For individuals undergoing treatment for breast cancer, the physical, emotional, and financial challenges can be significant. Numerous organisations and programmes exist to provide free products, services, and financial assistance to help alleviate some of this burden. This article outlines the types of free support available, based on information from dedicated resource pages and charitable organisations. It is important to note that the majority of the programmes listed are based in the United States, and eligibility may be restricted by geographic location.
Care Packages and Gift Programmes
Several organisations provide care packages and gift boxes specifically designed for breast cancer patients. These packages often contain comfort items, practical products, and uplifting gifts.
- Phil’s Friends: This organisation offers care packages for individuals undergoing cancer treatments. The packages are designed to meet the needs and comfort of breast cancer patients and are shipped in a decorated Phil’s Friends Box. Following the initial delivery, recipients continue to receive positive notes through the Cards of Hope programme.
- National Breast Cancer Organization – HOPE Kits: The National Breast Cancer Organization provides HOPE Kits, which contain thoughtful and encouraging gifts for breast cancer patients. These can be requested for oneself or for someone known to be undergoing treatment.
- Radiant Hope: As a Christian organisation, Radiant Hope offers a beautifully boxed gift package for cancer patients and their caregivers. Each box is filled with helpful, uplifting, and fun products.
- The Lydia Project: This project sends breast cancer patients beautiful handmade totes filled with helpful items and a card. The totes are hand-delivered to residents in Augusta, Georgia, and are also shipped to anyone in the Continental United States for a $10 shipping fee. The organisation also provides lodging and help for residents living near Augusta.
- Beloved Foundation’s Chemo Care Package: This package includes items such as socks, lip balm, a journal, an activity book, and personal care items for dry mouth and a queasy stomach. While the package itself is free, there is a $14.99 shipping fee per package.
- The Blessing Box Project: Individuals scheduled for a mastectomy can request a Blessing Box. Each box contains a drain shirt, mastectomy pillow, and a surprise trinket.
- Awesome Breast Forms: This all-volunteer-run non-profit provides free handmade knitted and crocheted prosthetic breast forms for women who have lost a breast due to lumpectomy or mastectomy. Volunteers custom-make these based on each person’s needs, preferences, and breast cup size. The ordering process is online and quick.
- Knitted Knockers: This organisation provides free knitted prosthetics as a replacement for silicone after mastectomy. According to their website, Knitted Knockers are described as a light, comfortable knitted prosthetic that, when placed in a bra, has the shape and feel of a real breast and is more comfortable than silicone prosthetic breasts. Free Knitted Knockers can be requested via their website using their online shopping cart.
Support and Communication Services
Emotional and practical support is a critical component of the cancer journey. The following programmes offer communication services and professional guidance.
- Card Care Connection: This programme sends handmade cards of comfort and support to cancer patients.
- The Chemo Angels Program: The Chemo Angels programme sends cards and notes of encouragement to patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
- Send a Smile Today: Individuals can sign up themselves or someone they know with cancer to receive a cheerful monthly card from the Send a Smile Today organisation.
- Reach to Recovery: Coordinated by the American Cancer Society, the Reach to Recovery programme provides free support via phone or in person for anyone dealing with a possible breast cancer diagnosis, recurrence, or advanced-stage breast cancer. To locate a volunteer in your area, you can call toll-free (800) 227-2345 or visit the American Cancer Society website.
- Donna CareLine: Funded by the Donna Foundation and staffed by PAF (Patient Advocate Foundation), the Donna CareLine is a free service that helps patients diagnosed with breast cancer. The CareLine provides an experienced navigator who works with patients on access-to-care issues, insurance denials, workplace issues, and more. An online request form is available to get assistance at zero cost. Help is also available over the phone by calling toll-free (877) 236-6626.
Free Products and Wigs
Access to specific products can be essential during and after treatment. Some organisations focus on providing these items free of charge.
- Hope Scarves Organisation: Hope Scarves sends scarves to individuals experiencing hair loss due to chemotherapy treatments.
- EBeauty Community Inc.: EBeauty Community Inc. operates a free national wig exchange programme. Women can donate wigs, which are then cleaned, refurbished, and sent free of charge to women in need. Those seeking wigs can select style, colour, and other customisable options via the website.
Professional Navigator Programmes
Professional navigators offer guidance and support throughout the cancer journey at no cost. They can help with understanding a diagnosis, finding treatment options, coping with side effects, managing finances, and connecting with community resources. In addition to the Donna CareLine and Reach to Recovery, other free professional navigator programmes specifically for breast cancer patients are available.
Financial Assistance and Grants
The financial impact of a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Several programmes offer grants to help with treatment-related expenses.
- The Alliance in Reconstructive Surgery (AIRS): AIRS provides free grants for medical expenses relating to breast reconstructive surgery after mastectomy. Grants are unique to the individual patient's needs and may range from covering co-pays to the full cost of reconstructive surgery, hospitalisation, and other related medical expenses.
Free Services
Some organisations provide services rather than products, offering practical help during a difficult time.
- Cleaning for a Reason: This organisation provides two free professional house cleanings for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
- Clips of Kindness: Offered by Great Clips salons in the United States and Canada, this programme provides free clipper cuts for anyone losing their hair due to cancer treatment.
- Diva for a Day: This programme offers spa experiences for women affected by breast cancer. To find participating spas, a search function is available on their website. Nominations can be made for a deserving Diva who has been recently diagnosed, is currently in treatment, or is less than 6 months out from the completion of treatment.
- Send Me on Vacation: This organisation has four different vacation programmes available to breast cancer survivors. Mermaids Empowerment and the Wellness Vacation are for survivors only, while the FreeStyle and Staycations are designed for survivors and families. Meals, taxes, and housing are usually covered, but flights are not. Current availability, eligibility requirements, and an application are available on their programme information page.
Important Considerations for UK Consumers
The vast majority of the organisations and programmes detailed above are based in the United States. This includes the geographic eligibility for services like hand-delivered totes (Augusta, Georgia), shipping policies (Continental US), and the locations of participating spas and salons. UK-based individuals seeking similar support should research UK-specific charities and organisations, such as Breast Cancer Now, Macmillan Cancer Support, and Coppafeel!, which may offer their own programmes, products, and services tailored to UK residents.
Conclusion
A wide range of free products, services, and financial support is available from charitable organisations for individuals affected by breast cancer. These offerings range from physical comfort items like care packages, scarves, and prosthetics to practical services like house cleaning and professional haircuts, as well as emotional support through cards and navigator programmes. While the majority of these resources are available in the United States, they demonstrate the extensive network of support that exists. Individuals in the UK are encouraged to connect with UK-based cancer support charities to find programmes and services available in their region.