Holistic Support Integration

Provides comfort bags containing journals, cookbooks, coloring materials, blankets, warm socks, and hard candies, as well as handmade fleece ponchos, to patients beginning chemotherapy and radiation treatment. These are distributed through programs like the Poncho Project and HUDDLE Packs for children with a family member in treatment.

Funds integrative oncology services and supportive care programs that complement conventional cancer treatment to improve patient health, quality of life, and clinical outcomes.

Funds the Pluta Comprehensive Breast Care Program at URMC Wilmot Cancer Institute, including an endowed professorship, recruitment and retention of specialists, clinical trials, and developmental therapeutics research.

Provides evidence-based integrative therapies—including acupuncture, massage, yoga, nutrition counseling, mindfulness, and healing touch—at no cost to patients at the Integrative Oncology & Wellness Center. Over 10,000 appointments were facilitated in the past year.

Offers transportation support for cancer patients to attend medical appointments and provides financial gap support for non-medical household expenses and living costs during treatment. Over 700 rides were provided in the past year.

Provides Thanksgiving meals via Wegmans gift cards tailored to dietary and cultural needs, and fulfills holiday gift wishlists for patients and families through donor-supported Angel and Holiday Angel Programs.

Provides residential services by coordinating with public and private agencies to secure housing tailored to client needs.

Offers emergency funds for basic necessities, long-term financial planning, and corporate networking for job placement, in coordination with other agencies.

Provides home-delivered meals, assistance with errands such as food shopping, and friendly visits to patients who are isolated or need emotional support, delivered by trained volunteers.

Provides free one-on-one counseling to patients and families through licensed social workers, including bereavement counseling for those who have lost a loved one. Also offers virtual anxiety and survivorship support groups and specialized groups for women with ovarian cancer.

Provides free Chemo Comfort Kits to all patients undergoing chemotherapy, containing items designed to manage side effects and support well-being during treatment.

Provides limited financial grants to cover cancer-related expenses not covered by insurance, distributing 252 grants in the past fiscal year.

Offers personalized case management including reviewing diagnoses, treatment plans, and care coordination. Provides educational materials and hosts workshops, supported by volunteers who assist with organizing resources and office tasks.

Maintains the Barbara Melamed Memorial Library with books, pamphlets, and resource guides on cancer care, and produces Life Lines, a publication listing national, state, and local resources including wigs and wellness programs.

Hosts monthly virtual support groups for ovarian cancer patients, cancer-related anxiety, and new survivors, as well as two in-person support groups in Purchase, NY. Also refers clients to additional community-based support groups.

Offers all supportive services in both English and Spanish to ensure accessibility for diverse patient populations.

Offers in-home nursing visits to help cancer patients understand their diagnosis, review treatment options, manage symptoms such as nausea and fatigue, and receive nutritional guidance. Services are provided by a team of nurses and are available at all stages of illness.

Offers free transportation via volunteer drivers to chemotherapy and radiation therapy appointments in Westchester County and the Bronx, providing 716 rides in the past fiscal year.