You are Not Meant to Endure Cancer Alone

Cancer is hard, but it doesn’t have to be lonely.

CanCare is a mighty community of survivors who lift up and inspire cancer patients and caregivers through one-on-one support, empathy, and hope to ensure no one endures cancer alone. Our 700+ trained volunteers have survived cancer, and they want to help you do the same for yourself – or a loved one! Whether you need encouragement or want to give it, CanCare is the place for you. Support is available over the phone, via text, email and in person – one time or on an ongoing basis.

Founded by Anne Shaw Turnage, a survivor of colon cancer, CanCare has grown into a network of trained volunteers including survivors, caregivers of survivors and medical professionals who provide emotional support and cancer-related resources. Survivors of more than 75 different types of cancer are the heartbeat of the organization, providing hope, friendship and hospital visitations for those facing cancer.

Support for
Cancer Patients

Cancer survivors of more than 75 different types of cancer volunteer for CanCare to provide emotional support to those currently facing cancer. A patient is matched with a CanCare volunteer for one-on-one emotional support based on a variety of criteria including cancer site, treatments, age, and gender. Generally, support is provided over the phone and sometimes through email, and we encourage those who are matched with someone in the same geographical area to make an effort to meet in person.

Support for
Caregivers

CanCare knows that when a patient is going through treatment, it can be difficult and emotional for loved ones as well, so we also have caregivers of survivors ready to provide emotional support to caregivers of cancer patients. If you have a loved one who has been diagnosed with cancer and you need someone to talk to, CanCare can match you with a caregiver of a cancer survivor for one-on-one emotional support.

Medical Facility Visitation Program

CanCare volunteers regularly visit cancer patients and caregivers in Houston area hospitals and treatment centers through our Medical Facility Visitation Program. Our volunteers help patients and their caregivers feel cared for, by serving as a partner to the medical team and offering emotional support beyond their medical needs.