CancerCare Social Worker, Mary Hanley discusses the unique challenges of a rare cancer diagnosis, offers tips for finding support and describes how CancerCare’s services can help.

The good news is that you’re eligible for Medicare. Choosing a Medicare plan, however, can be very challenging. Because costs are so high, it’s especially important for people with cancer to understand how plans cover care and treatment.

Open Enrollment starts November 1, and many people are confused about the rules and options. That’s understandable. The noise created by the failed attempts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act makes it hard to know what’s accurate and who to trust.

CancerCare recently held a second lung cancer roundtable discussion titled, “The Role of Lung Advocacy Organizations in Biomarker Testing.”

Treating people with cancer requires the coordination of complex care, and adding a clinical trial to the mix can pose more challenges. Many of us are avid supporters of research that yield more effective treatments, and we’re grateful to the patients who volunteer for clinical trials.

Being diagnosed with cancer can be extremely unexpected, especially for young adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s. The unique challenges and struggles of young adults with cancer were recently captured in the upcoming film AFTER EVERYTHING.

CancerCare has partnered with Barbells for Boobs, a nonprofit with a mission to help mobilize and empower propel to take action in breast cancer, to pioneer a breast health support line in New York City. The support line will direct individuals to services and screenings regardless of age, gender, income and insurance status. Those seeking assistance can call the NYC Support Line at 855-BFB-2DAY.

For the third year in a row, CancerCare helped families through our Back-to-School Program. One mother shares: “Jaeden was so happy when he received his new backpack. It’s fashionable and resistant to the weight he will be carrying this school year. Thank you so much-this program has helped med a lot by cutting down on the back-to-school bill!”

Longtime CancerCare supporter and volunteer, Nancy Laracy, was originally diagnosed with fibromyalgia and an autoimmune disease in 1997. In 2001, Nancy’s life changed when her family decided to adopt a rabbit named Bunny Boy. Bunny Boy and Nancy quickly became inseparable and became an important member of the family. “He was a breath of fresh air that came into my life at the right moment,” shared Nancy.

Before being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Linda Dimuro actively volunteered in her local community, including Valley Hospital. After using CancerCare’s services and taking a year to focus on her recovery, Linda is giving back to her community again by participating in CancerCare’s New Jersey Walk/Run for Hope. Linda says, “CancerCare has done so much for me and this is something I can get involved in that that helps me both mentally and physically.”