My Favorite Helpful Resources
There are a lot of great resources out there to help us with our cancer journey. I’ve listed below some of my favorite organizations that really made a difference in my life that I highly recommend.
If you have a favorite that I’ve missed and you’d like for me to share let me know on my contact page.
Not-for-profit organization
4-star charity by CHARITY NAVIGATOR
About Fight Colorectal Cancer
Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC) is the leading patient-empowerment and advocacy organization in the United States, providing balanced and objective information on colon and rectal cancer research, treatment, and policy. We are relentless champions of hope, focused on funding promising, high-impact research endeavors, while equipping advocates to influence legislation and policy for the collective good.
How do we fight?
Advocacy: Fight CRC is in Washington, D.C., year-round pushing for legislation that supports colorectal cancer patients and their families. We also bring colorectal cancer advocates to Capitol Hill every March to tell their stories to legislators, turning their pain into purpose, and passion into action.
Patient Education: From colon and rectal cancer diagnosis to treatment to survivorship, Fight CRC develops trusted patient education for those impacted by colorectal cancer. Under the guidance of our Medical Advisory Board we distribute these resources through free publications, our blog, webinars, and podcasts.
Research: Fight CRC funds colorectal cancer research, with a focus on early-age onset colorectal cancer. Through our Research Advocacy Training and Support program, we also train advocates to bring the patient voice to the research process. Fight CRC also maintains and expands the only late-stage Clinical Trial Finder.
nonprofit organization
4-star charity by CHARITY NAVIGATOR
About Camp Kesem
Kesem is a nationwide community, driven by passionate college student leaders, that supports children through and beyond their parent’s cancer. Kesem’s flagship program, Camp Kesem, operates free summer camps for children who have been impacted by a parent’s cancer. Founded at Stanford University in 2000, Camp Kesem has since expanded to 116 chapters in 42 states across the country.
The Need
With over 5 million children impacted by a parent’s cancer, Camp Kesem must continue expanding to meet this need. Kesem is the largest national organization dedicated to this unique population, and for many children their Camp Kesem experience is a life-changing event–providing them a community of children with similar experiences, and a safe and welcoming environment to have fun and rediscover their childhood.
Beyond that, our replicable and highly scalable funding model also allows for rapid expansion. Kesem now serves 10 times the number of children supported ten years ago. In summer 2018, nearly 9,000 children attended over 100 week-long sessions of Camp Kesem held at fun and exciting campsites from coast-to-coast. And with your help, we hope to continue supporting more and more children each year!
American Cancer Society
nonprofit organization
Their website contains information on ALL types of cancers, how to reduce your risk of cancer, information on treatment options, and much more.
Cancer helpline available 24/7
1-800-227-2345
Inspire
Inspire is a free online community that allows patients and caregivers a way to connect with others in specific health communities, including ones for multiple types of cancer and other life-interrupting diseases. It gives members a platform to learn and share information about their medical condition, treatments, and how they cope with their disease.
Where Else You Can Find Me
In October 2019 I was interviewed by The Patient Story to talk about my cancer diagnosis, treatment, family and support, and what life looks like now that I have No Evidence of Disease. Click here to read the article. The Patient Story is a good resource to find stories of survivors of many other types of cancers too.
In July 2020 I spoke with host Cat Derner of the Carbon Women Podcast about my cancer journey, getting through treatment, and how I became “Survivor Jelena.” Dive into my story about being a young mom and wife, diagnosed before the age of 40. And learn how I share my strength with others in the CRC community via outreach on social media and my own personal YouTube channel. Click here to go to their website and listen.
Also in July 2020, I was interviewed by Rudy Fischmann, owner and content creator of the YouTube channel Brain Cancer Diaries. I talk about the shock of being diagnosed with a cancer I knew nothing about, surgery, and handling the aftermath of treatment. Click here to watch the video.
In August 2020, I was interviewed by Future Science Group, publisher of the journal Colorectal Cancer. This interview covered my perspective on surviving an Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer diagnosis, and the advice I would give to newly diagnosed patients. Click here to read the article in the Special Focus Issue, Volume 9, Issue 3, September 2020.
In December 2021, I was a guest on the Target: Cancer podcast. I talk about my symptoms leading up to my diagnosis and one of the most important things that has helped me get through life since my diagnosis. Click here to listen to the episode.