RESOURCES
Learn more about Grey Matters by reading "The heartwarming story behind Grey Matters, North Texas's only brain tumor support group," written by Vaibhavi Hemasundar and published by planoprofile.com on June 28, 2018.
The Brain Injury Network featured Grey Matter's own John Hoffman in their podcast episode "How do you survive as a caregiver".
Follow us on Facebook for news and event reminders at GREY MATTERS North Texas Brain Tumor Support Group.
FINANCIAL & LEGAL RESOURCES
Members of Grey Matters North Texas Brain Tumor Society are eligible for the organization’s outreach grant. Grants are generally awarded on a first come/first served basis, with a grant limit of $300 per individual in a calendar year. Eligible applicants must have a financial or service need connected to brain tumor treatments from doctors, health services, home service, transportation, or lodging, etc. due to situations connected with a brain tumor that are not reimbursable from healthcare benefits. Priority will be given to those undergoing active tumor treatment. If you are interested in applying for a Grey Matters Outreach Grant, download the application found at the bottom of this page and follow the instructions included on the application.
Glenn Garcelon Foundation - If you have a primary brain tumor (or know someone who does) and need financial assistance, we are here to help. Please click here for the Grant Application.
Heavenly Mimi is a non-profit organization dedicated to those in need during their cancer journey. Heavenly Mimi is committed to providing financial assistance and empowerment to anyone going through this challenge in their life. Apply for assistance here.
Musella Foundation for Brain Tumor Research & Information offers a brain tumor treatment co-payment assistance program. The organization can help you with your out-of-pocket expenses up to $5,000 per year for the treatments covered by this program.
National Brain Tumor Society - Being diagnosed with a brain tumor or caring for someone with a brain tumor can be a challenging and stressful experience in many ways. Fortunately, there are resources available to assist people with brain tumors, their families, and their care partners in navigating these challenges. For additional assistance, you can contact our Personalized Support and Navigation team at patientnavigator@braintumor.org.
PRS Insurance Solutions - PRS specializes in senior market products and services and is recognized nationwide for its constant commitment to senior services. Though service is sometimes lost in the sea of advanced technology, PRS has kept old-fashioned values close at heart. PRS is client-friendly and promises one-on-one service. Contact Pamela Randall at (214) 415-9909.
The Five Wishes booklet is an easy-to-use legal document that lets you plan in advance for how you want to be cared for in the event that you become seriously ill. It is an "advance directive" because when you complete Five Wishes, you give direction to your physician and family, in advance, on how you want to be treated. The booklet deals with all of a person's needs: medical, personal, emotional, and spiritual, and encourages discussion of your wishes with your loved ones and physician. You can preview a sample or order the booklet from Aging with Dignity.
Resources for local North Texas assistance with navigating health insurance options:
Collin County Adult Clinic - Plano
Collin County Indigent Health Care – McKinney
Community Lifeline Center - McKinney
The Samaritan Inn – McKinney
ONLINE RESOURCES
AARP Livable Communities – HomeFit Guide - Smart solutions for making your home comfortable, safe, and a great fit.
Aging in Place - Visit this free resource or the community forum and read about others' experiences in managing care for a loved one or planning for their own future needs.
“A Matter of Balance” is an award-winning workshop to help participants reduce their fear of falling and improve stability of balance. The course meets weekly for 8 consecutive weeks, and each session lasts 2 hours. Participants must attend at least five of the eight classes to graduate. Registration is required and seating is limited. The free classes are held at Texas Health Plano’s Rehabilitation Center. For more information, please visit here or call (877) 847-9355.
American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) covers topics such as treatment options, navigating and understanding the spectrum of care options, support, resources, and information for caregivers.
ABTA.org features comprehensive, reliable information about brain tumors and their diagnosis, treatment, and care. There is specialized information for those who are newly diagnosed or caregivers. Educational content is reviewed by medical professionals working in the brain tumor space.
ABTA’s CareLine is a phone and email service for brain tumor patients, survivors, and their loved ones. Trained team members are available Mon-Fri, 8:30am to 5pm CT, to speak with people one-on-one and provide customized info and resources. Contact at 800-886-ABTA(2282) or via info@abta.org.
The ABTA offers variety of educational brochures, both online and in print, to patients and their loved ones. All of our brochures are patients-friendly and medically reviewed.
The ABTA offers a mentor support program that pairs adult brain tumor patients and caregivers with volunteer mentors who have been through a similar situation. Mentors offer social-emotional support and share their experience with brain tumor diagnosis, treatment, and care. To learn more and register, visit this web page and scroll down to “Looking for one-on-one support?”
The ABTA hosts a great online support community called Connections. It is a space where brain tumor patients, survivors, and caregivers come together to share their experiences and support each other. To ensure safety and confidentiality, this community is moderated, and members can participate anonymously.
There are several organizations that offer limited financial assistance to patients diagnosed with brain tumors or other cancers. You can see a comprehensive list of these organizations on the ABTA website.
ABTA’s virtual Patient and Family Meetings allow attendees to hear from and engage with experts about topics related to brain tumor treatment and care.
Affordable Medical Supply repairs wheelchairs, rollators, etc., accepts donations, and provides DME rentals.
American Cancer Society is dedicated to helping persons who face cancer. The organization supports research, patient services, early detection, treatment, and education.
American Psychosocial Oncology Society
American Society on Aging has developed and led the largest, most diverse community of professionals working in aging in America. As a result, ASA has become the go-to source to cultivate leadership, advance knowledge and strengthen the skills of our members and others who work with and on behalf of older adults.
Area Agency on Aging of North Central Texas is a program of the North Central Texas Council of Governments. The agency serves adults age 60 and older and their family caregivers to create and maintain a coordinated network of health and social services. It provides services and resources that help older adults maximize their quality of life and live as independently as possible.
The Association for Molecular Pathology
Association of Clinicians for the Underserved
Association of Oncology Social Work
Bec N Call Services can help you juggle all your worlds, such as pet and house sitting, airport and medical transportation, notary and errand services.
The Brain Injury Network (BIN) offers a series of bindwaves podcasts that are helpful, including one that features Grey Matter's own John Hoffman (listen to the episode "How do you survive as a caregiver").
Black Women’s Health Imperative
The Bluebonnet Retreat offers, at no charge, a unique experience for adult cancer patients. During the three-day, two-night camp, attendees are provided a creative, educational atmosphere of support with a focus on wellness. The retreat is a special project of Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford and is funded through donations. Ambulatory adults age 18 or older who have been diagnosed with cancer within the past five years are invited to attend. More information can be found here.
Brains for the Cure offers "Legacy of Hope Support Group" every third Thursday of the month via Zoom at 6 PM CT. The virtual group is dedicated to caregivers who have lost a loved one to a brain tumor. This group provides a compassionate space for navigating the challenging journey of grief. Whether you are mourning your loss, dealing with significant life changes, or seeking solace during difficult times, this group offers understanding, empathy, and support. Register here.
Brain & Life is the only magazine focused on the intersection of neurologic disease and brain health. The magazine is published six times per year and mailed free to interested individuals. Register for your free subscription here.
Brain Tumor Alliance (formerly Miles for Hope) aims to raise awareness and funds for brain cancer research while helping those suffering with a brain tumor have a better quality of life.
Miles for Hope has created a live talk show called Brain Tumor Talk. Each show features a physician from across the U.S. who provides information regarding their facility, new information, and general advice and support for the current show topic.
CancerCare’s Connect Education® Workshops are free and a way for people to learn about cancer-related issues from the convenience of their home or office. Leading experts in oncology provide the most up-to-date information on the telephone and online. You can listen to this workshop on the telephone or via live streaming through the Internet. Participation is free. Register by calling 1-800-813-HOPE (4673) or online at www.cancercare.org/connect. After you have registered, you will receive additional information. You may also listen to previous workshops on the CancerCare website by logging on to www.cancercare.org/podcasts.
Cancer.Net is doctor-approved patient information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Cancer Patient Education Network
Cancer Support Community of North Texas provides a free monthly newsletter with helpful information. Learn more and subscribe to their mailing list by visiting http://cancersupporttexas.org/.
CaringBridge provides free, personalized websites that support and connect love ones during critical illness, treatment, and recovery. Build your own page to keep friends and family up to date on your treatment and recovery.
Caring Transitions - Relocating can be overwhelming, especially when going through a life transition. Their relocation specialists can ease your anxiety, bringing compassionate assistance to the moving process.
Choose Hope offers a full line of cancer awareness products and cancer gifts available in all acknowledged cancer colors, including grey for brain cancer. You can feel good about purchasing from Choose Hope; every month the company makes a donation to fund cancer research and the cancer community.
DME Exchange of Dallas collects, restores, repairs, and distributes medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, rollators, crutches, canes, bathroom and bedside equipment, and medical scooters). Heavy equipment can be scheduled for pick up by calling ahead. Must be a Dallas City resident with a physician's Rx and proof of residency to receive equipment. Call Mary at 214-997-3639 for more information.
Comfort Keepers of Dallas is proud to offer industry leading in-home care services and around-the-clock care to seniors and older adults. Services include companion care, home making services, 24 hour care, and respite care.
CURE® has a full lineup of virtual events that educate and inspire. Its events and webinars are always free to register and attend, and if you can’t make it during the live broadcast, on-demand videos are available after the event. Learn more at www.curetoday.com. Cure magazine is a free quarterly magazine for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. Sign up here.
Participants in any of eight support assistance programs (CHIP, TANF, CEAP, SNAP, Housing Choice Vouchers, Medicaid, Medicare, Texas WIC) now qualify for Dallas Area Rapid Transit's (DART) Discount GoPass® Tap Card for riding public transit at half the fare. More information is available at dart.org/TapForHalf or by calling DART Customer Service at 214-979-1111.
The DIYmodify App is a free application (app) designed for people with disability, and seniors, to do their own Home Modification. Many people find themselves wanting or needing to modify their home but uncertain how or whether to proceed.
Friends Place Adult Day Services is dedicated to providing specialized daytime care and programs for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementias; which will enable them to maintain a life with dignity, meaning & purpose, while remaining as independent as possible.
The Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center Support Services has provided the following resources:
EMBRACE Your Journey Relationships: Supporting Caregivers
EMBRACE Family Relationships and Caregivers
Care for Caregivers Support Group
2020 Advice for Caregivers - Handling Burnout
Building a Community of Support
Head for the Cure Foundation (HFTC) aims to raise awareness and funding to inspire hope for the community of brain cancer patients, their families, friends, caregivers and other supporters, while celebrating their courage, spirit, and energy. Also, be sure to check out the Brains for the Cure. An excellent read is "Staying Strong as a Caregiver: Hopeful Progress".
The Heritage Houses - Assisted living in Plano, TX
International Brain Tumour Alliance (IBTA) includes information on the latest research and treatment options. Subscribe to their mailing list in order to receive a free copy of the IBTA magazine, Brain Tumour (published once a year), and a free copy of the monthly IBTA e-newsletter.
The International Low Grade Glioma (LGG) Registry is an effort to build a comprehensive knowledge base about LGG that may ultimately shape standards of care and inform better treatments. The registry is open to anyone with a current or prior diagnosis of low grade glioma.
Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas (JFS) provides services including career and employment, mental health/counseling, emergency assistance, services for the disabled/elderly, services for children and teens, and family violence intervention. JFS serves all regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or the ability to pay. Learn more here or call (972) 437-9950. Grey Matters was pleased to welcome JFS to speak at our June 2019 meeting.
- Home-delivered meals - Very healthy kosher meals available to anyone, with no wait list and free to those who qualify for the grant. Delivery area: within McCallum, Greenville, Mockingbird, and Webb Chapel Roads.
- Our Older Adults department can also help with information and referral services, individual counseling, and support groups. We will bill Medicare directly. A complete list of our services is attached.
Joe’s House – a Lodging Guide for Cancer Patients
Kourage Health empowers individuals with serious health conditions to take active steps to renewed life. Their programs boost physical strength, lift spirits, and promote lifelong wellness. Learn more about a program near you.
Legacy Brain Foundation (LBF) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2006 to provide direct support to brain and spinal cord tumor patients and their families in dealing with medical, emotional, practical, and spiritual issues associated with the illness.
ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation offers the Living Well Beyond Cancer Survivor Series, which is designed to help individuals with cancer, their families, and caregivers build knowledge around the side effects people often experience because of cancer and its treatment.
MetaCancer Foundation – a community of survivors and caregivers
Minnie's Food Pantry in Plano
Mission Regan in McKinney - Mission Regan exists to bridge the chasm between people who have too much and people who struggle to survive. We collect donated medical supplies, medication, and medical equipment, then send them to those who are in desperate need - locally and globally - without regard for income or medical insurance.
Moncrief Cancer Institute of UT Southwestern provides cancer patients the tools they need to survive and thrive mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
National Association of Social Workers
National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) - Sign up to receive brain tumor news under "Stay Connected" at the bottom of the homepage. Be sure to sign up for the annual Dallas-Ft. Worth Brain Tumor Walk. You can also register for free online Brain Tumor Support Conversations. These online support group conversations are held on the third Sunday of each month at 7 pm ET/4 pm PT. You can sign up to join the conversations here.
National Center for Frontier Communities
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
NeedyMeds is a national non-profit organization that maintains a website of free information on programs that help people who can't afford medications and healthcare costs.
Neurological Cancer Q&A from Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Neuro-Oncology Blood-Brain Barrier Program provides information for treating brain tumors at OSHU School of Medicine.
North Central Texas Aging & Disability Resource Center is your link to federal, state, and local services.
Novocure is developing a new way to treat solid brain tumors. Novocure is available to assist anyone, with or without an Optune device, with support or educational needs. For more information, please contact Renae Adams, BSN, RN, Thought Leader Liaison, Southwest Region, at radams@novocure.com.
REACH of Plano offers free DME and supplies when available, walkers, shower chairs, bedside commodes, canes, and adult diapers. They do not have hospital beds. Loan of manual wheelchairs requires proof of U.S. residency and a refundable $25 deposit. For more information, call 972-398-1111.
Reel Recovery is a national non-profit organization that conducts free fly-fishing retreats for men living with all forms of cancer.
Repair Xpress in Addison, TX, provides repair on power chairs, scooters, and lift chairs (pick-up and delivery). Call 972-416-9991 for more information.
The Research Advocacy Network advances patient-focused cancer research by fostering interaction among advocates, researchers and related organizations. It is the only nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing cancer research through advocacy.
The Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, established as a national identity in 2014, is dedicated to changing the future of cancer by funding advanced, innovative research that treats the cancer while sparing the patient.
Sharing Life Community Outreach - food pantry serving the DFW area
Simmons Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University
Texas Center for Proton Therapy - The Texas Center for Proton Therapy provides innovative proton therapy to cancer patients in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, nearby states, and across the country. Grey Matters had the opportunity to tour the facility during one of our meetings. You may read the notes about our visit here.
Texas Health Resources - Information and registration for the Bluebonnet Retreat can be found here. Texas Health Resources also offers classes. Be sure to check out A MATTER OF BALANCE, an award-winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. More information about this free class can be found here.
Triage Cancer offers a newsletter filled with helpful information and free programs.
Universal Design Resource focuses on practical, how-to information for you and your home.
The UT Southwestern Medical Center - Harrold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center offers Young Adult Cancer Support. Visit their website to learn more about participating in upcoming support groups.
www.VirtualTrials.com - Clinical trials and noteworthy treatments for brain tumors presented by the Musella Foundation for brain tumor research and information. Subscribe to receive updates. You can also download or order a free copy of “Brain Tumor Guide for the Newly Diagnosed” (9th edition, 11/24/2014).
Vital Options International has expanded its mission to become a global health foundation focused on supporting the financial needs of patients and giving patients a voice.