Partnership

The ALS Association

The ALS Association is the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. ALSA covers all the bases - research, patient and community services, public education, and advocacy - in providing help and hope to those facing the disease. The mission of The ALS Association (ALSA) is to find a cure for and improve living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research.

Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease by advancing of research; enhancing care and support for all affected; and reducing the risk of dementia through promoting brain health education. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's.

For more information about resources in your community or personal support from professionals who understand the disease and its impact, call us toll-free, day or night.

American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is the nation's oldest voluntary public health organization. Originally founded to combat the spread of tuberculosis -- the white plague -- the Lung Association now pursues a vision of a world free of all lung disease. We work to prevent lung disease and promote lung health with research for cures, advocacy to improve air quality and education to help sufferers and caregivers manage their chronic lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases such as asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Working through volunteers and staff nationwide we are "Improving life, one breath at at time".

Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation, Inc.

The Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation is the oldest and largest patient advocate and support organization for bone marrow diseases, providing life-saving hope, knowledge, and support to hundreds of thousands of patients and their families around the world. Our services are free. Contact us at AA&MDSIF, P.O. Box 613, Annapolis Maryland 21404-0163

ARCH National Respite Network

The ARCH program was begun in the early 1990s with funding from the Children's Bureau in the US Department of Health and Human Services to support a national network of federally funded respite and crisis care programs for children with disabilities, chronic illness and at risk of abuse and neglect. During its tenure as a national resource center, ARCH staff developed an array of resources for families and respite providers, including the national respite locator service, guides for starting respite programs in communities, and fact sheets on a variety of topics related to respite and crisis care not only for children and their families but also for families who are caring for the elderly.

When federal funding was no longer available, ARCH continued to make these resources available with the support of several hundred members of the ARCH National Respite Network who contribute to the organization each year.

BMT Infonet

Blood & Marrow Transplant Information Network is dedicated to providing transplant patients and their loved ones with emotional support and high quality, easy-to-understand information about bone marrow, peripheral blood stem cell, and cord blood transplants. Since 1990, our networks of medical experts and transplant survivors have helped more than 100,000 transplant patients cope with the prospect of a blood stem cell transplant. Our goal is to empower patients with credible information and emotional support, so that they can take a more active role in decisions affecting their health and treatment options.

Brain Tumor Society

The Brain Tumor Society's vision is a world without brain tumors. We support brain tumor patients, survivors and their caregivers by providing access to supportive services and informational resources. Our social worker responds to individual inquiries and coordinates one-on-one peer networking through our Connection Of Personal Experiences (COPE) Program. We provide free informational materials to all those affected by a brain tumor diagnosis. We fund carefully-selected scientific research to enhance treatments and, ultimately, to find a cure. Our mantra is: There is Hope. There will be a Cure.

CarePages

CarePages are free, easy-to-use Web pages that help family and friends communicate when a loved one is receiving care. It takes just a few minutes to create a CarePage, share it with friends and family, and build a community of support.

CarePages help Families:
   *  Create a virtual meeting place on the web
   *  Share news and photos as often as needed
   *  Receive emotional support during a time of need

Caring Connections

Caring Connections, a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), is a national consumer engagement initiative to improve care at the end of life supported by a grant from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Since 2004, Caring Connections has provided free resources and information to help people make decisions about end-of-life care and services before a crisis and connect them with the resources they need, when they need them.

Colon Cancer Alliance

The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA), founded in 1999, is a national patient advocacy organization dedicated to ending the suffering caused by colorectal cancer (CRC). CCA is the official patient support partner of Katie Couric's National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance. Made up of colon and rectal cancer survivors, caregivers and people with a genetic predisposition to CRC, CCA is committed to ending the suffering caused by colorectal cancer through patient support, education, research and advocacy. The organization provides educational information free of charge to the public in an ongoing effort to educate men and women of all ages of the importance of early detection and screening. The Colon Cancer Alliance is working to focus more private and public research funding on colorectal cancer and to pass legislation ensuring access to screening. CCA is also working to ensure that more clinical trials are available for those who want them.

Empowering Caregivers

Empowering Caregivers was created to provide a safe, nurturing place for all family caregivers as well as professionals. Expert columns feature well-known individuals in the fields of caregiving, self-help and empowerment. Resources include a monthly newsletter; journal exercises for the Empowering Caregivers Community, providing scheduled chats and forums/message boards; and a caregiver's spotlight, honoring a caregiver each month. The site is an opportunity for all caregivers to move into forgiveness, to heal and open to the most important healing power there is: "LOVE".

Family Caregiver Alliance

Founded in 1977, Family Caregiver Alliance was the first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. FCA now offers programs at national, state and local levels to support and sustain caregivers. FCA is a public voice for caregivers, illuminating the daily challenges they face, offering them the assistance they so desperately need and deserve, and championing their cause through education, services, research and advocacy.

Geriatric Oncology Consortium

The GOC is a national non-profit organization tasked with the mission to be the premier provider and resource for geriatric oncology research and education, and to fill the urgent need to address cancer treatment in the elderly through a national, community-based program. The GOC also conducts patient and caregiver educational programs to educate and enhance clinical trial participation among older adults with cancer. The GOC also develops and conducts clinical trials designed to optimize cancer therapies for the older adult population. For more information please visit www.thegoc.org.

Gilda's Club Worldwide

Gilda's Club is a cancer support community for men, women and children with any type of cancer, and their family and friends. Membership is offered, free of charge to people at any stage of their experience with cancer from initial diagnosis through long-term survivorship and bereavement. Through participation in support and networking groups, lectures, workshops as well as social events members build social and emotional support and learn to live with cancer - whatever the outcome. There are twenty Gilda's Clubs throughout the US and Canada and seven more in development.

The Healing Project

The Healing Project was founded in 2005 by Debra LaChance, a breast cancer survivor committed to helping others confronted with life-changing illnesses. The Healing Project is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the health and well being of individuals suffering from life-threatening illnesses and chronic diseases, developing resources to enhance the quality of life of such individuals, and assisting the family members and friends who care for them.

Heroes for Children

Heroes for Children is a nonprofit organization providing financial and social assistance to families, within the state of Texas, of children (ages 0-22 years) battling cancer. To date, no request has been denied. Heroes for Children helps families pay for rent, utilities, medical bills, and more. Often, a parent has to leave work to care for their child, which creates financial stress. Our goal is to ease this stress and enable the family to focus on the most important part of treatment - the child. Heroes for Children was founded in memory of Taylor Anne Brewton and Allison Leigh Scott, both of whom were diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Taylor lost her courageous battle at the age of four, while Allie's battle ended before her first birthday. Taylor and Allie's tremendous courage and amazing spirit touched the lives of many in this community and across the country. Taylor and Allie's spirits live on through our organization. For more information either click on the link below, write to Heroes for Children, 1701 North Collins, Suite 240, Richardson, TX 75080, or call us at the numbers listed below.

Lance Armstrong Foundation

The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) unites people through programs and experiences to empower cancer survivors to live life on their own terms and to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer. The LAF focuses on cancer prevention, access to screening and care, research and quality of life for cancer survivors. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the LAF has raised more than $250 million for the fight against cancer. Join 60 million LIVESTRONG wristband wearers and help make cancer a national priority. Unite and fight cancer at LIVESTRONG.org.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education, and patient services. The Society's mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

Living Beyond Breast Cancer

Living Beyond Breast Cancer, founded in 1991, is a national nonprofit education and support organization dedicated to empowering all women affected by breast cancer to live as long as possible with the best quality of life.

LBBC's programs and services assist women at all stages of diagnosis or treatment. Programs and services include: large-scale interactive conferences; teleconferences; the Survivors' Helpline (888.753.5222), a toll-free information and support line; lbbc.org, an informational website; free quarterly newsletters; publications for medically underserved women; low-cost informational recordings; networking programs; workshops and trainings for healthcare providers; and the Paula A. Seidman Library and Resource Center.

National Alliance for Caregiving

Since 1996, the National Alliance for Caregiving has provided a forum for opinion leaders to work together, on behalf of family caregivers, to find solutions to the complex challenges they face in caring for a loved one who needs hands-on assistance. Through its pioneering research and collaborative programs, innovative approach to problem solving, and expertise in the core issues, the Alliance has earned the trust of professionals, policy makers, the media, and consumers in the United States and around the world.

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship

NCCS is the oldest survivor-led cancer advocacy organization in the country and a highly respected authentic voice at the federal level, advocating for quality cancer care for all Americans and empowering cancer survivors. NCCS believes in evidence-based advocacy for systemic changes at the federal level in how the nation researches, regulates, finances, and delivers quality cancer care. In 2004, NCCS launched Cancer Advocacy Now!(tm), a legislative advocacy network that seeks to involve constituents from across the country in federal cancer-related issues. Patient education is also a priority for NCCS. We believe that access to credible and accurate patient information, such as NCCS's award-winning Cancer Survival Toolbox(r), is key to demanding and receiving quality cancer care.

National Family Caregivers Association

National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) empowers family caregivers to take action that will improve their life and the life of their loved one by providing them with support, education, and a public voice. NFCA reaches across the boundaries of diagnoses, relationships and life stages to address the common needs and concerns of all those who care for a loved one with a chronic illness, disability, or the frailties of old age.

National Kidney Foundation

The National Kidney Foundation, Inc., a major voluntary health organization, seeks to prevent kidney and urinary tract diseases, improve the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and increase the availability of all organs for transplantation.

National Marrow Donor Program

National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) connects people who need a life-saving bone marrow or cord blood transplant with the doctors, donors and information they need to help them live longer and healthier lives by:

* identifying volunteer donors and cord blood units for patients,
* providing resources and education to patients and their doctors, and
* improving patient transplant outcomes through innovative science.

National Marrow Donor Program Office of Patient Advocacy (OPA) assists patients, families and health professionals by providing free one-on-one support, financial resources and transplant education. Patient information for adults and children is available in several languages and formats.

National MS Society

The mission of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is to end the devastating effects of MS. Founded in 1946, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society offers more services for people with MS, supports more MS research, provides more professional education programs, and furthers more MS advocacy efforts than any other MS organization in the world. For more information or to contact your local chapter call 1-800-FIGHT MS (800-344-4867) or visit www.nationalmssociety.org.

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition

Every day, women, families and friends concerned about a diagnosis of ovarian cancer turn to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition for reliable information. Through the services of NOCC, they learn of the importance of early detection, of the various treatment options, about the most current research findings, clinical trials and where to go for help. Program activities are carried out in local communities nationwide by a growing grassroots network of committed volunteers organized into licensed Divisions across the US. With millions of contacts from consumers annually, the Coalition strives nationally to advance a mission of education, awareness, advocacy and support.

National Stroke Association

National Stroke Association is the only national organization in the United States that focuses 100% of its efforts on stroke. NSA achieves its mission to lower the incidence and impact of stroke by developing compelling community outreach programs, calling for continued improvement in the quality of stroke patient care, and educating both healthcare professionals and the general public about stroke. Established in 1984, NSA has never lost sight of its vision to reach as many individuals as possible and be a beacon of hope for stroke survivors.

Project Compassion

Project Compassion creates community and provides support for people living with serious illness, caregiving, end of life and grief in the Durham-Chapel Hill area of North Carolina. Through Support Teams, Project Compassion's volunteers provide practical, emotional, and spiritual support for people who need help with caregiving so individuals and families will not have to cope alone. Project Compassion offers team members, leaders, and coaches the orientation, continuing education, coaching, leadership training and support they need to sustain this effort over the long haul. Since 2002, 100 Support Teams with 825 volunteers have provided over 20,000 hours of volunteer support for 300 individuals. Since 2003, Project Compassion has assisted organizations across the country with creating caregiving Support Team initiatives.

Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving

The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving (RCI) was established in 1987 on the campus of Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, Georgia in honor of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. RCI works to establish local, state and national partnerships committed to building more effective long-term care systems and providing greater recognition and support for America's unsung heroes - the millions of caregivers, both family and professional, who provide us all with models of selfless service and hope for the future.

Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association

ThyCa:Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association is a national nonprofit organization of thyroid cancer survivors, caregivers and health care professionals, advised by thyroid cancer specialists. ThyCa educates and supports patients and families through our award winning web site, support groups, person-to-person support, newsletters, downloadable low-iodine cookbook, other materials in English and Spanish, workshops, and the Annual International Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Conference. ThyCa also sponsors year-round awareness programs for early detection, Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, and thyroid cancer research funds and research grants.

Well Spouse Association

The Well Spouse Association is a national, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that offers support to spouses or partners of people with chronic illness and/or disability. The WSA has support groups in local areas, and also offers a quarterly newsletter, Mainstay, as well as mentoring, respite weekends and an annual national conference. All these are available for WSA members who pay their annual dues. In addition we host the Online WSA Forum on our website, which does not cost anything to join, whether or not you are a member.

Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization

Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization's mission is to ensure, through information, empowerment and peer support, that no one faces breast cancer alone. Y-ME has the only 24-hour hotline staffed entirely by trained breast cancer survivors. Additionally, affiliates throughout the nation provide services such as support groups, early detection workshops, wigs and prostheses for women with limited resources, and advocacy on breast cancer related policies in their communities.

Young Survival Coalition

The Young Survival Coalition (YSC) is the only international, non-profit network of breast cancer survivors and supporters dedicated to the concerns and issues that are unique to young women and breast cancer. Through action, advocacy and awareness, the YSC seeks to educate the medical, research, breast cancer and legislative communities and to persuade them to address breast cancer in women 40 and under. The YSC also serves as a point of contact for young women living with breast cancer.

Unlike their post-menopausal counterparts, young women diagnosed with breast cancer face higher mortality rates, fertility issues and the possibility and ramifications of early menopause. The YSC seeks to change the face of breast cancer by: advocating to increase the number of studies about young women and breast cancer; educating young women about the importance of breast self-examination and early detection; and being a point of contact for other young women with breast cancer.

The YSC seeks to improve the quality and quantity of life of all young women affected by breast cancer.

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is a patient care, teaching and research affiliate of Harvard Medical School, and ranks third in National Institutes of Health funding among independent hospitals nationwide. BIDMC is clinically affiliated with the Joslin Diabetes Center and is a research partner of Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center. BIDMC is the official hospital of the Boston Red Sox. For more information, visit www.bidmc.harvard.edu.

American Health Assistance Foundation

The American Health Assistance Foundation is a non-profit organization that funds research seeking cures for Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration and glaucoma, and provides the public with information about risk factors, preventative lifestyles, available treatments and coping strategies.