F I N D Y O U R I N S P I R A T I O N
F I N D Y O U R I N S P I R A T I O N
F I N D Y O U R I N S P I R A T I O N
F I N D Y O U R I N S P I R A T I O N
F I N D Y O U R I N S P I R A T I O N
F I N D Y O U R I N S P I R A T I O N
T A K E C O N T R O L A N D
O W N Y O U R D I A G N O S I S
T A K E C O N T R O L A N D
O W N Y O U R D I A G N O S I S
RESOURCES
Making Connections & Engaging Community
Like my book, I bring together on this educational platform a candid collection of information you can use on your journey to healing and beyond.
While yes, I share my story in my book and on this platform, our life journey is not about any one person or one book, or one organization; it is illumination, a collective gathering, and the bringing together of those who are passionate, dedicated, and driven to help others to be the healthiest they can be.
In this section, I share books, podcasts, videos, organizations, and other resources that have profoundly and positively impacted my life. I'd love to hear from you, what are yours? Please reach out to me in the Contact Us section below!
As a community, we hold each other up to ignite and create positive change as we all shine our light into the universe and know together—WE GOT THIS!
My Favorite Books
The Patient Experience
(866) 488-2379
The Beryl Institute is a pioneer of the experience movement and has been a leader in the patient experience profession for more than a decade. The Institute offers unparalleled access to unbiased research and proven practices, networking and professional development opportunities, and a safe, neutral space to exchange ideas and learn from others.
Healthy Choices
(202) 667-6982
EWG's mission is to empower you with breakthrough research to make informed choices and live a healthy life in a healthy environment.
(202) 237-1208
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is a nonprofit health organization that promotes preventive medicine, conducts clinical research, and encourages higher standards for ethics and effectiveness in research and medical training.
Research
(703) 836-7114
A Mastectomy Fitter is an allied health professional who fits patients for external breast prostheses and provides other postmastectomy products and services. Mastectomy Fitters play an important role on the healthcare team.
1-800-4-CANCER
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is the federal government's principal agency for cancer research and training. NCI drives the cancer research enterprise by supporting and convening researchers, paying for facilities and systems, coordinating the National Cancer Program, and more.
(215) 690-0300
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) is a not-for-profit alliance of 33 leading cancer centers devoted to patient care, research, and education. NCCN is dedicated to improving and facilitating quality, effective, equitable, and accessible cancer care so all patients can live better lives. The NCCN promotes the importance of continuous quality improvement and recognizes the significance of creating clinical practice guidelines appropriate for use by patients, clinicians, and other health care decision-makers around the world.
(610) 642-6550
Founded in 2000, Breastcancer.org is the leading online resource dedicated to providing the most reliable, complete, and up-to-date information about breast cancer to help people make sense of the complex medical and personal information about breast health and breast cancer, so they can make the best decisions for their lives.
Transportation
(215) 358-1900
Facilitates flight transportation in the Northeastern region of the United States for distances ranging 100 to 1,000 miles. Serves the residents of ME, VT, NH, MA, RI, CT, NY, PA, NJ, DE, MD, VA, WV, and OH.
(914) 328-1313
Corporate Angel Network (CAN) helps cancer patients access the best treatment available by arranging free travel on corporate aircraft. Whether a patient is traveling for surgery, clinical trial, or a second opinion, CAN aims to reduce a patient’s physical, emotional and financial stress by providing a seat on a corporate flight.
(631) 694-PALS (7257)
Arranges free air transportation for individuals requiring medical diagnosis, treatment or follow-up who cannot afford or are unable to fly commercially. PALS volunteer pilots bear all costs of each medical flight, including fuel, oil, landing fees, ramp fees and other expenses.
Medical Costs
(866) 376-6153
Awards grants that will be paid directly to medical providers/facilities to pay for breast reconstruction and related medical expenses. Grants awarded may range from an individual’s medical bill co-pay to the full cost of reconstructive surgery, hospitalization, and other related medical expenses.
(800) 675-8416
HealthWell provides financial assistance to adults and children facing medical hardship resulting from gaps in their insurance that cause out-of-pocket medical expenses to escalate rapidly; HealthWell assists with the treatment-related cost-sharing obligations of these patients. When health insurance is not enough, HealthWell assists with copays, premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses for supplies, supplements, surgeries and more.
Lodging
(800) 227-2345
Free lodging is provided for cancer patients and caregivers traveling far from home for outpatient medical care related to the patient’s cancer diagnosis. Currently, there are more than 30 Hope Lodge locations throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Accommodations and eligibility requirements may vary by location.
General Financial Assistance
(800) 813-HOPE (4673)
Founded in 1944, CancerCare is the leading national organization providing free, professional support services and information to help people manage the emotional, practical and financial challenges of cancer. Our comprehensive services include counseling and support groups over the phone, online and in-person, educational workshops, publications and financial and co-payment assistance. All CancerCare services are provided by master’s-prepared oncology social workers and world-leading cancer experts.
(914) 328-1313
Serves uninsured and insured patients all across the country at no charge to help overcome and resolve insurance-related and financial obstacles that impact care. The DONNA CareLine offers patients diagnosed with breast cancer assistance with access to care issues, insurance denials, workplace and employment protections, medical debt, cost of living debt, and more. The DONNA Foundation also provides education and awareness programs on topics of health, wellness, and living with breast cancer.
(877) 234-PINK (7465)
The Pink Fund provides financial support to help breast cancer patients in active treatment meet their daily living expenses. Our grant program helps patients and their families by making payments for critical non-medical expenses such as housing, utilities, transportation and health insurance. Payments are made directly to creditors with a cap of up to $3000 for up to 90 days.
Non-Financial Assistance
(646) 929-8032
Cancer and Careers, founded in 2001, is a national nonprofit that empowers and educates people with cancer to thrive in their workplace, by providing expert advice, interactive tools and educational events. Its free services include a comprehensive website and library of publications in English and Spanish; legal and insurance information; career coaching; resume review; professional development micro-grants; and national events and workshops for people with cancer and their healthcare providers, coworkers and employers.
An online social community that empowers women everywhere with resources, articles, news, programs, groups, events and more. Our focus is concentrated on all things related to breast cancer.
(888) 553-3500
Provides healing outdoor retreats for women with breast cancer, at no cost to the participants. CfR’s retreats offer opportunities for women to find inspiration, discover renewed energy for life, and experience healing connections with other women and nature. The retreats are open to women with breast cancer of all ages, in all stages of treatment and recovery.
(844) 275-7427
SHARE is a national nonprofit that supports, educates, and empowers women affected by breast, ovarian, uterine or metastatic breast cancer, with a special focus on medically underserved communities. With the unique support of survivors and peers, creating a community where no one has to face breast, ovarian, uterine or metastatic breast cancer alone.
A leading online women’s health and breast cancer store, shipping to customers in over 30 countries. Shop with peace of mind for a wide selection of functional and high-quality female health products, not pink gimmicks.
(856) 582-6600
Provides individuals battling cancer with free wigs. Salons and stylists throughout the world empower women by providing them with complimentary services that allow them for a brief moment to forget about their fight.
Videos
I can’t share enough how shocking and amazing these videos are. And as I promised in the Be Inspired section, the below tattoo video gives you more information on how tattoos complete breast reconstruction. After my three surgeries, WHO KNEW I’d be getting a tattoo also and not of a butterfly — enough said, just WATCH!
