A specific area of interest to the Foundation has been providing support services for individuals diagnosed with cancer, their families and caregivers. The Foundation has provided such support through organizations located in Illinois, particularly in the Chicago land area. Foundation-supported cancer support centers provide an array of services including psycho-oncology support groups, healthy living programs, referral sources, educational programs and community awareness.

These cancer support centers are located in Illinois

• Jennifer S. Fallick Cancer Support Center - Homewood
• Wellness House - Hinsdale
• Wellness Place - Palatine
• Cancer Wellness Center - Northbrook
• Living Well - Geneva
• Cancer Center for Healthy Living - Peoria
• Gilda’s Club - Chicago

The foundation supports a consortium of independent cancer resources centers called the Cancer Health Alliance of Metropolitan Chicago, which works with health care providers in the community to offer programs and services free of charge to those affected by cancer. Activities include information and education, support groups gamily programs, stress management, and healthy living classes.

Funding was provided to American Cancer Society for support of the Patient Navigator System (PNS), designed as the central resource for programs such as Reach to Recovery, Road to Recovery, Prosthesis services, and for building new programs such as crisis intervention, case management and patient tracking services. A patient services representative compiles information on community resources and maintains a database for use in making patient referrals.The representative educates local health care providers, community groups, schools and churches about cancer and especially about the services available through the PNS.