Education & Resources
At Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee, we provide access to a wide range of educational resources. In addition to having dedicated resource specialists on staff responding to resource requests, we maintain a comprehensive and current Resource Library on site, which has hundreds of books and print materials on a variety of topics, including:
- Specific cancer diagnoses
- Parenting & caregiving through cancer
- Managing side effects
- Coping with the cost of care, financial aid, and working with cancer
- Survivorship & post-treatment
- Death, dying, grief & loss
- Integrative health
- Mind-body Health & Wellness
- Cooking & Nutrition
- Inspirational and Spiritual
Feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to start? Let us help. We are always happy to find additional resources and help with referrals. GCMTN is a hub for cancer-related information in both the Middle Tennessee area as well as nationally. Fill out the form below and one of our Cancer Resource Specialists will assist you in finding the resources that best match your needs.
Resource Guide
General Financial Assistance
NeedLink Nashville
Offers financial assistance and resource referrals to Davidson County residents and NES customers (help with water/electricity bills, emergency rent assistance)
Multi-County Cancer Support Network (MCCSN)
Metro Nashville Emergency Household Assistance
Provides assistance to Davidson County residents who are in need of help paying bills, buying food, buying medical supplies, etc.
Ladies of Charity
Emergency Assistance Programs:
– Clothing for men and women from the clothing closet on Tuesdays
– Emergency Food, enough for 3 meals /day for 3 days (once a month)
– Financial Assistance for Water, Natural Gas Utilities, Rent at MDHA, Urban Solutions or Section 8 properties (once per year) – Requests for financial assistance will require referral from the service coordinator at MDHA properties
– Referral to other community agencies for assistance outside our scope of activity
CancerCare Financial Assistance Program
Offers limited financial assistance for cancer-related costs such as transportation and child care, and their oncology social workers can help you find resources.
Call 800-813-HOPE (4673) and speak with a CancerCare social worker
HealthWell Foundation
Help the underinsured afford critical medical treatments
Disease-@specific funds. Pharmacy card Lookup Tool
Jewish Family Services Emergency Financial Assistance
Cancer Support Community Coping with Cost of Care e-book
Free PDF version of the book about the costs associated with cancer care and ways to manage finances.
Modest Needs Foundation
Provides grants to help low-income households with a one-time emergency expense.
Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency (MCCAA) – Emergency Services Program
Emergency Program is designed to provide assistance to a household facing a crisis situation due to an unexpected occurrence that has negatively impacted the household’s financial stability. MCCAA provides assistance through a one- time payment of a past due essential utility bill or rent/ mortgage.
211
General resource assistance phone number for the state Dial 211 to information on a variety of resources.
Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief
Co-Pay/Premium Assistance
NeedyMeds
NeedyMeds is an online information resource of programs that provide assistance to people who are unable to afford their medications and health care costs.
HealthWell Foundation Cancer-Related Behavioral Health Fund
Financial assistance with counseling services, prescription drugs, and transportation needed to manage cancer-related behavioral health issues.
Health & Wellness
Osher Center for Integrative Health
Osher Center for Integrative Health at Vanderbilt focuses on your whole health: body, mind, and spirit. We offer scientifically proven complementary therapies, such as acupuncture and yoga, to work alongside your conventional medical care.
The Estuary
Integrative healing practice includes classes, energy sessions, integrative therapy, life coaching, health coaching, and holistic health services
YMCA Open Doors Program
Integrative healing practice includes classes, energy sessions, integrative therapy, life coaching, health coaching, and holistic health services
Survivor Fitness
- Survivor Fitness helps cancer survivors regain their health and wellness through one-on-one personal training and nutritional support.
Partnered with gyms in the Knoxville and Nashville areas.
Virtual training opportunities for those outside these areas.
National Lymphedema Network
Directory of Lymphedema Specialists. Information on the Lymphatic system and Lymphedema.
Small World Yoga
Yoga practices, guided meditations, and informational videos about Nashville-based nonprofit organization, Small World Yoga.
ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation
Find a location near you. Cancer rehabilitation is a specialized program for healing and recovering from cancer treatment. ReVital certified therapists are trained in oncology – the diagnosis and treatment of cancer – and help manage an individual’s symptoms and side effects from treatment.
Mental Health Crisis
Mental Health Cooperative Mobile Crisis & Walk-In Center
Free crisis assessment and intervention services for children and adults are available 24/7 and a 24/7 walk-in center for Middle Tennessee/Davidson County.
Mobile crisis line: (615)-726-0125
Centerstone Crisis and Urgent Care
Crisis Response Team offers free, confidential help 24/7, 365 days a year.
Toll Free: 800-681-7444 or 615-244-7444
Tennessee REDLine
24/7 toll-free hotline that provides information and referrals to mental health services in Tennessee.
Call or Text: 1-800-889-9789
Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Provides free & confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24/7
Phone: 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line
Provides free & confidential support via text with a crisis counselor 24/7.
Text the word “HOME” to 741741
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration) National Helpline
Free, confidential, 24/7 & 365 day/year treatment referral and information service (available in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
1-800-662-4357 Spanish helpline: 1-888-628-9454
YWCA Domestic Violence Helpline
24/7 crisis line and emergency shelter for those experiencing domestic violence.
1-800-334-4628
Emotional Support
CancerCare Support Services
Free short-term phone counseling and online support groups for people with cancer and caregivers.
Cancer Support Community Helpline & Live Web Chat
The Helpline provides guidance, resources, and support to cancer patients or their loved ones with a variety of needs—from getting information about cancer, identifying a local support group, or just finding someone who is willing to listen. We speak your language! We provide help with coping in over 200 languages.
American Cancer Society Helpline
The National Cancer Information Center provides information and support to those facing cancer 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Trained cancer information specialists are available via phone, live chat, and now video chat, providing accurate, up-to-date cancer information to patients, family members, and caregivers and connecting them with valuable services and resources in their communities.
Imerman Angels
Imerman Angels partners individuals seeking cancer support with a Mentor Angel — a cancer previvor, survivor, or caregiver who has been in their shoes.
Cancer Hope Network
Cancer Hope Network provides free one-on-one peer support
for adult cancer patients and their loved ones.
CanCare
CanCare will connect you with a cancer survivor with similar cancer history. They can also match cancer caregivers and loved ones with support from those who have walked the path of loving and caring for someone with cancer. Virtual support Groups for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers”
HealthWell Foundation Cancer-Related Behavioral Health Fund
Financial assistance with counseling services, prescription drugs, and transportation needed to manage cancer-related behavioral health issues.
Camp Bluebird
Adult Cancer Camp where survivors can gather 3 days and 2 nights of sharing, educational workshops, and fun.
Transportation
Road to Recovery (ACS)
Offers free rides with volunteer drivers for people to go to/from cancer appointments. Available in limited communities as they work toward expansion.
It can take several business days to coordinate your ride, so please call 1-800-227-2345 well in advance of your appointment date.
CancerCare Transportation Assistance
Angel Flight Soars
Angel Flight SoarsTM arranges free air transportation for people who need to travel to receive lifesaving medical treatment, but lack the means.
Phone: 877-426-2643
Mercy Medical Angels
Provides free Request Assistance for transportation on the ground with gas cards, bus or train tickets or in the air with flights flown by volunteer pilots or the commercial airlines.
SeniorRide Nashville
Offers discounted rides to seniors (60+) who need assistance getting to medical appointments and running errands.
Phone: 615-610-4040
MyRideTN
Listing of MyRides programs, a senior-friendly volunteer transportation service across Tennessee.
WeGo Access (AccessRide)
Access paratransit service which offers specialized vans for persons with disabilities who are unable to use fixed-route transit service.
To speak with an eligibility specialist call: 615-880-3596
Franklin Transit ADA & Senior Rides
The Franklin Transit provides pre-arranged curb-to-curb pick-up and drop-off service as well as all-day, same-day access to Franklin’s fixed route public transit service. This is available throughout most areas in the city of Franklin.
To make a reservation call: 615-628-0260
Housing & Lodging
ACS Hope Lodge
Free lodging is provided for cancer patients and caregivers traveling far from home for outpatient medical care related to the patient’s cancer diagnosis.
Phone: 615-342-0804
Hospital Hospitality House
Low-cost ($35/night) comfortable, safe, clean, peaceful medical housing facility in midtown Nashville for caregivers and/or ANY patient of ANY age dealing with ANY type of illness.
Phone: 615-329-0477
Joe’s House
Urban Housing Solutions
Provide Nashville individuals and families with affordable housing and supportive services
Phone: 615-726-2696
Health & Medical Services
Project Access Nashville Specialty Care
Project Access Nashville Specialty Care, under the leadership of the Medical Foundation of Nashville, provides a coordinated system of care to low-income, uninsured residents of greater Nashville. Care navigators walk each patient through every step of the process, including enrollment, appointment scheduling, interpretation service coordination, and community resource referrals. Currently serves patients from over 32 Middle Tennessee Counties, referring from 42 primary care clinics.
Phone: 615-712-6237
Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Centers
Offer healthcare services for uninsured & underinsured individuals and families, including family/internal medicine, pediatrics, women’s health services, dental services, and behavioral/mental health services.
Nashville Phone: 615-327-9400
Clarksville Phone: 931-920-5000
Smyrna Phone: 615-984-4290
Neighborhood Health Centers
Provides affordable, comprehensive primary health care throughout Middle Tennessee. Services are offered for the entire family, including medical, dental, and counseling services. Accepts most insurances/TennCare plans and also offers a sliding fee for those without insurance.
Phone: 615-227-3000
Interfaith Dental Clinic
Provides comprehensive and emergency dental services for low-income, uninsured individuals.
Phone: 615-329-4790
Meharry School of Dentistry
Provides comprehensive & emergency dental services to patients of all ages at affordable prices.
Phone: 615-327-6669
Remington College- Affordable Dental Services
Dental hygiene appointments (cleanings, x-rays) done by dental students (with a dentist on staff) that can be paid for in cash; no insurance needed.
Nutrition & Meals
PearlPoint Nutrition Services
A registered dietitian with expertise in oncology nutrition provides free one-on-one consultations by phone or email.
Phone: 877-467-1936 x 101
Heimerdinger Foundation Meals 4 Health and Healing
FiftyForward Fresh
Delivers free and discounted meals to residents age 50+ who need assistance obtaining meals.
Phone: 615-463-2264
Nourish Digital Cookbook (Downloadable PDF)
Meal Train
Meal delivery organizer for neighbors, family, friends, etc. to deliver food to your home. Personalized page includes food preferences, digital gift cards, and a donation fund.
Mom’s Meals
Delivers healthy meals to the home for those 65 years old, disabled, need assistance with grocery shopping/prepping meals, or self-pay program at $7.99/meal.
– Cancer support meal delivery for people in treatment.
– Meals for different diets, including pureed food ($8.99/meal).
Phone: 1-877-508-6667
Grief, Hospice, End of Life, Estate Planning
Alive Hospice Grief Center
Offers free and reduced rate individual and group grief support for adults and children who have lost a loved one, as well as community events and workshops.
Phone: 615-963-4732
Lantern
Free online resources and paid consultants are available to help with pre-death planning and post death planning and post death support. Advanced directive forms by state.
Larkspur Conservation
Conservation/natural burial ground designed for mindful remembrance, hiking, bird watching, nature study, or meditation.
Phone: 615-854-0010
The Compassionate Friends
Provides grief support, including local support groups and online groups, to families who have lost a child.
Phone: 877-969-0010
CaringInfo (National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization)
Provides free resources to help people make decisions about end-of-life care and services before a crisis.
Five Wishes Advance Directive
The Dinner Party (for Young Adults)
The Dinner Party is building a community of 21-45 year olds who have each experienced loss.
Young Black Widowed
Free Will
| Free online form to write/update will or trust. Advanced care Directives, Financial Power of Attorney, and Stock/Crypto Gifts, beneficiaries. |
CAKE
Information on aging, estate planning/wills, life insurance, grief and loss, end-of-life, and funeral planning.
Wig & Hair
I Am Beautiful
Wigs for Kids
Hair to Stay
Grants to offset cost of scalp cooling treatment to minimize hair loss during chemotherapy.
Phone: 800-270-1897
The Verma Foundation
Through their “Put A Cap On Cancer” program, they create custom high-quality cap wigs at no cost for women and children fighting cancer and dealing with the emotional side effect of hair loss.
Phone: 512-582-0171
Paxman Cold Capping
A Wig’s Story
Medical Supplies & Prosthetics
Williams Medical Supply
United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee (Equipment Exchange)
Offers free wheelchair ramps and medical equipment through an equipment exchange program for Middle Tennessee in need regardless of diagnosis.
Legal, Disability & Social Security Assistance
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee & Cumberlands
Provides free information and resources about cancer-related legal issues.
Disability Pathfinder
Free service that helps individuals and families with disabilities find and access resources, support, and services.
Toll-free statewide helpline:800-640-4636
Cancer and Careers
Educates people with cancer to thrive in their workplace, by providing expert advice, interactive tools and educational events. They have a resource database, educational videos, free publications (in English and Spanish), and financial assistance.
Triage Cancer Legal & Financial Navigation Program
Triage Cancer provides individuals diagnosed with cancer, caregivers, and healthcare professionals with free one-on-one help in the areas of health insurance, employment, finances, medical decision-making, estate planning, and more.
Breast Cancer
Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC)
Their mission is to connect people with trusted breast cancer information and a community of support. They also offer three private Facebook groups as well as financial assistance with the Living Beyond Breast Cancer Fund.
Breast Cancer Helpline: 1-888-753-5222
After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD)
Get free, one-to-one support from a professionally trained mentor/breast cancer survivor who is similar to you.
Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition (TBCC)
Emergency Access Fund to provide financial assistance to individuals in financial need due to inability to work and or mounting medical expenses incurred while undergoing treatment of breast cancer.
Phone: 615-377-8777
The Pink Fund
Susan Komen Helpline
The Komen Breast Cancer Helpline offers:
- Breast health and breast cancer information
- Emotional support to anyone with questions or concerns
- Information about Komen’s Treatment Assistance and Patient Navigation programs
- Information about national and local organizations and resources that may provide financial assistance and other support services, including low-cost mammography
- Information on Clinical Trials
Phone: 877-465-6636
CancerCare Breast Cancer Support
CancerCare provides free, professional support services for people affected by breast cancer, as well as breast cancer information and additional resources. They also offer a Women’s Cancers Program to help support female-identifying individuals coping with cancer. Limited assistance from CancerCare is available to eligible families for cancer-related costs.
Phone: 800-813-4673
Sisters Network® Inc.
United Breast Cancer Foundation
The United Breast Cancer foundation provides:
- Programs to assist with the cost of holistic treatments, breast screening, breast reconstruction
- Emergency assistance program, college scholarship, and sponsor program
- Mattress donation events
Sharsheret
Their Peer Support Network connects women newly diagnosed or at high risk of developing breast cancer or ovarian cancer one-on-one with others who share similar diagnoses and experiences.
Children & Family
Bright Spot Network
Bright Spot Network offers support groups for kids who have a parent with cancer called Bright Club that will meet once a month online on Saturdays; 2 age groups: 0-5 years old and 5-12 years old.
They also have Bright Grants, where any Bright Spot Network families/parents/caregivers in need of financial assistance are eligible to apply for $500 in funding. Families must be caring for a child 0-6 years old or pregnant.
Camp Kesem
A free weeklong overnight camp for children 6 to 18 who have been impacted by parents’ cancer.
Hope Kids
Offers events and activities open to all families who have a child with a life-threatening medical condition such as cancer.
Phone: 800-319-5845
Oracle Health Foundation
Provides individual medical grants that cover a wide variety of clinical, equipment, travel & lodging, and vehicle modification costs related to children’s healthcare needs.
Phone: 816-201-1569
Pinky Swear Foundation
Provide an All-Star Fund for easing the financial impact of cancer through rent and mortgage payments, auto payments, money for gas and groceries, and more! The All-Star Experiences are fun interactions (virtual) between All-Stars children ages 11-18 and college PACK students.
There With Care Middle Tennessee
Provides transportation assistance, home stability, food security, and essentials to children with a life-threatening diagnosis and their families. The also provide family and individual counseling. They serve families who are referred to them by medical agencies.
Phone: 615-637-2273 (CARE)
Cool Kids Campaign
Cool Kids Campaign provides free care packages, kits, birthday boxes, social and emotional online programming for parents and kids as well as free vacations for families. Tutoring for kids with cancer, and their sibling is also offered. They are located in Tennessee, Maryland, and North Carolina.
Phone: 410-560-1770
Young Adults
Stupid Cancer
Stupid cancer Meetups are online or in-person social gatherings for the adolescent and young adult community to connect with other patients, survivors, caregivers, and professionals.
CancerCon is the gathering for the adolescent and the young adult cancer community.
also, check out the Discussion Series and Webinars
Elephants & Tea
Their mission is to help adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients, survivors, and caregivers know they are not alone in their experience with cancer. The Elephant in the room is cancer. Tea is the relief conversation provides.
We are the only magazine written for and by the AYA cancer community telling their story in their own words.
The Dinner Party
The Dinner Party is building a community of 21-45-year-olds who have each experienced the loss.
Cactus Cancer Society
Free, online programming includes peer support, wellness resources, and lifestyle encouragement for YA’s (18-45), including post-treatment and caregivers.
Programs include: YA hangout, book club, survivorship series, art, guys group, mindfulness workshop, and much more! ”
Diagnoses Specific Resources
The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy
Virtual Peripheral Neuropathy Support group as well as links to podcasts, and private Facebook groups.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)
Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center Website
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
International Myeloma Foundation
Information, support network, resources, and a Helpline for people impacted by Myelomas.
Helpline: 800-452-2873 (CURE)
American Brain Tumor Association
The American Brain Tumor Association provides:
- information about brain tumors-from diagnosis, clinical trials, treatment & side effects
- information for caregivers, including caregivers of children with a brain tumor
- search for clinical trials
- mentor matching service for patients and caregivers
For information & resources, CareLine team available Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm CT.
Phone: 800-886-2282 (ABTA)
Colorectal Cancer Alliance
Offers various information about colorectal cancer for those diagnosed and for family and caregivers. Through the Blue Hope Treatment Award, they provide $200 for daily expenses.
Helpline: 877-422-2030
Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF)
The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation provides:
- Information on diagnosis and treatment including a Myeloma Glossary
- Patient Navigation Center with support for patients and caregivers
- MMRF Mentorship program to connect 1-on-1 with individuals who have shared experiences
- Financial aid related to medication, transportation to treatment, or help to understand insurance
Helpline: 1-888-841-6673 (MMRF)
Anal Cancer Foundation
Lungevity
Resource/Funding Directories/Databases
Home Health, Care, & Respite
Care.com
Cleaning for a Reason
Tennessee Respite Coalition
The Tennessee Respite Coalition provides relief to families and caregivers from the demands of providing ongoing care and identifies the resources for your self-care plan. They offer a voucher program that helps with some of the cost.
Statewide Helpline: 1-888-579-3754
Family Caregiver Alliance
Pet Support/Service Animals
CancerCare Pet Assistance & Wellness (PAW Program)
The PAW Program offers education focused on caring for your pets throughout your cancer journey. CancerCare’s resource navigation, counseling, and support groups are all free of charge. There is limited financial assistance to qualified individuals who are in active treatment and share their home with a cat or a dog.
Phone: 800-813-4673 (HOPE)
Nashville Pet Resources
Metro Nashville & Davidson County’s list of pet resources includes Adoption/Rescue Agencies, Re-homing Websites, Low-Cost Spay, and Neuter / Vet Care, Pet Pharmacies, and Resources for Pet Owners.