Outreach of Hope: National Links

Amputation

Amputee Coalition of America
www.amputee-coalition.org | 888-AMP-KNOW (267-5669)

ACA's mission is to empower amputees through education and support, to advocate on their behalf, and to develop resources toward that end. ACA is a non-profit organization that provides multiple services described below:

InMotion Magazine is a bimonthly publication of ACA and is part of the $25.00 annual membership fee. "InMotion" deals with topics ranging from the latest prosthetic advances to the challenges of living as an amputee.

National Limb Loss Information Center is the resource and referral division of ACA. They serve as an information clearing house for amputees, their families, friends and healthcare providers. They provide referral to local amputee support groups, free booklets and they have access to a large library of books that deal with amputee issues. Contact ACA for more information.

First Step is published biannually by the National Limb Loss Information Center (a division of ACA) and is a guide for adapting to limb loss. It deals with issues ranging from pre-amputation to the emotional adjustments of living as an amputee. Contact ACA for a copy. First Step is often provided at no charge.

Access to Recreation
www.accessTR.com | 800-634-4351

ATR produces a semi-annual catalogue of recreational equipment and products that provide access to recreation for those with physical disabilities or limitations. ATR carries products ranging from specialized exercise equipment to electric reel fishing poles. ATR catalogues are free.

Limbs for Life
www.limbsforlife.org | 888-235-5462

LFL is a non-profit organization whose mission is to "benefit amputees by promoting advanced research and to provide comfortable and fully functional prosthetics for individuals who cannot otherwise afford it." LFL operates a limb bank, a collection of used limbs for free distribution to qualifying amputees.

Linda's One-Armed Web Site
www.toysrbob.com/one-arm.html

Cancer Survivor and amputee Linda Hughes has a helpful and uplifting web site full of handy tips and product recommendations for one-handers.

Breast Cancer

American Cancer Society
www.cancer.org | 800-ACS-2345

ACS National Headquarters will provide referral to local ACS chapters who provide free wigs and beauty consultations through local beauticians as part of their "Look Good, Feel Better - Reach To Recovery" Program.

NABCO, National Alliance Of Breast Cancer Organizations
www.nabco.org | 888-806-2226

NABCO is a non-profit central resource listing over 375 organizations that provide individuals and health organizations with up to date information on breast cancer. NABCO also works to influence public and private health policy on issues pertaining to breast cancer. Membership cost is $40.00 annually and includes access to NABCO’s referral and resource information and subscription to their quarterly newsletter, NABCO News.

NLN - National Lymphedema Network
www.lymphnet.org | 1-800-541-3259

NLN is a non-profit organization providing support, education and information about lymphedema. An information packet can be requested for $5.00. The packet contains an overview of lymphedema including causes, symptoms and treatment as well as a copy of their newsletter and a list of clinicians who specialize in treating lymphedema.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure
www.komen.org | 1-800-I’M AWARE (462-9273)

Susan G. Koman for the Cure has a National Toll Free Breast Care Helpline that is answered by trained, caring volunteers whose lives have been personally touched by breast cancer. Armed with the latest breast health information, Helpline volunteers provide accurate information to callers with breast health and breast cancer concerns.

Y-ME National Organization For Breast Cancer Information And Support
www.y-me.org | 800-221-2141

Y-Me is a non-profit organization that provides information, hotline counseling including presurgical counseling and physician referral, educational programs, and self-help meetings for breast cancer patients, their families and friends. Y-Me is the largest breast cancer support program in the country.

Y-ME Men's Hotline
www.y-me.org | 800-221-2141

Y-Me Men’s hotline is manned by men who understand the concerns associated with a spouse or loved one’s diagnosis of breast cancer. Callers will receive a call back at the time and place they specify from a volunteer "who has been there." Y-Me publishes a free booklet for men, When the Woman You Love Has Breast Cancer.

Cancer Information: General

Cancer Information Service
www.nci.nih.gov | 1-800-422-6237

Cancer Information Service is an agency of the United States Government National Institutes of Health providing hundreds of free publications relating to specific cancers, cancer treatments, and a current listing of FDA Certified Mammography Facilities. Cancer Information Specialists are also available and provide information regarding community resources, up to date information on cancer, treatment options and cancer prevention. CIS also provides information from the Physicians Data Query PDQ, a computer database used by the medical profession to obtain state of the art treatment information for different types of cancer in different stages. PDQ will also do a computer search for current "clinical trials," studies conducted with cancer patients to evaluate a new treatment, and send that information to the patient whocan then give it to their physician.

Coping Magazine
www.copingmag.com | Media American 615-791-3859

Coping Magazine is a bi-monthly magazine targeted at those living with cancer. It covers everything from the latest treatment therapies to practical tips for living with cancer. It also lists most major cancer organizations in the country as well as specialty products for patients.

Lance Armstrong Foundation
www.laf.org

The mission of the Lance Armstrong Foundation is to enhance the quality of survival of those diagnosed with cancer. The LAF seeks to promote the optimal physical, psychological, and social recovery and care of cancer survivors and their loved ones.

Depression

Seeking Wise Counsel

The Bible clearly encourages us to "seek wise counsel." In addition to seeing your medical doctor, obtaining good Christian counseling, when effective, can shed light on the source(s) of emotional pain and offer practical, biblical steps toward healing. Much like choosing a physician, selecting the right counselor can be a process. We encourage anyone seeking counseling to proceed with wisdom and prayer. Do contact your insurance company as many policies cover counseling but may have specific guidelines or prerequisites. The following organizations provide either direct Christian counseling or referral to local sources.

Local Churches

Many churches provide free counseling. The quality of counseling, however, can vary greatly. Listed below are some suggested guidelines for choosing a local church counselor.

1. Do they use the Bible and Biblical principles as their primary counseling tool?

2. Does the church have experience dealing with your particular issue?

3. How long has their counseling department been providing counseling? Are their counselors trained? If so, how much and what kind of training do they receive?

4. Do they believe in medical intervention if it is warranted? Will they refer counselees for medical care?

5. Are there situations when they refer counselees to professional Christian counselors? If so, what are those situations?

6. Do they have an initial in-depth screening to determine appropriate counselor placement?

American Association of Christian Counselors
www.aacc.net | 800-520-2268

AACC represents thousands of evangelical professionals, pastoral and lay counselors nationwide who are dedicated to promoting excellence and unity in Christian counseling. To find a Christian Counselor in your area, you can access their website or call AACC.

New Life Clinic
www.newlife.com | 1-800-639-5433 (1-800-NEW LIFE)

New Life Clinic provides Christian psychiatric and counseling care. The professional staff offers a variety of clinical services as well as self-help, educational, and outreach programs. Their goal is to provide comprehensive mental health care services with a balance of psychological and Christian principals. Callers talk with a trained staff person who will if indicated, make referral through their nationwide referral system to a local counseling provider. Most counseling referrals have a sliding fee scale.

Focus on the Family
www.family.org | 719-531-3400

Focus On The Family is an educational organization consisting of fifty-two separate ministries, each dedicated to the preservation of the home. Recognizing that many families face emotional and spiritual issues that require counseling, Focus On The Family has developed a nationwide network of Christian counselors and Pastors who specialize in counseling. After a free phone assessment, their trained staff can provide a list of counselors in your area and information on cost, including sliding fee scales and voluntary services.

National Association For Christian Recovery (NACR)
www.nacronline.com | 714-529-6227

The NACR exists to acknowledge and honor the inner challenges of healing. They provide referral to counselors nationwide and produce a quarterly magazine, STEPS, which is dedicated to issues involving recovery from depression and other disabilities.

Desmoid Cancer

The Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation
www.dtrf.org

The mission of The Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation is to provide information to desmoid tumor patients, and to facilitate and fund desmoid tumor research.

Grief

GriefShare
www.griefshare.org | 1 (800) 395-5755

GriefShare is a national Christian organization that provides resources for those who are grieving. In addition, they make referrals to grief support groups thoughout the country. Their resources and referral database can be accessed directly on their website.

Leukemia

International Myeloma Foundation
www.myeloma.org | 800-452-2873

IMF is the only organization dedicated solely to aiding myeloma patients. They are an international non-profit whose commitment is to provide the most up to date and in-depth information about multiple myeloma including research and treatment advances, as well as information about the IMF, upcoming events and our reserach, education, support and advocacy programs. They provide an extensive packet of information about myeloma treatment and medical information free of charge.

Leukemia Society Of America
www.leukemia.org | Phone: 800-955-4572 Fax: 212-856-9686

The primary function of the Leukemia Society is to find a cure for leukemia related cancers. The Society is a volunteer based, non-profit health referral organization specializing in Leukemia, Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, and Hodgkins Disease. They provide information on blood related cancers, run family support groups, and have 57 local chapters throughout the United States. They do offer some financial assistance for outpatient care, drugs, blood, x-rays or transportation not covered by insurance.

NMDP, National Bone Marrow Donor Program
www.marrow.org | 800-MARROW-2 OR 800-627-7692

The NMDP runs the national database which contains information on all bone marrow donated in the United States. Over 2 million donors are listed and available for donation. The NMDP provides referral to local donor programs throughout the country.

Medical Referrals

Christian Medical & Dental Association
www.cmdahome.org

The Outreach of Hope is a ministry that deals with the emotional and spiritual issues of suffering. We are not equipped to make medical referrals or recommendations, however, we are aware of some options that may help you in your search :

To find a Christian doctor in your community, contact Christian Medical & Dental Association at 1-888-231-2637

Cancer Information Service
cis.nci.nih.gov | Contact the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-422-6237 (1-800-4 CANCER)

The Outreach of Hope is a ministry that deals with the emotional and spiritual issues of suffering. We are not equipped to make medical referrals or recommendations, however, we are aware of some options that may help you in your search:

Cancer Information Service is an agency of the United States Government National Institutes of Health providing hundreds of free publications relating to specific cancers, cancer treatments, and a current listing of FDA Certified Mammography Facilities. Cancer Information Specialists are also available and provide information regarding community resources, up to date information on cancer, treatment options and cancer prevention. CIS also provides information from the Physicians Data Query PDQ, a computer database used by the medical profession to obtain state of the art treatment information for different types of cancer in different stages. PDQ will also do a computer search for current "clinical trials," studies conducted with cancer patients to evaluate a new treatment, and send that information to the patient whocan then give it to their physician.

Spiritual Resources

Our Journey of Hope
http://www.ourjourneyofhope.com/
A ministry of Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Our Journey of Hope allows cancer patients and their families the opportunity to "tap into spirtual resources without leaving their home." Offers faith-based devotionals and sermons designed "to complement the spiritual support many cancer patients and their loves ones may already be receiving from other sources, such as their local church."