Resources

Local and Regional Groups/ Resources

Lighthouse CARES

Lighthouse CARES (Cancer Awareness, Resources & Educational Support) is a community outreach program developed by Lighthouse Oncology to educate and support those whose lives have been touched by cancer and their loved ones through the provision of support groups, educational programs and informational resources. Contact Kate Beckrow at 269-932-2268 for information on upcoming sessions.

Berrien County Cancer Service (BCCS)

Provides free skilled in-home nursing care to cancer patients in Berrien County. Also provides prostheses, wigs, support bras and other comfort items at no charge, as well as lends medical equipment for in-home use at no cost. Medical supplies are provided on a cost-only basis.

  • Cancer Support Groups:
    • BCCS, 7301 Red Arrow Highway,  Stevensville.  Meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 1:30pm. Phone: 269-429-3281.
    • Senior Citizens Center, 1109 Bell Road, Niles. Meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at 1:30pm. Phone: 269-683-7460.
  • Rainbows of Hope Group:
    • BCCS, 7301 Red Arrow Highway,  Stevensville.  Meets the 2nd Thursday of the month at 5:30pm. Phone: 269-429-3281.
  • Ostomy Club – Local Chapter:
    • BCCS, 7301 Red Arrow Highway,  Stevensville. Meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 1:30pm. Phone: 269-429-3281.

Chemosabie Support Group
Offering support to those affected by breast cancer.  Meetings are held one Saturday per month. Meeting location and dates vary – please call ahead for details. Address: 4014 Royal Cur, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Contact: Kathy Vliek 269-429-9401 or Bev Jordan 269-468-7247.

Gilda’s Club
“Our Mission is to create welcoming communities of free support for everyone living with cancer – men, women, teens, and children – along with their families and friends. Our innovative program is an essential complement to medical care, providing networking and support groups, workshops, education and social activities.” The Grand Rapids branch of Gilda’s Club opened in November, 2000. It is located at 1806 Bridge Street NW.  Phone: 616-453-8300. Email: info@gcgr.org.

Look Good….Feel Better
Provides information and cosmetic advice to women battling cancer with hands-on instruction related to makeup, skin & nail care, and suggestions for using wigs, turbans, and scarves. Cosmetics are provided for a personal make-over. This program is free of charge and facilitated by trained, licensed cosmetologists who are all American Cancer Society (ACS) volunteers. Sessions for 2012 will be held on February 27, June 25, and October 22 from 5:00-6:30pm at the Shoreline Wellness and Rehabilitation Center, 950 South Bailey Ave., South Haven, MI. Please pre-register by calling ACS at 1-800-227-2345. 

Man to Man – Prostate Support Group
Open to men with prostate cancer, either pre, during, or post-treatment stage. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6:00pm. Trinity Lutheran Church, 619 Main Street, St. Joseph. Contact: 800-227-2345.

Reach to Recovery
Women newly diagnosed with breast cancer are matched with a peer-mentor breast cancer survivor who offers support through telephone calls. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, Southwest Michigan Area Service Center, 1400 W. Milham, Portage, MI 49024. Contact: 800-227-2345.

National and On-Line Educational Resources

American Cancer Society
Provides detailed information on many types of cancer, treatment and side effects, information for caregivers, search menu for local support groups and resources, research information, guidelines for staying healthy, and links to local community events such as Relay for Life.

Cancer Survivors Network 
Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, this website facilitates a community of cancer survivors, families and friends with whom to share experiences and interests. It includes discussion boards, announcements about current nation-wide events, and a resource library where members can share information related to cancer websites, books, organizations, etc.

National Cancer Institute
The National Cancer Institute is a division of the National Institutes of Health, and is responsible for coordinating the National Cancer Program. This program conducts and supports training, research, health information dissemination and other programs related to the prevention and treatment of cancer, recovery, and continuing care of patients and their families. For information on clinical trials, go to www.cancerTrials.nci.nih.gov.
                                 
National Lymphedema Network
The National Lymphedema Network was founded in 1988 to educate and guide those affected by lymphedema as well as health professionals on the management of primary and secondary lymphedema.

Wigs and Mastectomy Apparel

D Gist Salon - (wigs - participates with American Cancer Society Wig Bank)
518 Quaker Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-6821

Mastec Woman's Boutique (mastectomy supplies, scarves and hats)
524 E. Milham
Portage, MI 49024
800-469-0143
www.masteconline.com

Hidden Secrets: Wigs and Accessories Boutique (wigs/scarves/hats & mastectomy apparel)
11539 E. Lakewood Blvd. 
Suite 120
Holland, MI 49424
616-546-9444
www.hiddensecrets-wigs.com

Metron Health Care Products (mastectomy supplies)
2605 S. Cleveland Avenue
St. Joseph, MI 49085
269-429-5900

Studio One (mastectomy supplies and wigs)
2540 Paulmar Avenue
St. Joseph, MI 49085
269-428-3400

Berrien County Cancer Service

Has a 'wig room" - all wigs, caps scarves, hats, etc. are given away at no charge. Anyone is welcome to visit and take as many items as they need. Also have a limited supply of mastectomy supplies for uninsured patients. They have two nurses who are certified in mastectomy fittings. Patients can call to make an appointment.
269-429-3281
www.bccancerservice.org

American Cancer Society
Online site for ordering mastectomy products, wigs, etc. Can also request a catalog.
800-850-9445
www.tlcdirect.org