New Cancer Support Programs
CancerNavigator
Navigating a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. That's where CancerNavigator comes in. CancerNavigator supports patients in that crucial window after diagnosis, pairing patients with a 1:1 oncological nurse who provides education and guidance on exactly what members need to know about their specific cancer type and which in-network centers are best equipped for their care.
The CancerNavigator helps with:
- Connecting you to the right medical and psychological resources
- Assigning you with a 1:1 oncological nurse to help you navigate the process from diagnosis to treatment to recovery
- Scheduling appointments quickly with the best centers in your area
- Preparing for your upcoming doctor visits
- Walking you through treatment planning, insurance coverage, and paperwork
- Ensuring you’re aware of all benefits under the WTC Health Program and FDNY support systems
- Accessing transportation support, emotional and mental health support, and other community resources
Whether you're newly diagnosed, in treatment or in remission, the Navigator can guide you through each step, professionally and personally. To get started, call CancerNavigator at (929) 264-7994. They will verify UFA membership with us upon your call.
MSK Direct
Memorial Sloan Kettering is one of the world’s leading cancer centers, and they’ve developed specific pathways to support firefighters and first responders through diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
The Uniformed Firefighters Association has partnered with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), through MSK Direct, a benefit that gives you and your family exclusive access to top-tier experts, personalized care, and second opinions for both adults and pediatric patients.
After receiving a cancer diagnosis, getting a second opinion is an important next step. Every person who has received any type of cancer diagnosis can benefit from getting a second opinion. It can help give you peace of mind that you have the right diagnosis and treatment plan. 39% of second opinions at MSK result in a new
treatment plan, improving survival and quality of life.
Whether you choose to receive your care at MSK or somewhere closer to home, their dedicated team of experts will support you throughout your cancer journey.
What MSKCC Offers FDNY Firefighters:
- Screening and prevention educational resources
- Coordinated visits with MSK doctors and expedited access to appointments at MSK facilities
- A dedicated Care Advisor to help gather all of your medical records and schedule a timely appointment with an MSK Doctor who specializes in the type of cancer you have
- Access to a team of experts to answer questions throughout your cancer journey
- Consultations and second opinions to help provide a clear treatment plan and course of action
Whether you’re experiencing a cancer diagnosis, concerned about your risk of cancer or are a caregiver for a member with cancer, MSK Direct is here for you.
Call the MSK Direct team at (833) 208-7412.
Support Services Available
Firefighter Resources
- Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA)
- 212-683-4832 | www.ufanyc.org
- Uniformed Fire Officers Association (UFOA)
- 212-293-9300 | www.ufoa.org
- FDNY Counseling Service Unit (CSU)
- 212-570-1693
- Available 24/7 with satellite locations in Manhattan, Fort Totten, Brentwood, Staten Island, and Middletown
- The Firefighters Cancer Support Network (FCSN)
- 866-994-FCSN | www.FirefighterCancerSupport.org
- We have partnered with this organization and believe it to be a worthwhile support system with many additional resources.
- NY Firefighter Heart and Lung Institute
- 516-441-7614 | www.fdnyheart.com
- Heart & Lung will proactively screen you through advanced testing to find conditions early and take action to decrease or eliminate potential impacts your job as a firefighter has on your health.
- Friends of Firefighters
- 718-643-0980 | www.friendsoffirefighters.org
- A Brooklyn based (but serving all) support group that is unwavering in their commitment to our membership.
- FealGood Foundation
- 631-724-3320 | www.fealgoodfoundation.com | feal13@aol.com
- The primary mission of the FealGood Foundation, a non-profit organization, is to spread awareness and educate the public about the catastrophic health effects on 9/11 first responders, as well as to provide assistance to relieve these responders of the financial burdens placed on them since 9/11.
Oncology Resources Mental Health & General Supportive Services
- Cancer Support Community/Gilda's Club
- 888-793-WELL | www.gildasclub.org
- Free support for patients, families, children, teens, bereavement, lectures, networking groups, workshops, and social events.
- Cancer Hope Network
- 877-HOPE-NET | www.cancerhopenetwork.org
- Phone peer matching program
- Imerman Angels
- 866-463-7626 | www.imermanangels.org
- Provides personalized one-on-one cancer support for cancer fighters, survivors, previvors and caregivers.
- American Psychosocial Oncology Society (APOS)
- 615-432-0090 | www.apos-society.org
- Free hotline providing referrals for local counseling and support services throughout the country.
Housing Resources for Patients
- ACS Hope Lodge
- 212-237-3865 | www.cancer.org
- Complimentary housing for patients who relocate to NYC for treatment. Social worker must submit application.
- Joe's House
- 877-563-7468 | www.joeshouse.org
- Joe’s House is a nonprofit organization that helps cancer patients and their families find a place to stay when traveling away from home for medical treatment. They list cancer treatment centers and hospitals across the country with nearby lodging facilities that offer a discount.
Transportation and Other Financial Assistance
- American Cancer Society
- 800-ACS-2345 | www.cancer.org
- Transportation reimbursement program, assistance with durable medical equipment
- Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
- 800-955-4572 | www.lls.org
- Reimbursement for transportation, co-pay assistance program, Medicare premium assistance
Resources for Prescription Drug Assistance
*Funding is limited and can change, please call to confirm availability.
- Healthwell Foundation
- 800-675-8416 | www.healthwellfoundation.org
- Assists with co-payments for pharmaceuticals to insured patients who meet criteria for Breast, Lung, Colorectal and Pancreatic Cancer.
- Good Days
- 877-968-7233 | www.mygooddays.org
- Good Days provides financial support for patients who cannot afford the medication they urgently need.
- Accessia Health
- 800-366-7741 | accessiahealth.org
- Assists patients in locating health insurance policies, provides health insurance premium assistance, COBRA, & co-payment assistance for specific cancers.
- Patient Advocate Foundation
- 800-532-5274 | www.copays.org
- Provides co-payment assistance for pharmaceuticals to insured patients who financially and medically qualify for specific cancers & secondary issues as a result of cancer treatment.
Legal Resources
- Cancer Legal Resource Center
- 866-THE-CLRC (843-2572) | thedrlc.org/cancer/
- Provides free & confidential information and resources on cancer-related legal issues to people with cancer.
- The CLRC is a program of the Disability Rights Legal Center (DRLC), a 501C-3 non-profit, public interest advocacy organization that champions the civil rights of people with disabilities as well as those affected by cancer and other serious illness. DRLC’s Cancer Legal Resource Center provides information through its national telephone assistance line, outreach programs and community activities to educate and to support cancer patients, their families, healthcare professionals and advocates on matters like maintaining employment through treatment, accessing healthcare and government benefits, taking medical leave and estate planning.
- Cancer Legal Line
- 651-917-9000 | www.cancerlegalline.org
- General legal information on insurance topics, workplace issues, estate and financial concerns and government benefits.
- The Family Center
- 800-219-4522 | www.thefamilycenter.org
- Free bilingual services, assists seriously ill parents to develop & execute legal custody plans.
- Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo P.C.
- 212 732-9000 | www.ufalawyers.com
- Personal Injury Attorneys
- SPBMCC proudly serves as General Counsel to the UFA and continues its more than 40-years of successfully representing injured NYC firefighters and their families.
Other Helpful Resources
- The Cancer Information Service
- 800-4-CANCER | www.cancer.gov
- Information and referral service may be able to direct patients to other sources of assistance including information on clinical trials.
- Gods Love We Deliver
- 212-294-8102 | www.glwd.org
- Prepares and delivers meals to people with cancer, services the five boroughs & Hudson County, NJ.
- Team Continuum
- 845-200-7094 | www.teamcontinuum.net
- Local, non-profit provides financial assistance for non-medical assistance to cancer patients, MD, RN or social worker will need to fax completed application for financial assistance.
- National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS)
- 877-622-7937 | www.canceradvocacy.org
- Informs and advocates on behalf of cancer survivors regarding insurance, employment & legal rights, provides free publications.
- Tony Caracciolo will visit your firehouse and give training on a variety of important topics including properly filling out a CD-72. Contact your borough trustee to set up a visit.
This list was compiled by the UFA Health and Safety Office. These are suggestions of support options that are available and should not be considered endorsements. If you have any feedback or would like to recommend additional organizations, please contact the UFA Health & Safety Office at 212-545-6965 or via email to mschreiber@ufanyc.org.