogs.org/
One Summit
One Summit teams up pediatric cancer patients and their siblings with a U.S. Navy SEAL mentor at our Climb for Courage events. The Climb for Courage teaches resilience, hope, and self-confidence through a series of challenges encountered on the rock wall. The Climb for Courage coupled with the long-lasting relationship with their Navy SEAL provide the kids with an additional teammate and support system as they face the challenges of pediatric cancer head on. https://onesummit.org
Above the Clouds
Above the Clouds brings joy and hope through the wonder of small aircraft flight to children and teens who are seriously ill, disabled, underserved, or facing other serious adversity. Above the Clouds flies out of Norwood Memorial Airport in Norwood, Massachusetts. http://abovethecloudskids.org/
Kids Wish Network
We grant wishes to children between the ages of 3 and 18 who are in the fight of their lives, battling a life threatening medical condition. We customize every wish to the interests of each child. Wishes are for children who have not received a wish from another organization. Hero of the Month program— to honor children who have shown courage and bravery while overcoming life altering circumstances such as a child whose parent is undergoing cancer treatment, a child whose parent is a deployed military member, a child who has undergone emergency surgeries, abuse requiring medical treatment, loss of a parent/guardian or sibling, and more. https://www.kidswishnetwork.org/
The Songs of Love Foundation
The Songs of Love Foundation creates free, personalized, one-of-a-kind songs all about that child or teen. These songs help during serious treatments or anytime the child feels down. We call it the Medicine of Music™. www.songsoflove.org
GENERAL ASSISTANCE:
Alex's Lemonade Stand
In addition to funding pediatric cancer research, ALSF provides online support for anyone touched by pediatric cancer, free Treatment Journals to families, and sibling support through SuperSibs. www.ALSFFamilyServices.org
Transportation, lodging, and other travel accommodations are available to eligible families who face the need to travel for childhood cancer treatment https://www.alexslemonade.org/travelforcare
Marjorie E Korff Parenting At a Challenging Time Program (PACT)
Parenting guidance for parents with cancer who want help in ways to support the emotional health and well being of their children. www.mghpact.org
Dempsey Connects
No-cost virtual services for cancer patients, survivors, care partners, family, and friends. Dempsey Center clients can access our educational workshops, nutrition classes, movement and fitness classes, and integrative therapy workshops. Includes support groups for young adults with cancer (18-40). https://www.dempseycenter.org/scheduled-programming/online/
Bereavement Support/Assistance
Kids Wish Network
A Child Forever—Funeral Assistance Program provides funeral assistance for families of our Wish Kids who have passed away and any child between the ages of 3 and 18 who have recently passed, that have not had a wish with another organization. https://www.kidswishnetwork.org/programs/a-child-forever/
Live Like Bella Foundation
The Foundation works with families and funeral homes across the country to help provide a memorial plaque or urn for their child who has passed away from cancer. http://livelikebella.org/formmemorialfunding.html
Final Farewell
Providing funeral assistance to families meeting requirements demonstrating financial need. For children under 18. http://www.finalfarewell.org/request
B+ Foundation
They have provided funding for funeral/headstone assistance in the past; eligible for children who were diagnosed with cancer before the age of 21. Click here for the application: http://bepositive.org/need-help/
Comfort Zone Camp
A nonprofit organization that provides free therapeutic programs for children ages 5-25 who have experienced the death of a parent, guardian, or sibling. The free camps include confidence building programs and age-based support groups that break the emotional isolation grief often brings. Our programs empower children to be able to grieve, heal, and grow in healthy ways. Learn more at http://www.comfortzonecamp.org/
Jeff's Place
Independent program in MetroWest (Boston) that provides comprehensive bereavement support services for both children aged 3-19 and their families. We facilitate healthy integration of loss by helping families feel connected with each other and less alone in their grief journey. http://jeffsplacemetrowest.org/
Regional-specific Assistance
Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund - State of MA
The Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund (CICRF) provides financial assistance to qualified families caring for children with special health needs and disabilities. The CICRF can help families with certain medical and related expenses that are not covered by insurance, public benefits or other financial source. Offered by the State of Massachusetts. https://www.mass.gov/catastrophic-illness-in-children-relief-fund-cicrf
The YMCA of the North Shore
As a member of our Y community and Corner Stone initiative, those with a cancer diagnosis in the last 5 years and their families are entitled to all of our member benefits through a complimentary year-long Y membership. Locations in the North Shore (MA) include YMCA's in Haverhill, Plaistow NH, Beverly, Ipswich, Gloucester, Marblehead and Salem. https://www.northshoreymca.org/
Fuel the Care
Providing Irving fuel gift cards to families traveling to select hospitals for treatment, including: Tufts Floating Hospital for Children, CHAD, and Northern Light EMMC. Please contact your social worker at one of those hospitals to learn more. https://www.irvingoil.com/node/30071
Cops for Kids with Cancer
Typically award grants of $5,000 to children being treated in New England. http://copsforkidswithcancer.org/contact-us/
This Star Won't Go Out
TSWGO’s goal is to help families with children diagnosed with cancer through financial gifts given with no strings attached. These gifts can be used for medical expenses, items needed by the child with cancer, or personal expenses due to the financial strain of caring for a child with cancer. http://tswgo.org Application for funds can be found here. For families in New England.
Families First
Families First Health & Support Center is the community health center and family resource center serving the Seacoast region of New Hampshire and southern Maine. A leader in integrated care, Families First offers high-quality health care, dental care and parent & family programs, all in one location. Families First’s services are for everyone — infants to seniors, single people and families, insured or uninsured, all income levels. www.familiesfirstseacoast.org
Looking & Feeling Fab, Inc.
This nonprofit offers skin care treatments, products and education to those who are suffering from cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and numerous non-cancerous medications can cause moderate to severe side effects on the skin altering ones quality of life. Programs offered in several cities across Massachusetts. www.lookfeelfab.org
Annie's Angels
Annie's Angels offers grants for various types of expenses, and can also serve as the fiscal sponsor for fundraising events. The Annie’s Helping Hands program offers massage, soothing facials and meditation for cancer patients on the seacoast. *Services available for caregivers.* Available for families in New Hampshire. http://anniesangels.org/
Vermont Cancer Support Network
VCSN improves the quality of life for Vermonters living with cancer by:
Providing programs of support, information, education, and celebration
Maintaining a comprehensive list of support resources
Working with other cancer-related organizations to reduce the burden of cancer on Vermonters
https://vcsn.net/
A Wish Come True
We exist to grant that “one memorable wish” for medically qualified children ages 3 through 18 who have a life-threatening illness and live in Rhode Island and areas of Southeastern Massachusetts. https://www.awish.org/
The Joe Andruzzi Foundation
The Joe Andruzzi Foundation Financial Assistance Program provides grants up to $700 to cancer patients and their families battling cancer, allowing them to focus on treatment and recovery. All candidates must be receiving active cancer treatments, provide verification of a cancer diagnosis, and documentation of financial need. We serve patients throughout New England, New York, and New Jersey. https://joeandruzzifoundation.org/how-we-help/assistance/
Circle of Care
Circle of Care provides a unique combination of services that support the non-medical, financial, practical and emotional needs of children with cancer and their families, from diagnosis through treatment and recovery. Any family with a child currently undergoing treatment who lives in or is being treated in Connecticut is eligible. https://thecircleofcare.org/services-programs-for-you/
The Robbie Foundation
Robbie Foundation serves children from birth to 20 years of age by funding adaptive equipment, assistive technology and therapy treatment not covered by insurance. This organization advocates for early intervention and improving the quality of life for children with special needs. For families in Maine. Learn more about their scholarships here.
PALS
Patient AirLift Services (PALS) arranges volunteer medical flights and free air transportation for needy individuals throughout the greater Northeast region, from Virginia to Maine, Ohio to Massachusetts. www.palservices.org
Angel Flight East
Angel Flight East (AFE) pilots provide free air travel to individuals requiring crucial medical care at distant facilities but lacking the financial ability to fly. Additional services include the delivery of supplies to disaster areas and other compelling needs and "compassion" flights for family members. angelflighteast.org
Friends of Karen
Friends of Karen’s mission is to provide emotional, financial and advocacy support for children with a life-threatening illness and their families, in order to help keep them strong, functioning and able to cope. Families of children with cancer in certain areas of NY, NJ, and CT are eligible for support.http://www.friendsofkaren.org/
A Mother's Kiss
Providing emotional and financial support to the families of childhood cancer patients in the Long Island and Metro-New York area. http://www.amotherskiss.org/
The Michael Magro Foundation
The Michael Magro Foundation provides financial assistance to families with children diagnosed with pediatric cancer in New York. Money is used on things such as: rent, food, medication, transportation, and anything else that might ease the financial strain that cancer puts on families. https://michaelmagrofoundation.com
The Emmanuel Cancer Foundation
The Emmanuel Cancer Foundation provides New Jersey families facing the crisis of pediatric cancer a place to turn for comfort and support through professional in-home counseling and a uniquely tailored package of assistance. https://emmanuelcancer.org/
Jacob's Heart
Jacob's Heart offers various types of service, including direct financial assistance, to families in some parts of California. http://jacobsheart.org
Children's Cancer Association
The Kid's Cancer Pages is a free download educational resources which we distribute nationally: https://joyrx.org/resources/. The MyMusicRx program delivers the healing power of music to the bedsides of hospitalized children in pediatric hospital partner sites in Portland, OR / Austin, TX and Boston, MA while www.MyMusicRx.org is a website available to all kids fighting sickness. Patients at all pediatric hospitals in Portland can additionally access our Chemo Pal Mentor program, Link Resources for families, the Alexandra Ellis Caring Cabin, and NatureRx for teens.
Ishan Gala Foundation
For families in Virginia: We support the whole family with all of our program, including parents and siblings. We provide financial assistance for bills at home, costs associated with travel for treatment, gas, grocery, and restaurant giftcards. We also provide comfort packages tailored to each child’s interest throughout treatments for the child fighting and their siblings. The Holiday Cheer Program provides gift assistance for all children in the household under 18 and throws a free ‘germ safe’ holiday party. www.ishangala.org
Other organizations offering resources and information:
Managing Mental Health After a Cancer Diagnosis
Published by Georgetown University's School of Nursing, this guide discusses how cancer affects mental health and can lead to distress, depression, and anxiety. This guide highlights research on the correlation between mental health and cancer survival and the overall importance of managing emotional health during a cancer journey. Readers can learn how to identify signs of mental health issues and ways to manage emotional health during any stage of treatment. https://online.nursing.georgetown.edu/blog/cancer-mental-health/
The Cord Blood Center
Umbilical cord blood has helped children survive over 80 diseases including leukemia, lymphoma, and anemia and is now being used in older patients. Cord Blood Center provides the latest up-to-date information and free resources for expecting parents. Their mission is to help others understand how they can benefit and help save the lives of sick children in need. http://cordbloodbanking.com
Sister site https://cordbloodguide.com offers a free downloadable guide as well as user friendly content relating to cord blood and how cord blood banking works.
Medical Malpractice Center
Cancer misdiagnosis is the most common form of medical malpractice. This organization offers free resources and information for those interested in learning more about medical malpractice. www.malpracticecenter.com/misdiagnosis/
ConsumerAffairs' Wig Buying Guide
The resource is intended to help families navigate through the wig buying process. The guide educates readers on important features to consider when selecting a wig such as, type, size, material and style. It also compares brands and retailers using expert and consumer reviews. https://www.consumeraffairs.com/wigs/
Theravive
Theravive is a network of licensed therapists and psychologists committed to helping people receive the best mental health care available. There are guides to find local resources that can be searched based on location. theravive.com
Requesting an addition to the Resources page
This list is carefully curated by the limited staff of Lucy's Love Bus. If you would like your organization to be added to this list, you must offer FREE care or resources to pediatric cancer patients or their families. If your organization fits that criteria, please complete the request form below. We reserve the right to determine which resources are added to this page, and will add approved resources/organizations to this page in 3-5 business days. We may not be able to respond to all submissions; please check this page 3-5 business days after submitting your request to see if your suggestion was added if it fits our criteria and we again thank you for your understanding if it is not added. We do not pay for content or collaborations.
