All the Ways You Can Volunteer to Support Breast Cancer Patients in Boston

American Cancer Society’s initiatives are not only about advancing medicine; they’re also geared towards meeting the daily needs of patients and helping them reach their appointments.

Lodging During Treatment

For some patients, the treatment that could save their life is only offered in another state, and costs like flights and hotels stand between them and accessing potentially life-saving treatment. To make treatment accessible, the American Cancer Society offers more than 30 Hope Lodge communities across the country where patients and caregivers can stay for free while in active treatment. These collective spaces are a “home away from home”: a community that makes hope possible.

Road to Recovery

Rides to and from treatment centers can also be an additional burden and expense on patients and families. So the American Cancer Society connects patients in need with volunteer drivers to secure transportation to and from each appointment. Patients and caregivers can request rides online from drivers in real-time, and can also set up transportation for recurring appointments. Additionally, ACS provides grants to local health care systems to support patients getting to treatment.

Reach to Recovery

The experience of breast cancer can isolate and overwhelm a patient, leaving them unsure where to turn for emotional and social support. Accordingly, the support, advice, and camaraderie of someone who has also experienced breast cancer can be an integral resource. Through the Reach to Recovery program, a patient can create an online profile to be individually matched with one or more trained volunteer survivors, who serve as mentors, guides, and support networks. 

For More Information

The American Cancer Society strives to cover all bases for breast cancer patients and caregivers at all times, whether that be a listening ear to discuss treatment options, a plan for housing and logistics during treatment, or anything else that a patient may need. If you need to reach out for breast-cancer-related questions, trained specialists are available to help 24/7 via or live chat at cancer.org or their hotline: 800-227-2345.

This is a paid partnership between Think Pink and Boston Magazine