What Do I Do Now? - 82

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HEALTHY COPING AND STAYING WELL /// CHAPTER 52
Playing the Cancer Card
Cancer patients don't ask for this card and would gladly give it back if they could. You
may purposely play it sometimes to get out of a chore, or skip a line. Then there are
organizations that try to give cancer patients a " silver lining " through special gifts, grants,
scholarships or experiences. Don't be shy - play the card and ask your social worker or
navigator if there are opportunities you might be eligible for.
Wish Organizations:
There are regional and national
organizations that grant material
or experience wishes to cancer or
chronically ill patients. There are
unfortunately not as many for patients
over the age of 18, but there are a few.
Each organization has its own criteria
and application process. Some have
a specific focus, like hunting or music
experiences. The list changes often,
so definitely check with your navigator
or social worker for the most current
options. (Don't forget about the camps
and retreats for AYA cancer survivors,
listed in chapter 55).
Dear Jack Foundation
LifeList is a wish-granting program
that offers hope and guidance to
adolescent and young adult patients
who are currently receiving treatment
for life-threatening cancer diagnoses.
Learn more about Dear Jack
Foundation
A Wish With Wings
Must be under 22 when form received.
Learn more about A Wish With Wings.
Make A Wish Foundation
Must be under 18 and must not have
received any other " wishes " from other
organizations. Learn more at Wish.org
Live n Leap
Learn more about Live n Leap
Nikolas Ritschel
For 18-24 year olds. Learn more about
Nikolas Ritschel
Wishes granted
exclusively near end
of life:
Dream Foundation
For those over 18 with a life
expectancy of one year or less. Learn
more about Dream Foundation.
Project 4031
For those over 18 with a life
expectancy 6 months or less. Learn
more about Project 4031
Grants:
Sometimes you just need a bit of cash
to help make something happen. Think
of it like your favorite aunt giving you a
gift card rather than a sweater.
Cameron Siemers Foundation for Hope
Life grants - up 5K to help make a
project come to life. For 18-30 year
olds dealing with life-threatening
illness. Learn more here.
The SamFund (Expecting Miracles
Foundation)
Provides grants to young adult
survivors age 21-39 who have financial
hardship because of cancer. Learn
more about The SamFund.
Scholarships:
There are actually a good number
of college scholarships specifically
for cancer survivors. Each one has
different criteria and application
requirements. Cook Children's tries to
update the list each winter, as most
organizations release their applications
around the first of the year. Check here:
https://cookchildrens.org/hematologyoncology/resources/Pages/
Scholarships-for-Cancer-Patients-andSurvivors.aspx
Other:
Check
with your navigator, AYA child
life specialist or social worker for other
opportunities. There are sometimes
gifts like laptops, one-off trips, or
tickets to sporting or music events that
may be just what you need!

https://www.livenleap.org/applyleap/ http://www.thesamfund.org/ https://www.nikolasritschelfoundation.org/niks-wish-application/ http://www.thesamfund.org/ https://www.nikolasritschelfoundation.org/niks-wish-application/ https://www.dreamfoundation.org/ https://www.dreamfoundation.org/ https://www.cookchildrens.org/hematology-oncology/resources/Pages/Scholarships-for-Cancer-Patients-and-Survivors.aspx https://www.cookchildrens.org/hematology-oncology/resources/Pages/Scholarships-for-Cancer-Patients-and-Survivors.aspx https://www.cookchildrens.org/hematology-oncology/resources/Pages/Scholarships-for-Cancer-Patients-and-Survivors.aspx https://www.cookchildrens.org/hematology-oncology/resources/Pages/Scholarships-for-Cancer-Patients-and-Survivors.aspx https://www.project4031.org/how-to-apply/ https://www.project4031.org/how-to-apply/ https://www.dearjackfoundation.org/life-list/ https://www.dearjackfoundation.org/life-list/ https://www.awww.org/request-a-wish/ https://www.wish.org/ http://www.cameronsiemers.org/life-grants/ https://fwaya.org/

What Do I Do Now?

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