6 Groups Making A Difference For People With Cancer

Battling cancer is a physically and emotionally draining experience, and a strong network of support can make an immense difference for patients and their loved ones. Many nonprofit groups aim to lighten the burden for those affected, by providing therapeutic services, recreational experiences, and financial assistance, or by bolstering efforts to find a cure. The following organizations, listed in no particular order, extend a helping hand to patients and families wrestling with this disease.

First up, at #1, is The Tutu Project. Born from a photographer's attempt to lift his wife's spirits during her treatment for breast cancer, this initiative raises money for community-based nonprofits that provide support to patients, while working to inspire laughter and optimism. The organization focuses on assisting with incidental expenses not covered by medical insurance, and helping those affected overcome the stresses of the disease.

The Project sells prints and photo books featuring its co-founder and his iconic garment, with the proceeds going to help families affected by breast cancer. It also offers Tutu Care Packages for patients needing a pick-me-up, with personalized postcards and other treats. Supporters can join the Dare2Tutu campaign, donning their own ballerina outfits to spread cheer and raise money.

Entry #2 is Wellness House, which takes a psychosocial approach to assisting cancer sufferers, addressing the needs of the whole person through a wide variety of free programs. The organization offers courses in techniques of mental focus, physical self-care, and creative expression, to help participants alleviate the effects of illness. Other classes focus on helping loved ones be more effective caregivers, or providing education about treatment options.

The Professional Perk program at Wellness House organizes knowledge-sharing gatherings for healthcare professionals, and the Top Doc Lecture Series lets attendees learn directly from specialists in the field. Other programs include support groups, book clubs, and numerous entertaining activities for children and families. The annual Walk for Wellness House brings community members together to honor and remember loved ones, and to raise money to support the group's activities.

Our #3 is The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund. Formed in memory of the legendary heavy metal singer-songwriter who lost his life to cancer, this group supports research and education to further early detection, prevention, and treatment of the illness. It organizes events like the Ride For Ronnie concert and motorcycle rally, to raise money and honor Dio's charitable legacy.

The annual Bowl For Ronnie celebrity tournament features entertainers whose lives have been touched by friendship with Dio or by the effects of cancer, while the group's Memorial Awards Galas honor individuals who have made important contributions to the cause. Its fundraisers support research like UCLA's effort to develop a saliva test for early-stage cancer detection. The Fund furthers its mission by selling gifts including apparel, memorabilia, and a tribute album CD.

#4 in the roundup is Sail 4 Cancer, a sporting-focused charity established in 2001 by a group of boating enthusiasts who had lost friends or relatives to cancer. The group provides water excursions for families affected by the disease, offering a respite from the everyday strains of illness and treatment. Guests can build confidence by learning sailing skills, or enjoy relaxing riverboat trips down the Thames.

Sail 4 Cancer offers family-oriented outings like its Weekend Residential experiences, as well as immersive multi-day adventure trips for teenagers living with cancer. The group works to spread awareness of the disease through events like the 24-hour Liferaft Challenge, and organizes campaigns to solicit donations for cancer care and research. It also raises money by selling bags made from upcycled sail cloth.

At #5 we have the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, dedicated to eradicating blood cancers and improving quality of life for patients and their loved ones. This nonprofit bolsters research towards a cure with fundraising initiatives like Team In Training, which organizes sponsored athletic challenges, or its Light The Night walks honoring survivors and lost lives. The LLS Lifestyle program enables supporters to transform any event, activity, or challenge into a fundraising opportunity.

Many LLS programs are geared toward young people. The Pennies for Patients initiative raises donations for research through science-based service learning , while the Students of the Year program lets high schoolers build philanthropic leadership experience. The organization also advocates for public policies to dismantle obstacles to care and offers financial assistance and support services to those affected by blood cancers.

Concluding our list at #6 is Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, which grew out of one young girl's effort to raise money for other children with cancer. The organization helps young people start their own stands, and organizes other fundraisers from walkathons to weddings. ALSF's Kick-It program sets up sports games to collect donation pledges from supporters, and its Team Lemon initiative offers coaching and community for charity racers.

The money raised funds grants for pediatric oncology efforts, and the group's Childhood Cancer Data Lab initiative builds analytical tools to support research. The Foundation also helps organize the Young Investigator Summit, and provides families with resources like the Travel For Care Program and the SuperSibs initiative, which supports the siblings of patients. ALSF shares educational materials on childhood cancers, and stories of young people battling these diseases.