Local Resources

American Cancer Society | Local Relay For Life

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. It unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all. By walking around a track or path for up to 24 hours, individuals and teams raise money and awareness to help the American Cancer Society save lives. Dollars raised support groundbreaking cancer research, education and prevention. Download the flyer for a list of local Relay for Life events.

Coordinated Entry Housing And Shelter Services

Provides the centralized intake and eligibility determination for a rental assistance program offered through federal stimulus monies. Does not provide direct financial assistance.

Coordinated Entry Project Interdependence

PROGRAM LIMITED – Offers utility assistance to Tacoma Public Utilities customers. Serves individuals and families who meet the eligibility guidelines. Payment is issued once annually, and will be $150 per household.

General Cancer Support Group - Tacoma

The goals of this FREE cancer support group are to provide a chance to talk with other survivors, to receive and offer others support, to learn stress management techniques, to provide education/information sharing, and allow an opportunity for participants to tell their story. Open to anyone touched by cancer: patients, survivors, family, friends, etc.

MONTHLY MEETINGS
The 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Katterhagen Resource Center
1003 South 5th Street
Milgard Pavillion, 4th Floor
Tacoma, WA 98405
Betsy Allen (Facilitator)
(253) 403-3169
Elizabeth.allen@multicare.org
https://www.multicare.org/

Good Samaritan Cancer Resource Center

The Cancer Resource Center provides patients and families with education and support to help them navigate through diagnosis, treatment and recovery. The Resource Center is part of the Dr. Richard C. Ostenson Cancer Center at Good Samaritan, which embraces a holistic, patient-centered style of cancer care.

The programs offered at the Good Samaritan Cancer Resource Center are available to anyone in the community and benefit oncology patients and their families.These programs and services, include:

Patient Navigation Services including assistance with transportation, financial, and emotional support resources
Complimentary virtual wig consultations for any woman in Washington State undergoing cancer treatment, regardless of where care is received
Complimentary hats and head scarves for cancer patients
A wide array of free resource materials related to diagnosis or situation
Cancer support groups and referrals for local-area support groups – currently being offered virtually
Pastoral care to support spiritual needs
Comfort therapies that can reduce pain and provide relaxation

Harmony Hill Retreat Center

Harmony Hill’s mission is to transform the lives of those affected by cancer and to inspire healthy living for all.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society offers a variety of programs and services for people affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myeloproliferative neoplasms. All are offered free of charge.

Information Specialists, who are master’s level oncology social workers, nurses and health educators, are available to speak to you and your loved ones one-on-one. They can provide information about diagnoses, treatments, supportive resources, and financial assistance and help with the challenges of living with cancer. You can speak to an Information Specialist by phone at 800-955- 4572 from 6 am to 6 pm PST or by live chat at www.LLS.org/InformationSpecialists or email, infocenter@LLS.org.

Speak on the phone with a trained peer volunteer who has gone through a similar diagnosis or experience. This program is available to patients, caregivers, and family members. To be matched with a peer volunteer, please call 800-955-4572 or fill out a request form at www.LLS.org/firstconnection.

Contact:
Carisa Almquist, MPH, CHES

Patient & Community Outreach Manager

206-957-4585 or carisa.almquist@lls.org

Mahogany Circle Of Hope
Multicultural Cancer Support Group

We are cancer survivors, supporters, caregivers coming together to promote hope, healing and happiness to newly diagnosed, current and post treatment cancer patients and supporters. (All types of cancers.)

MONTHLY MEETINGS
The second Tuesday of every month
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Medicare Advantage Plans

Resource on Medicare Advantage Plans in Washington that helps guide seniors through all of the available Medicare plans, eligibility requirements, enrollment guidelines, and their many benefits. They provide a list of helpful community organizations throughout Washington that further support seniors with their healthcare needs.

Metropolitan Development Council Housing Services

PSE Gas Bill assistance ONLY. There are two programs for utility help. If you have a 24-48 hour disconnect notice, call to make an appointment, otherwise walk in for an application or call to have one mailed.

Oncology Spa Solutions

What is SkinCare Therapy?
SkinCare Therapy refers to a range of specialized treatments that use specifically formulated products that are safe for compromised skin. Together they will nurture and strengthen your skin, bringing it back to a more comfortable and balanced state.

During and After Your Therapy
You will be taken to a warm, comfortable room, given privacy to put on a treatment gown where you will relax on a warm therapy bed; wrapped in a blanket with a special covering on your head. Your Esthetician will analyze your skin to determine the health and hydration levels and then discuss any concerns you have. As your skincare therapy treatment is being performed, feel free to talk, ask questions, listen to music, rest your eyes or even take a nap. You will leave relaxed and pampered with a better understanding of how to hydrate, nourish and protect your skin during cancer treatments.

Pierce County Community Action Programs

OPEN – Provides assistance to low income Pierce County residents. Helps with heating sources; gas, electricity, fuel, and firewood. Do not refer callers if they are looking for assistance with water.

Puget Sound Energy
Natural Gas/Electric Services

Offers bill payment arrangements including budget plan, “going prior”, and third party designee.

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Proton Therapy Center

SCCA Proton Therapy Center is the only proton therapy center in the Pacific Northwest and a seven-state region surrounding region. Our doctors are excited to have proton therapy as part of their arsenal in making the most targeted and effective treatments available to patients. As an advanced form of radiation treatment, proton therapy can be calibrated with great precision to selectively kill cancer cells while avoiding healthy tissue.

Please download our informative brochures:

Tacoma Public Utilities

Reduced rates for all City of Tacoma utilities are available to qualified, low-income customers.

Purple

Purple.com has created a Sleep Guide for Cancer Patients, which is a great resource.

The guide covers:

An overview of the complex relationship between sleep and cancer
Strategies for addressing cancer-related sleep issues
How cancer impacts sleep, and how sleep affects cancer
How to improve sleep hygiene and create a safe sleeping environment at home and in a medical settin

United Way

United Way is engaged in nearly 1,800 communities across more than 40 countries and territories worldwide. Focused on creating community-based and community-led solutions that strengthen the cornerstones for a good quality of life, education, financial stability and health.

Pierce, Thurston & Lewis County:

King County:

Peninsula Counties:

Find Resources

Looking for local or national survivorship organizations or support groups near you? Our resources are always available here to access whenever you need, conference time or not.