Local Resources

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

• SCCA Proton Therapy Virtual Support Offerings
• SCCA Proton Therapy Links to Resources
• SCCA Proton Therapy Patient Stories

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

Tuck aims to improve sleep hygiene, health, and wellness through the creation and dissemination of comprehensive, unbiased, free resources. Boasting the largest collection of aggregated data on sleep surfaces on the web, Tuck aims to power consumers, sleep professionals, and the troubled sleeper looking for answers.

Click to learn more about Sleep and Cancer.

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.