Dane County Support Services
The UW Carbone Cancer Center lists the following Dane County support services as a convenience to our patients and to cancer patients in the state and region. Please note that inclusion on this list does not imply that the services are endorsed or sponsored by the UW Carbone Cancer Center. Please contact these organizations directly for additional information.
After Breast Surgery
Gain new information and learn from others who also have had breast cancer. Meets monthly. Call (608) 417-5900 for time and location.
American Cancer Society Navigator
American Cancer Society Navigators offer free, confidential, one-on-one support to cancer patients and those who care for them. Navigators listen, learn your needs and create an individualized plan made just for you. Navigators provide a vital link between a cancer survivor and resources in the community, including transportation, lodging, and other American Cancer Society programs such as At Home which provides access to free medical equipment for cancer patients, including hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers and commodes. Call 800-ACS-2345 and ask for your regional navigator.
Bosom Buddies
A support group for breast cancer patients and survivors who meet to share experience and information. Meetings are the third Wednesday of each month. Call (608) 244-3062 for more information. E-mail support group also available at MadisonBB@charter.net.
Breast Cancer Recovery Foundation Infinite Boundaries Retreat Program
Provides environments in which women may heal emotionally, spiritually and physically from breast cancer. Offers four-day wellness retreats for women living with breast cancer. The Foundation also sponsors awareness and educational programs. To find out how to participate and for information on upcoming retreats call (608) 821-1140 or view the Breast Cancer Recovery Foundation website.Center for Patient Partnerships at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
The Center for Patient Partnerships serves patients with life-threatening and serious chronic illnesses and their families, regardless of income or residence. Patient advocates work with clients to help them make more informed medical decisions, access care, navigate employment issues, find support and build their own self-advocacy skills as needed. The Center trains professional/graduate students in law, medicine, social work, nursing, pharmacy, public affairs, psychology, biology, health systems engineering and others who will work in or around the health care system in their future careers. Advocacy may include issues surrounding diagnosis and treatment, coordination of care and support, family matters, employment, medical bills/insurance, public benefits or public/private disability. Call (608) 890-0321 or e-mail cppadvocacy@law.wisc.edu.
Gilda's Club Madison
Gilda's Club Madison will provide one place for men, women and children living with cancer, as well as their family and friends, to gather. Gilda's Club is a free, non-profit support community for anyone touched by any kind of cancer as well as their families and friends. It's a warm and welcoming, non-residential clubhouse where men, women, and children come together to build social and emotional support as a supplement to medical care. Those interested in joining Gilda’s Club can call (608) 828-8880 to attend a new member meeting. Individuals can participate as much or as little as they want. There is no required time commitment and there are no expectations. Plus, membership is free!
Hope Chest: Women Sharing their Breast Cancer Journey with Hope
Provides individual and group support for women in the Stoughton area who have breast cancer, whether newly diagnosed, receiving treatment, or having completed treatment. Offers a support system where women can come together locally to share their experience or concerns. For more information regarding time and location contact Judy at (608) 873-3930.
Instant Sisters
This support group is for women who are survivors of metastatic breast cancer- breast cancer that has spread to other areas of the body. Occasional guest speakers provide education on pertinent topics. Meets the 1st Tuesday of the month from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the American Cancer Society Office, 8317 Elderberry Road, Madison. Facilitated by Lauren Cunningham, Ph.D., Psychologist. For more information, please call (608) 255-9330 or e-mail instantsisters@gmail.com.
Look Good… Feel Better
A community-based, free service that teaches female cancer patients beauty techniques to help restore their appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Volunteer beauty professionals lead small groups, usually consisting of six to ten women, through practical, hands-on experience. Women learn about makeup techniques, skincare, nail care, and options related to hair loss such as wigs, turbans, and scarves. Each group program participant receives a free kit of cosmetics for use during and after the workshop. Call (800) ACS-2345 and ask for your regional navigator.
Man to Man
A supportive gathering of men who have experienced prostate cancer. Meetings are both sharing and educational. No charge. Meets twice monthly. Call (800) ACS-2345 and ask for your regional navigator.
Reach To Recovery
This program offered by the American Cancer Society can help breast cancer patients (female and male) cope with their diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Talking with a specially trained Reach to Recovery volunteer can provide a measure of comfort and an opportunity for emotional grounding and informed decision-making. Volunteers are breast cancer survivors who give patients and family members an opportunity to express feelings, verbalize fears and concerns, and ask questions of someone who is knowledgeable and level-headed. Most importantly, Reach to Recovery volunteers offer understanding, support, and hope because they themselves have survived breast cancer and gone on to live normal, productive lives. Call (800) ACS-2345 and ask for your regional navigator.
Road to Recovery
Program that assists ambulatory cancer patients with ground transportation to and from cancer treatment. Call (800) ACS-2345 and ask for your regional navigator.
Transportation Air
Provides one time opportunity for 2 free round trip tickets for Wisconsin cancer patients going to treatment outside Wisconsin. Patients must be in financial need, provide verification of medical need from their physician, and must be a resident of IA, MN or WI. This service is provided through a partnership of the American Cancer Society and Midwest Airlines. Call (800) ACS-2345 and ask for your regional navigator.
United Way 2-1-1
United Way 2-1-1, formerly First Call for Help, is community resource line, providing 24-hour, 365-day a year, free and confidential information and referral services for people in Dane County who are in need of help. Call 2-1-1 within Dane County or (608) 246-4357 from outside Dane County and from cellular phones.
The Witness Project
The Witness Project is a health program for African-American women, which features a group of women who each "witness" about their triumph over breast or cervical cancer. These women provide support, encouragement and hope for one another. This project also offers community education regarding breast self-exam, pap tests, and signs and symptoms of breast and cervical cancer and provides a list of resources that offer low or no cost services to women of color. For more information call (608) 262-8662.