Resource Center
58 organizations that help with the parts nobody warned you about — paying for care, getting to it, staying near it, and living after it. Free to use, no account needed.
Listings last verified
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Every organization here was found and checked by a person. We accept no payment, referral fee, or sponsorship for inclusion — and never will.
This is not medical advice
These are contacts, not recommendations. Programs, eligibility, and hours change — confirm details directly, and talk to your care team.
Centers offering the complete range of cancer care under one program, including navigation and clinical trials.
Urbana-Champaign
NCI-designated basic laboratory cancer center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. — Cancer research, translational science, education and collaboration; not a primary adult treatment hospital.
Who qualifies: Best used as a research/education listing rather than direct treatment intake.
Include with note that patient treatment is not its primary function.
Contact page / main intake
Chicago
NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center with specialized breast cancer programs and supportive oncology. — Breast oncology, Lynn Sage Comprehensive Breast Center, supportive oncology, metastatic breast cancer support group, survivorship, genetics, clinical trials.
Who qualifies: Confirm directly with organization; varies by service and funding availability.
Strong ARC-relevant referral point for survivorship, reconstruction coordination and clinical trials. — Contact: https://www.cancer.northwestern.edu/contact/index.html
Contact page / main intake
Chicago / Hyde Park
NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center with multidisciplinary oncology, breast cancer care, genetics, supportive oncology and clinical trials. — Breast oncology, surgery, radiation oncology, genetics, supportive oncology, reconstruction referral, clinical trials, survivorship support.
Who qualifies: Confirm directly with organization; varies by service and funding availability.
Useful anchor center for Chicago/South Side and statewide tertiary referrals. — Contact: https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/request-an-appointment
Contact page / main intake
Chicago
NCI-designated cancer center at the University of Illinois Chicago focused on cancer research, care access and community impact. — Cancer research, clinical trials, breast cancer programs, community outreach, risk reduction and patient-centered care through UI Health.
Who qualifies: Confirm directly with organization; varies by service and funding availability.
Important public academic cancer center serving diverse Chicago communities. — Contact: https://cancer.uillinois.edu/contact-us/
Contact page / main intake
Programs focused specifically on breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Statewide Illinois locations
Large Illinois cancer network with breast care across multiple hospital campuses. — Breast imaging, medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgery, nurse navigation, supportive care and genetic counseling depending on site.
Who qualifies: Confirm directly with organization; varies by service and funding availability.
Broad geographic coverage around Chicago and suburbs. — Contact: https://www.advocatehealth.com/contact-us
Contact page / main intake
Metro East / St. Louis region
NCI-designated cancer center in St. Louis serving patients from Metro East Illinois. — Breast oncology, clinical trials, genetics, reconstructive surgery referral, support services and survivorship.
Who qualifies: Confirm directly with organization; varies by service and funding availability.
Include for southern Illinois/Metro East patients who use St. Louis tertiary care. — Contact: https://siteman.wustl.edu/contact-us/
Contact page / main intake
Urbana / Normal / Central Illinois
Regional cancer institute offering breast cancer diagnosis and treatment services. — Breast care, oncology, radiation, surgery, genetics referral, supportive care and survivorship services.
Who qualifies: Confirm directly with organization; varies by service and funding availability.
Useful for east-central Illinois. — Contact: https://carle.org/contact-us
Contact page / main intake
Evanston / Glenview / Highland Park / Skokie
Regional cancer program serving the north/northwest Chicago area. — Breast cancer treatment, imaging, surgery, reconstruction referral, genetics, nurse navigation, support services.
Who qualifies: Confirm directly with organization; varies by service and funding availability.
Useful for North Shore patients. — Contact: https://www.endeavorhealth.org/contact-us
Contact page / main intake
Maywood
Comprehensive cancer center serving the western Chicago suburbs. — Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, infusion, radiation, surgery, survivorship resources, support services and trials.
Who qualifies: Confirm directly with organization; varies by service and funding availability.
Regional hub for western suburbs. — Contact: https://www.loyolamedicine.org/request-an-appointment
Contact page / main intake
Springfield
Regional cancer care program serving central Illinois patients. — Medical oncology, radiation oncology, infusion, navigation, support services and survivorship coordination.
Who qualifies: Confirm directly with organization; varies by service and funding availability.
Useful for Springfield/Central Illinois. — Contact: https://memorial.health/contact-us
Contact page / main intake
Chicago
High-volume breast imaging and breast care center associated with Northwestern Medicine. — Breast imaging, diagnostic evaluation, multidisciplinary breast care, surgical coordination and survivorship referral.
Who qualifies: Confirm directly with organization; varies by service and funding availability.
Key breast center listing for Chicago. — Contact: https://www.nm.org/appointments
Contact page / main intake
Peoria / Central Illinois
Central Illinois cancer program with breast cancer services and oncology support. — Medical oncology, radiation oncology, breast surgery referral, navigation, survivorship and support resources.
Who qualifies: Confirm directly with organization; varies by service and funding availability.
Important for central Illinois. — Contact: https://www.osfhealthcare.org/contact-us/
Contact page / main intake
Chicago
Academic cancer program offering multidisciplinary breast cancer services. — Medical oncology, breast surgery, radiation oncology, plastic/reconstructive surgery referral, genetics, support services, clinical trials.
Who qualifies: Confirm directly with organization; varies by service and funding availability.
Important Chicago academic option. — Contact: https://www.rush.edu/request-appointment
Contact page / main intake
Springfield
Academic cancer program serving central and southern Illinois. — Cancer care, clinical trials, patient navigation, psychosocial support, genetics and survivorship resources.
Who qualifies: Confirm directly with organization; varies by service and funding availability.
Important downstate academic resource. — Contact: https://www.siumed.org/contact-us
Contact page / main intake
Grants, co-pay relief, and emergency funds for treatment costs, bills, and everyday expenses.
National / serves Illinois
National oncology social work nonprofit with limited financial assistance programs. — Financial assistance for transportation, child care, home care, lymphedema supplies and medications when funds are available.
Who qualifies: Cancer diagnosis and program criteria; funds open/close based on availability.
Add as financial and counseling resource. — Contact: https://www.cancercare.org/contact
Contact page / main intake
Chicago / Illinois
Health equity organization supporting access to breast and cervical cancer screening and care. — Navigation, screening access support, community outreach and resource linkage.
Who qualifies: Program criteria vary; contact directly.
Add under financial/access assistance because navigation can address barriers. — Contact: https://equalhope.org/contact/
Contact page / main intake
Statewide
State program supporting breast and cervical cancer screening and treatment access for eligible Illinois residents. — Screening access, diagnostic follow-up and treatment-related Medicaid eligibility pathways for qualified patients.
Who qualifies: Illinois residents meeting program criteria; verify income, insurance and age requirements directly.
Critical state resource for uninsured/underinsured patients. — Contact: https://hfs.illinois.gov/info/contact.html
Contact page / main intake
Peoria / Central Illinois
Foundation connected to Illinois CancerCare that supports cancer patients and families in central Illinois. — Patient assistance, education, research support and community-based cancer resources.
Who qualifies: Program-specific; contact foundation for current assistance availability.
Central Illinois support resource. — Contact: https://illinoiscancercarefoundation.org/contact-us/
Contact page / main intake
National / serves Illinois
National charitable foundation offering disease funds and transportation assistance when funds are open. — Co-pay, premium and transportation support depending on open funds.
Who qualifies: Diagnosis, insurance, medication and income criteria apply.
Useful for underinsured patients. — Contact: https://www.panfoundation.org/contact-us/
Contact page / main intake
National / serves Illinois
National nonprofit providing case management and financial aid funds for eligible patients. — Case management, financial aid funds, insurance navigation, co-pay and access support.
Who qualifies: Diagnosis, insurance and financial criteria vary by fund/program.
Useful for insurance and affordability barriers. — Contact: https://www.patientadvocate.org/connect-with-services/
Contact page / main intake
National / serves Illinois
Breast cancer financial assistance and navigation program. — Treatment assistance, navigation, helpline, education, local resource referrals, limited financial support.
Who qualifies: Breast cancer patients meeting program criteria; funding availability varies.
High-value national breast-specific resource.
Contact page / main intake
National / serves Illinois
National breast cancer nonprofit providing short-term financial assistance for eligible patients in active treatment. — Non-medical cost-of-living assistance, housing, utilities, transportation and insurance-related support depending on eligibility.
Who qualifies: Breast cancer patients in active treatment who meet financial criteria.
Include in all state packets as applicable. — Contact: https://pinkfund.org/get-help/
Contact page / main intake
Rides, mileage support, and flights to and from appointments.
National / serves Illinois
Volunteer pilot network for long-distance medical travel. — Free flights for patients who are medically stable and need non-emergency transportation.
Who qualifies: Must meet flight and medical stability requirements.
For long-distance specialized care appointments. — Contact: https://aircharitynetwork.org/request-a-flight/
Contact page / main intake
Statewide / local availability varies
Volunteer ride program for cancer-related appointments where available. — Transportation to treatment appointments, resource navigation and local referrals.
Who qualifies: Cancer patients needing transportation; availability depends on local volunteer capacity.
Always confirm local availability. — Contact: https://www.cancer.org/about-us/contact-us.html
Contact page / main intake
Midwest / serves Illinois
Volunteer aviation nonprofit serving Midwest patients needing medical transportation. — Non-emergency air transportation to medical care.
Who qualifies: Medical need, distance and financial need criteria apply.
Strong Midwest option for downstate/rural patients. — Contact: https://angelflightcentral.org/passengers/
Contact page / main intake
National / serves Illinois
National charity arranging non-emergency medical transportation. — Gas cards, bus/train tickets, commercial air and volunteer pilot transportation for eligible medical travel.
Who qualifies: Medical and financial need criteria apply; advance notice required.
Useful for rural Illinois or tertiary referral travel. — Contact: https://www.mercymedical.org/request-assistance
Contact page / main intake
Free or low-cost places to stay while receiving treatment away from home.
Chicago
Free lodging program for eligible cancer patients and caregivers traveling for treatment. — Lodging during active cancer treatment, caregiver accommodation subject to program rules.
Who qualifies: Cancer patients traveling for treatment who meet Hope Lodge criteria and have a referral.
Important lodging resource for Chicago treatment. — Contact: https://www.cancer.org/about-us/contact-us.html
Contact page / main intake
National / Illinois lodging listings may vary
Network of nonprofit lodging programs for patients and families receiving medical care. — Directory and referral to hospital hospitality houses.
Who qualifies: Varies by member house and hospital relationship.
Use for lodging research beyond ACS Hope Lodge. — Contact: https://www.hhnetwork.org/contact
Contact page / main intake
National lodging directory / serves Illinois
National lodging directory for cancer patients seeking discounted medical lodging. — Searchable lodging directory near cancer treatment centers.
Who qualifies: Varies by lodging partner; patient should verify directly.
Useful backup if Hope Lodge is full or unavailable. — Contact: https://www.joeshouse.org/contact
Contact page / main intake
Counseling, support groups, and mental-health care through diagnosis and beyond.
Chicago
Community-based psychosocial cancer support organization. — Support groups, counseling-style support, educational programs, healthy lifestyle activities and caregiver support.
Who qualifies: People impacted by cancer and their families/caregivers.
Excellent emotional support resource. — Contact: https://www.gildasclubchicago.org/contact
Contact page / main intake
National / serves Illinois virtually
Professional oncology social work support and online/telephone groups. — Counseling, support groups, financial assistance navigation and education.
Who qualifies: Cancer patients, caregivers, bereaved family members; program-specific criteria.
Virtual option for rural Illinois. — Contact: https://www.cancercare.org/contact
Contact page / main intake
Chicago / Illinois
Illinois health equity organization focused on eliminating breast and cervical cancer disparities. — Navigation, education, advocacy, screening access and community outreach.
Who qualifies: Primarily serves underserved communities; program criteria vary.
Important health equity and screening/navigation resource. — Contact: https://equalhope.org/contact/
Contact page / main intake
Geneva / Northwestern Medicine
Cancer resource center affiliated with Northwestern Medicine. — Support groups, counseling, education, exercise, nutrition, stress reduction and survivorship programs.
Who qualifies: Cancer patients, survivors and families; confirm program availability.
Strong west suburban resource. — Contact: https://livingwellcrc.org/contact-us/
Contact page / main intake
Homewood / Mokena / South Suburbs
Nonprofit providing free cancer support services in Chicago’s south suburbs. — Counseling, support groups, nutrition, wellness classes, bodywork, family support and resource navigation.
Who qualifies: People affected by cancer, caregivers and families.
Important South Suburban resource. — Contact: https://www.cancersupportcenter.org/contact-us/
Contact page / main intake
Hinsdale / Chicagoland
Cancer support organization offering free programs for patients and families. — Support groups, counseling, nutrition, exercise, stress management, family support and survivorship programs.
Who qualifies: People affected by cancer; many programs offered at no cost.
Strong Chicagoland support resource. — Contact: https://wellnesshouse.org/contact/
Contact page / main intake
One-to-one connection with survivors who have walked the same road.
National / virtual peer support
Breast cancer peer mentor organization providing one-to-one emotional support. — Peer matching by diagnosis, age, stage and treatment experience.
Who qualifies: Anyone affected by breast cancer seeking trained peer support.
Useful for newly diagnosed and reconstruction decision support. — Contact: https://abcdbreastcancersupport.org/get-support/
Contact page / main intake
Chicago / National
Chicago-founded nonprofit providing one-on-one cancer mentor matching. — Peer mentor matching for cancer fighters, survivors, previvors and caregivers.
Who qualifies: Anyone impacted by cancer seeking one-on-one support.
Excellent ARC-relevant peer support resource. — Contact: https://imermanangels.org/get-support/
Contact page / main intake
National / serves Illinois
National breast cancer education and support organization. — Breast cancer helpline, peer support, webinars, young women’s resources, metastatic breast cancer programming.
Who qualifies: Breast cancer patients, survivors, thrivers and caregivers.
Strong virtual peer support option. — Contact: https://www.lbbc.org/about-us/contact-us
Contact page / main intake
Genetic testing and counseling for you and your family.
Maywood
Genetic counseling services for cancer and inherited conditions. — Hereditary cancer counseling, testing review and risk-management recommendations.
Who qualifies: Referral or self-referral depending on program; verify directly.
Western suburbs option. — Contact: https://www.loyolamedicine.org/request-an-appointment
Contact page / main intake
National directory / Illinois providers
Professional directory for locating certified genetic counselors. — Search directory by specialty and location; can locate cancer genetic counselors in Illinois.
Who qualifies: Open directory; appointment criteria vary by provider.
Useful if hospital program wait times are long. — Contact: https://www.nsgc.org/page/contact
Contact page / main intake
Chicago / statewide NM locations
Cancer genetics program within Northwestern Medicine. — Genetic counseling, genetic testing, hereditary risk assessment and management planning.
Who qualifies: Patients with personal/family risk factors or provider referral.
Useful in breast cancer and reconstruction decision pathways. — Contact: https://www.nm.org/appointments
Contact page / main intake
Chicago
Genetic counseling and testing program for hereditary cancer syndromes. — Risk assessment, counseling, testing coordination and prevention planning.
Who qualifies: Patients/families with possible hereditary cancer risk.
Chicago academic option. — Contact: https://www.rush.edu/request-appointment
Contact page / main intake
Chicago
Hereditary cancer risk assessment and genetics program. — Genetic counseling, hereditary breast/ovarian cancer risk assessment, testing coordination and risk management.
Who qualifies: Patients with personal/family history or provider referral; verify criteria directly.
Key Illinois genetics resource. — Contact: https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/request-an-appointment
Contact page / main intake
Reconstruction, prosthetics, and restorative options — including areola restoration.
Maywood
Plastic and reconstructive surgery program integrated with cancer care. — Breast reconstruction, microsurgery, implant-based reconstruction and revision consultations.
Who qualifies: Patients requiring reconstructive consultation.
Western suburbs/academic option. — Contact: https://www.loyolamedicine.org/request-an-appointment
Contact page / main intake
Chicago
Breast reconstruction services through Northwestern Medicine Plastic Surgery. — Implant reconstruction, DIEP/free flap reconstruction, revision, symmetry procedures and nipple reconstruction referral.
Who qualifies: Patients considering or completing breast reconstruction.
Important for ARC referral ecosystem. — Contact: https://www.nm.org/appointments
Contact page / main intake
National reconstruction support
National nonprofit focused on breast reconstruction access for uninsured/underinsured women. — Breast reconstruction support, education, advocacy and possible surgical assistance pathways.
Who qualifies: Uninsured/underinsured breast cancer survivors; application criteria apply.
Not Illinois-specific but useful for reconstruction access gaps. — Contact: https://www.myhopechest.org/contact
Contact page / main intake
Chicago
Academic plastic surgery program offering breast reconstruction. — Breast reconstruction consultation, microsurgical reconstruction, implant-based reconstruction, revision surgery.
Who qualifies: Consult required; insurance and clinical criteria vary.
Reconstruction option for Chicago patients. — Contact: https://www.rush.edu/request-appointment
Contact page / main intake
Chicago
Academic plastic and reconstructive surgery program with breast reconstruction services. — Implant and autologous breast reconstruction, microsurgery, revision consultation and multidisciplinary coordination.
Who qualifies: Breast cancer/reconstruction patients; consult required.
ARC-relevant resource for reconstruction continuum. — Contact: https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/request-an-appointment
Contact page / main intake
Studies you may be eligible to join, and help navigating them.
National / Illinois searchable
Federal registry and results database for clinical studies. — Search registered breast cancer and reconstruction-related trials by state, city, diagnosis and intervention.
Who qualifies: Trial-specific criteria.
Database resource, not a direct care provider. — Contact: https://clinicaltrials.gov/about-site/contact-us
Contact page / main intake
National / serves Illinois
Federal clinical trial search tool and cancer information service. — Search and referral support for clinical trials by diagnosis, location and treatment type.
Who qualifies: Trial-specific; tool is public.
Add to all state packets. — Contact: https://www.cancer.gov/contact
Contact page / main intake
Chicago
Clinical trial access through the Lurie Cancer Center. — Breast cancer treatment trials, prevention/early detection studies, survivorship research.
Who qualifies: Trial-specific criteria.
Major Illinois academic trial source. — Contact: https://www.cancer.northwestern.edu/contact/index.html
Contact page / main intake
Chicago
Clinical trials program through UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center. — Breast cancer and oncology clinical trials, trial matching through care team, research studies.
Who qualifies: Trial-specific diagnosis, stage, biomarker and treatment criteria.
High-value academic trial resource. — Contact: https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/request-an-appointment
Contact page / main intake
Chicago
Clinical trial program through University of Illinois Cancer Center and UI Health. — Cancer clinical trials, including community-focused and disease-specific research.
Who qualifies: Trial-specific criteria.
Important for diverse patient access and community trial outreach. — Contact: https://cancer.uillinois.edu/contact-us/
Contact page / main intake
Long-term follow-up, wellness, and survivorship care planning.
Chicago
Breast cancer survivorship program addressing post-treatment needs. — Survivorship care planning, late effects monitoring, wellness, recurrence risk management, referrals.
Who qualifies: Breast cancer patients completing active treatment; confirm referral pathway.
Very ARC-relevant for post-reconstruction continuum. — Contact: https://www.cancer.northwestern.edu/contact/index.html
Contact page / main intake
Homewood / Mokena
Free survivorship, counseling and wellness programs for people affected by cancer. — Survivorship classes, counseling, support groups, wellness, bodywork and nutrition.
Who qualifies: Cancer patients, survivors and caregivers.
Important South Suburban survivorship resource. — Contact: https://www.cancersupportcenter.org/contact-us/
Contact page / main intake
National / serves Illinois
National nonprofit providing legal and practical education for people affected by cancer. — Employment rights, insurance, disability, finances, estate planning, caregiver and survivorship education.
Who qualifies: Educational resource; not direct legal representation.
Useful for life-after-treatment and work/insurance questions. — Contact: https://triagecancer.org/contact
Contact page / main intake
Chicago
Support services for cancer patients and survivors. — Supportive oncology, symptom management, psychosocial support, nutrition, integrative medicine and survivorship-oriented care.
Who qualifies: UChicago cancer patients and referrals; verify directly.
Useful for late effects, distress and recovery support. — Contact: https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/request-an-appointment
Contact page / main intake
Hinsdale / virtual
Free cancer survivorship and wellness programming. — Exercise, nutrition, stress management, support groups, family programs and survivorship education.
Who qualifies: People affected by cancer.
Strong non-hospital survivorship resource. — Contact: https://wellnesshouse.org/contact/
Contact page / main intake
Organized into 11 kinds of help. Showing 58 of 58 verified listings.
We add to the Illinois directory as we verify. If an organization helped you, tell us — a person will check it and, if it holds up, it goes in.
