Updated 7/01/2021
As we all continue to deal with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation understands everyone’s needs will continue to change as we make our way through this extraordinary time. To help you through this challenging period, we have put together a list of resources should the need for financial assistance or food arise.
Beyond that, we know it can be difficult and isolating as we all do our part and maintain social distancing, so we have included a list of online support groups if you need some help coping. We have also included links to meditation videos and information on how mind-body therapies can help relieve some of the stress we are all feeling.
If you should need additional help, please call us anytime at 877.644.3222 and we will do everything we can to help you. Remember, you are not alone--together, we WILL get through this.
Resources are being added on an ongoing basis and we ask you to please check back frequently for new listings.
**All organizations listed are fully operational at the time of publication; however, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be an evolving situation and circumstances may change for some or all of the organizations listed below.**
The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation is not affiliated with these organizations or endorsing them in any way. These resources are for informational purposes only.
In-Page Menu
1. General Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) & Cancer
2. Financial Assistance
3. Food Banks
4. Support and Grief Groups
5. Stress Relief
6. COVID-19 Vaccine and Breast Cancer
1. General Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) & Cancer
Florida Department of Health (FDOH)
http://www.floridahealth.gov/
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
American Cancer Society (ACS)
https://www.cancer.org/about-us/what-we-do/coronavirus-covid-19-and-cancer.html
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
https://www.asco.org/asco-coronavirus-information
National Institute of Health (NIH)
https://www.nih.gov/health-information/coronavirus
Coronavirus Live Updates Around the Globe
https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html
2. Financial Assistance
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE BEEN LAID OFF OR NOT BEING PAID BECAUSE OF COVID-19:
If you were furloughed or laid off due to COVID-19 and have not already done so, you should file for benefits as soon as possible.
Apply for Reemployment Assistance (formerly known as unemployment compensation) program which provides temporary and partial wage replacement for qualified workers who have become unemployed, through no fault of their own, during this public health emergency. You can apply for Reemployment Assistance if you were working in Florida and are now:
- Quarantined by a medical professional or a government agency.
- Laid off or sent home without pay for an extended period of time because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Caring for an immediate family member who is diagnosed with COVID-19.
OTHER MEANS OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
Cancer Care
https://www.cancercare.org/
CancerCare provides free, professional support services including counseling, support groups, educational workshops, publications and financial assistance to anyone affected by cancer. They are offering all their telephone and online support services to help anyone affected by the coronavirus and cancer. Their staff of master’s-prepared oncology social workers will help you and your loved ones better cope with your emotional, practical and financial concerns. If you are applying for financial assistance, all correspondence must be done electronically through email or fax. They are unable to accept applications through mail at this time.
Cancer and Careers
https://www.cancerandcareers.org/en
Cancer and Careers empowers and educates people with cancer to thrive in their workplace, by providing expert advice, interactive tools and educational events. Cancer and Careers has increased virtual services via their website, providing free educational webinars, free resume review services, and access to volunteer career coaches.
Debbie Turner Cancer Care and Resource Center
http://debbieturnercancercare.com/
The Debbie Turner Cancer Care and Resource Center is still shipping items such as wigs, hats, scarves, bras, prostheses, medical supplies and comfort items while the Center is closed to visitors. If you need assistance, please contact the Center at 407-464-0978. To receive items, all applicants must fill out and submit a Client Form. Please call the Center if you have additional questions.
Florida Emergency Assistance
www.needhelppayingbills.com
A searchable database to help find assistance with rent, mortgage, utilities, food, and medical services.
Genevieve's Helping Hands
http://www.genshelpinghands.org/
Genevieve's Helping Hands Charity offers assistance to find financial, social, peer, caregiver and nutritional support and is continuing their efforts during this time. This charity awards Recovery Grants, for young mothers that are designed to extend and enhance their recovery from any type of breast cancer treatment, including before, during, and after treatment, including reconstruction. Stage IV moms are awarded the same Grant benefits through Respite Grants, which are intended to give that Mom the chance to rest and have a get-away from cancer.
Healthwell Foundation
https://www.healthwellfoundation.org/
The HealthWell Foundation is dedicated to improving access to care for America’s underinsured. They are providing funding up to $250 in assistance with ancillary costs associated with COVID-19. Assistance with costs associated with delivered food, medication, diagnostics, transportation and telehealth as a result of COVID-19 risk or incidence.
NeedyMeds
https://www.needymeds.org/
NeedyMeds is a national non-profit that connects people to programs that will help them afford their medications and other healthcare costs.
Please note: NeedyMeds is not a patient assistance program, but rather a source of information on thousands of programs that may be able to offer assistance to people in need. NeedyMeds does not have an application, nor can they answer questions about individual assistance programs. They strive to provide accurate and current information, but ask that you contact specific programs directly with questions.
Patient Advocate Foundation
https://www.patientadvocate.org/
Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) is a national organization which provides case management services and financial aid to Americans with chronic, life threatening and debilitating illnesses. Through the COVID Care Recovery Fund, PAF Financial Aid Counselors are providing financial assistance through this small grant program, assisting eligible patients who need non-medical day to day cost-of-living expenses as a result of their diagnosis of COVID-19.
The Salvation Army Florida
https://salvationarmyflorida.org/
Some common ways The Salvation Army provides assistance: food pantries/food baskets, utilities/rent assistance, supermarket vouchers and more.
Find what is available in your area here: https://salvationarmyflorida.org/locations/. After you choose your city, you will be directed to call for information for food and financial assistance.
Smiley Wiley Breast Cancer Foundation
http://smileywiley.org/get_help.php
(561) 632-8631
Smiley Wiley provides financial assistance to women and men with breast cancer who cannot meet their own costly health insurance deductibles (and treatments).
Ulman Foundation
https://ulmanfoundation.org/
Throughout April, Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) Awareness Month, 20% of funds donated to the Ulman Foundation will be used to directly support AYA patients who have incurred Coronavirus-related expenses. These Patient Assistance Funds help with transportation to treatment, groceries, and utilities, and more.
PRESCRIPTION EMERGENCY REFILLS:
Florida Disaster Prescription Emergency Refills : Emergency 30-Day Refills
https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/disability/personal-and-family-plans/medication/
According to Florida law, you can obtain a 30-day refill of your prescription medication - even if you have just refilled it. Requirements: You must reside in a county that is under a state of emergency executive order declared by the Governor; or has activated its emergency operations center/emergency management plan. Under these specific circumstances listed above, any health insurer, managed care organization or other entities licensed by the Office of Insurance Regulation must waive the "refill too soon" restrictions on prescriptions.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance
https://medicineassistancetool.org/
PhRMA’s Medicine Assistance Tool (MAT) is a search engine designed to help patients, caregivers and health care providers learn more about the resources available through the various biopharmaceutical industry programs. MAT is not its own patient assistance program, but rather a search engine for many of the patient assistance resources that the biopharmaceutical industry offers.
3. Food Banks
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and circumstances may change for the organizations listed below. We urge you to call prior to making any trips to food bank locations.
The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation is not affiliated with these organizations or endorsing them in any way. These resources pages are for informational purposes only.
Farm Share
http://farmshare.org/
Find Upcoming Food Distributions in Your Neighborhood: http://farmshare.org/food-distributions/
OR input your address to find other distribution sites: http://farmshare.org/agencies/
Farm Share has warehouses in Quincy, Jacksonville, Pompano Beach, Homestead, and Florida City. Farm Share owns and operates a fleet of semi-trucks and refrigerated box trucks to acquire, distribute and move food and supplies. This statewide distribution network allows Farm Share to feed hungry people from Pensacola to Key West and everywhere in between.
Feeding South Florida
https://feedingsouthflorida.org/
Feeding South Florida partners with approximately 300 nonprofit agencies in its quad-county service area. Please call each agency to find out their hours of operation. If you’re in need of food assistance, search the directory to find an agency near you: https://feedingsouthflorida.org/locate-an-agency/
You can also apply for food or SNAP assistance here.
Note from Feeding South Florida: No one in need of assistance should ever be charged for food. If you are asked to pay, please contact a Feeding South Florida Agency Relations team member.
Jewish Community Services JCS Kosher Food Bank, North Miami Beach
https://jcsfl.org/programs/kosher-food-bank/
The JCS Kosher Food Bank helps provide kosher meals. This is by appointment only to keep the privacy of its visitors. Those who are interested should call 305-576-6550 to apply.
Meals on Wheels America
https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/find-meals
Meals on Wheels operates in virtually every community in America through our network of more than 5,000 independently-run local programs. While the diversity of each program's services and operations may vary based on the needs and resources of their communities, they are all committed to supporting their senior neighbors to live healthier and more nourished lives in their own homes. Click to find a program closest to you or a loved one, and they can help guide you and get you started.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
The Florida WIC program is making accommodations for individual client needs during the COVID-19 emergency. Options for accommodations such as remote nutrition counseling in place of in-person office visits may vary by county. Please contact your local WIC office for assistance.
FOOD BANKS BY REGION:
Bradenton (Serving: Manatee County)
Food Bank of Manatee County
811 23rd Avenue East
Bradenton, Florida 34208
Phone: 941-747-FOOD (747-3663)
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4. Support and Grief Groups
American Cancer Society Cancer Survivors Network (ACSCSN)
https://csn.cancer.org/
Cancer Survivors Network is a vibrant community established by people whose lives have been touched by cancer. Find strength and inspiration from personal stories, discussion boards and a chat room where you can talk with other cancer survivors.
American Cancer Society (ACS)
https://www.cancer.org/
- 24/7 Cancer Helpline: Their trained Cancer Information Specialists are available 24/7 to provide accurate, up-to-date information and find valuable services and resources. Contact by phone at 1-800-227-2345 or via Live Chat on their website.
- Reach to Recovery: This service connects breast cancer patients with trained volunteers to receive peer-to-peer support.
https://www.cancer.org/treatment/support-programs-and-services/reach-to-recovery.html - Other Support Programs: Find other ACS support programs and services in your area.
https://www.cancer.org/treatment/support-programs-and-services.html
Beyond the Shock
http://www.beyondtheshock.com/
Beyond The Shock is a free, comprehensive, online guide to understanding breast cancer. It is a resource for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, a place for loved ones to gain a better understanding of the disease, and a tool for doctors to share information.
Breast Cancer Patient Support Group Online
https://www.cancercare.org/support_groups/43-breast_cancer_patient_support_group
Cancer Care is offering all their telephone and online support services to help anyone affected by the coronavirus and cancer.
Cancer Support Community
https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/
Cancer Support Community has local affiliates that are continuing to provide innovative and compassionate care through telephonic and digital channels. Each location has ensured that support groups, navigation, referrals to resources, and educational offerings are available to all those in need.
Florida Blue Bilingual Helpline for Emotional Support During COVID-19 Health Crisis
https://www.floridablue.com/blog/support-line
833-848-1762
The 24-hour toll-free helpline connects individuals with specially trained behavioral health counselors who can assist anyone experiencing feelings of stress, anxiety, trauma and grief due to the health crisis. The services are free to all Floridians, including those who do not have insurance or have coverage with another health plan.
Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE)
https://www.facingourrisk.org/index.php
FORCE works to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by hereditary breast, ovarian, and related cancers. They provide support through their:
- Message Boards (meet new friends and share concerns)
- Peer Navigation Program (receive personalized support and resource guide)
Helpline - (866) 288-RISK (7475) - Outreach support via email in each state
Gilda’s Club South Florida
https://gildasclubsouthflorida.org/
Gilda’s Club South Florida provides a gathering place where people with cancer, as well as their families and friends, or people that have lost someone to cancer, can join with others to actively involve themselves in building social and emotional support as a supplement to regular medical care. Their evidence-based programming includes support groups, healthy lifestyle workshops, mind-body classes, social activities, educational lectures, community resource information and membership is free of charge. Programs will be provided via a FREE virtual Zoom online connection accessible from any smartphone, tablet or computer.
Click to view their calendar of virtual events.
Griefshare
https://www.griefshare.org/
If you’ve lost a spouse, child, family member, or friend, you’ve probably found there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel. GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone. GriefShare seminars and support groups are led by people who understand what you are going through and want to help. You’ll gain access to valuable GriefShare resources to help you recover from your loss and look forward to rebuilding your life.
Living Beyond Breast Cancer Breast Cancer Helpline
https://www.lbbc.org/helpline
The Breast Cancer Helpline connects you to a trained volunteer who has a similar experience to you whether that be diagnosis type, stage, age or concern, for emotional support, guidance and hope. Whether you are recently diagnosed, in treatment, years beyond treatment, living with metastatic breast cancer, or a loved one - you are not alone.
Mental Health Association of Central Florida
https://www.mhacf.org/mental-health-connections/
The Mental Health Association of Central Florida offers group support for anxiety and depression via Skype five days a week as well as a referral line at 407-898-0110 and an online tool to help residents in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties find counselors. You also can reach them at 863-866-7025. If you are interested in joining a Zoom support group for people with intrusive thoughts of suicide, email DavidCavalleri@hotmail.com. The center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
Sharsheret
https://sharsheret.org/resource/speak-with-our-clinical-team/
Sharsheret, a national non-profit organization, improves the lives of Jewish women and families living with or at increased genetic risk for breast or ovarian cancer through personalized support. While our expertise is in young women and Jewish families as related to breast cancer and ovarian cancer, Sharsheret programs serve all women and men. Contact the clinical team to receive free and confidential tailored support and resources.
YMCA Virtual Wellness Center,
https://ymcacentralflorida.com/virtualwellness/?
The YMCA of Central Florida is providing a free virtual wellness center on its website with fitness videos, healthy recipes, chaplain support and at-home activities.
Young Survival Coalition SurvivorLink Peer Mentoring
https://www.youngsurvival.org/talk-one-on-one
Young Survival Coalition SurvivorLink can match you with another young woman who has been through a similar experience. Trained volunteer peer contacts who are living with metastatic disease are available for you to speak with. To request a match, email resourcelink@youngsurvival.org or call 877.972.1011 during business hours. (M-F 9-5 EST)
5. Stress Relief
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Integrative Medicine Multimedia Library
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/diagnosis-treatment/symptom-management/integrative-medicine/multimedia
Memorial Sloan Kettering provides a place where you can learn how their integrative therapies can help you feel more like yourself again. Browse through their educational videos, read the latest issue of their newsletter, or listen to a soothing meditation.
About Mind-Body Therapies
Meditations
Tai Chi Video Series
6. COVID-19 Vaccine and Breast Cancer
Moffitt Cancer Center
9 Things You Need to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine
Moffitt Cancer Center
Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine? Schedule Your Mammogram Around It.