Emotional Support for Cancer Patients

Our One-on-One Cancer Support Page

One on One Cancer Patient Support

Whether you or a loved one is facing a cancer diagnosis, CanCare is here to help!

CanCare can connect you with a trained cancer survivor or cancer caregiver volunteer to listen, provide relatable experience, and offer empathy, encouragement, and guidance through your cancer journey.

How the Application Process Works

1
Sign Up

Select "client".
Enter your email.
Check email for form link.

2
Fill Out Form

Share details about yourself to help us match you with a volunteer.

3
Confirmation

Submit form.
Get confirmation email.
Matching process begins.

4
Welcome to CanCare

Once matched, we’ll email you. Your volunteer will reach out in 24-48 hours.

Every cancer journey is unique. Your support should be too!

One-on-One Cancer Support, hands cupping a cloth heart

Impact of One-on-One Cancer Support on Volunteers and Clients

This kind of support can have positive impacts on both the person who gives and receives support. Volunteers who give support can gain a sense of purpose, self-esteem, and confidence by sharing their knowledge and skills with others. They can also learn from the clients who receive support and enhance their own coping strategies and resilience. 

Our clients who receive support can feel less isolated, stigmatized, and hopeless by connecting with others who understand their struggles. They can also access valuable resources and information that can help them overcome their challenges and achieve their goals. We know how important it is to have someone in your corner that has been where you are.

462
Volunteers
40,000+
Individuals Supported
nationwide support

One on One Support FAQs

Is there a cost for CanCare’s services?

All of CanCare’s support services are free to cancer patients and caregivers thanks to the generous support of our donors.

Who will I be paired with?

CanCare will match you with a cancer survivor or caregiver with similar cancer and treatment history. If there are other specifics you are seeking in your support volunteer, please note that on your request form and we will do our best to find the best match.

How is support received?

Most of our support volunteers provide support over the phone and/or through a combination of email and text. CanCare volunteers provide support to clients in all 50 states and we have volunteers in 27 different states. Though one-on-one cancer support often takes place over physical distance, the emotional connection experienced often creates a feeling of closeness.

How long does it take to be matched?

Matches are generally made within 2-3 business days after receipt of the request. A CanCare team member will reach out to you if for any reason there is a delay in making a match.

How do I request a match?

To request a match, complete our match application form. The more information you provide on the request form, the better match our CanCare team members will be able to make. If you have any difficulty completing the form or would like to speak to a CanCare team member, you can call us at 346-421-5777.

What information do you need to make a match?

For survivors, we match based on type and stage of cancer, treatment, and age.  For caregivers, we match based on the relationship to the care receiver (e.g., caregiver to spouse or caregiver to parent) and cancer type.  Providing us with this information enables us to find the closest match available.

Can my loved one be matched with a support volunteer?

Yes. We offer emotional support to both cancer patients and their loved ones. Please have your loved one complete the application for support or call us at 346-421-5777.

Can I speak with my support volunteer in person?

Most of our support volunteers provide support over the phone or online.  If you and your support volunteer want to meet in person, you can talk about it together.

Can I have more than one volunteer?

Yes. This can be particularly helpful when you are trying to make decisions about treatment, e.g., a mastectomy vs lumpectomy + radiation.  In this situation, a person may request a volunteer who chose a mastectomy and a second volunteer who chose a lumpectomy with radiation. If you wish to request more than one volunteer, please call us at 346-421-5777.

Are there any other ways to receive support?

Yes, we offer online support groups for Survivors, Caregivers and Stage IV cancer patients. If you are interested in participating in one of these groups, email us here (and be sure to include which of the three groups you want to join) for the meeting information. You can also submit a prayer request by visiting our Prayer Request page or emailing us at prayer@cancare.org.

What is the difference between CanCare’s service and therapy?

CanCare stands apart from traditional psychotherapy or counseling by offering a sense of community. We have a passion for providing one-on-one emotional support with a carefully-matched volunteer caregiver or cancer survivor. These survivors are not licensed therapists, but regular people who have walked the cancer journey. We know how important it is to have someone in your corner that has been where you are.

Is this a confidential service?

Yes. Your information will only be shared with your support volunteer.

How long does the support last?

The length of time that a one-on-one support connection lasts, depends on the client and volunteer. We know that the cancer journey often happens in many different chapters and CanCare volunteers are available for the entire journey. We want you to have a survivor or caregiver by your side for however long you need us. 

Who can I speak to if I have questions?

You may call the CanCare office at 346-421-5777 or email us at support@cancare.org. We know the toll the treatment process can take on a person physically, mentally, and emotionally. From phone calls and one-on-one visits to support groups, we are here for you. We’re so committed to assisting you every step of the way, CanCare offers emotional support even up to a year after your treatment is completed.

Testimonials

CanCare Values

Courageous

We bring hope through survivorship to those with cancer and their caregivers.

Compassionate

We ensure no one seeking our assistance experiences cancer alone.

Committed

We hold our relationship with those whom we serve as a sacred trust. We maintain the privacy and confidentiality of all our clients.

Connected

We strive to build goodwill in the communities that we serve.

Types of Support at CanCare

One-on-One Cancer Patient Support

One-on-one cancer patient support matches experienced survivors with those currently facing cancer, offering empathy, understanding, and encouragement to ensure no one navigates the journey alone.

One-on-One Caregiver Support

One-on-One caregiver support pairs caregivers with compassionate individuals who have supported a loved one through cancer, providing understanding and companionship throughout their caregiving journey.

Online Support Groups

Our support groups offer a supportive community for individuals facing similar challenges, providing a platform for sharing experiences, gaining insights, and receiving encouragement from peers, all from the comfort of your own home.

Join Our Cancer Support Network

We welcome you to join our online cancer support network, where you'll find compassionate support and guidance tailored to your needs. 

Our dedicated team of cancer survivor volunteers and staff are here to assist you every step of the way, whether you're facing a new diagnosis, navigating treatment decisions, or coping with survivorship. 

For further inquiries or support requests, please reach out to our team. We're here to assist you every step of the way. Together, we can navigate the challenges of cancer and find strength, hope, and resilience in community. 

You're not alone on this journey; let us walk alongside you and provide the support you deserve.

From Our Blog

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The Ripple Effect: How Cancer Support Communities Change Lives

December 17, 2024

Cancer support communities create a ripple effect of hope, strength, and healing that extends far beyond patients, touching families, caregivers, and entire networks. By offering connection, shared experiences, and valuable resources, these communities transform lives and redefine the cancer journey.

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Resources for Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patients

November 21, 2024

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but with the right resources and support, you can navigate this journey with resilience. This guide offers practical steps, emotional support, and tools to help newly diagnosed patients take control and find hope.

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Tips for Coping with Cancer

October 14, 2024

Facing a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but CanCare volunteers share powerful insights and strategies to help you cope. From building a support network to staying positive, these tips offer guidance and hope for navigating your cancer journey.