Ask CancerCare

I’m sorry to hear that your family was recently confronted with a diagnosis of a brain tumor. I have put together a comprehensive list of brain tumor resources that will be helpful in addressing their needs and guiding your loved one to other resources.

I’ll begin by highlighting the services of CancerCare (800-813-4673). Our masters degreed oncology social workers help patients and caregivers deal with any cancer diagnosis. The services are free and can include: limited financial assistance; individual, online, and telephone counseling for patients and caregivers; support groups; educational workshops and publications; and referrals. The challenges of cancer are daunting and for many it is helpful to start the process with our social workers who can help you develop a plan.

Here are specific resources that may offer additional help:

• American Brain Tumor Association, 800-886-2282
  Goal is to eliminate brain tumors through research and to meet the needs of brain tumor patients and their family.
• National Brain Tumor Society, 800-934-2873
  Dedicated to promoting a cure for brain tumors, improving the quality of life, and giving hope to the brain tumor community by funding research and providing patient resources, information and education.
• The Elliott Foundation, 800-574-5703
  Provides patients with access to advanced treatment options, specialists & comprehensive support programs, as well as support & guidance concerning the needs of patients and their caregivers.
• The Musella Foundation For Brain Tumor Research & Information, Inc.
  Helps brain tumor patients through emotional and financial support, education, advocacy and raising money for brain tumor research.
• Brain Tumor Foundation, 212-265-2401
  Guides and supports patients, families and caregivers touched by a brain tumor. BTF also raises awareness about the need for the early detection of brain tumors.

Children-specific resources:

• Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, 866-228-4673
  Serves children and families nationwide affected by both benign and malignant brain and spinal cord tumors. Provides information and support delivered online and via a toll-free line by licensed pediatric oncology social workers. Offers a Parent-2-Parent Network and provides recreational activities for families.
• Mission4Maureen, 440-840-6497
  Provides financial assistance to children under 17 years old who are burdened by the cost of brain cancer treatment. Assistance may come in the form of rent or mortgage payments, help with the electric or gas bill, or gift cards to a local supermarket to help with the cost of food and medicines.
• Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, 800-253-6530
  Programs include free educational information about brain tumors and a college scholarship program to ease the financial hardships of a childhood brain tumor diagnosis and help survivors reach career goals.
• The Friends4Michael Foundation, 815-401-8689
  Provides assistance, including financial, to families across the country whose children are fighting a brain tumor.
• National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS), 314-241-1600
  Provides emotional, financial and educational support to children with cancer, their families and survivors.