Cancer Hope Network, Inc.

My wife and I have been donors for several years. Over that time, we have seen first-hand the invaluable impact Cancer Hope Network has had on the lives of cancer patients and their families. The support and care given by the CHN staff and trained volunteers is second to none!

This organization has an extensive volunteer component and the paid staff that I have met are truly caring people.

I have been a donor for Cancer Hope Network for many years. The staff is dedicated, sincere, well trained & are all a pleasure to work with. They have the utmost concern for everyone they train and support. They love helping / supporting others and it shows.

I have been a donor for several years. I have recommended CHN to several of my friends who (fortunately) have survived various cancers. I know that CHN does a great job and provides a service that is so helpful to people in need of talking to someone that understands their specific circumstances.

I have been a support volunteer for Cancer Hope Network since 2000. The particular concerns of each client are of the utmost importance to the staff when completing a match. They make every effort to fine tune each support visit so that those concerns are eased. Theirs is a very personal and caring approach in helping cancer patients and their families so that the volunteer can provide the best support possible. It has been my pleasure to volunteer for Cancer Hope Network.

VERY THOROUGH IN THEIR TRAINING. ON TIME AND THE ORIENTATION WAS VERY PERTINENT

This is one of the most amazing programs for both the volunteer and clients. The clients get reassurance that wht they are feeling is completely normal. and the volunteer gets to have something positive come out of their personal cancer situation. Wonderful program that I reccommend to anyone who will listen to me

A great organization with such a wonderful staff. Many of the staff members themselves either underwent a cancer diagnosis or took on the role as a caregiver as well so there is an element of empathy there. It is an honor to work alongside them and to help them spread hope to the people that call in every day.

I was recently diagnosed with MMMT, so during my chemo, I filled out a form yesterday to be matched up with a survivor of my kind of cancer, and to my shock, today I got a call from a representative of Cancer Hope Network. The first shock came when after we had greeted each other on the phone, she wanted to know my type of cancer, and I informed her that mine was uterine cancer known as MMMT. She said she'd never heard of this kind of cancer so I decided to help her out with the full name of the initials. She said they were not aware of this kind of cancer, and later informed me within two minutes of talking to me that there was no survivor this group based in NJ had ever heard of. And shockingly, I asked her how this group could claim all they claim and not be aware of this kind of uterine cancer or to not do their research before contacting me. She then promised to send me an e-mail with two alternative organizations that could probably help me. I am sorry, but this is very discouraging and sad that a representative of a group that is to support and encourage victims of this grave disease could be the source of discouragement. How could she say there is no known person who had survived this kind of cancer to match me up with and how could she not know this cancer and how until now, several hours later, has she not sent me the two names yet? Wow!

I am a Colon Cancer Survivor for 14 yrs. When I was first diagnosed I learned that I would be facing some physical challenges after my surgery. I needed to speak with someone who had gone through this. Cancer Hope Network had the resources of Volunteers that was able to help me prepare for the upcoming challenges that lie ahead. I have now been a Volunteer with Cancer Hope Network for 13 yrs and it's been an honor to give back to a wonderful organization that was there when I needed them. Paula G.

Almost five years ago I was shocked to learn I had prostate cancer. Happily, I received good advice from friends and excellent medical care, and for almost three years I have been considered cancer free. Earlier this year I learned about the Cancer Hope Network and the wonderful work they do. I wish I had known about them while I was going through my own treatment but now I serve as a volunteer telling other prostate cancer patients about the positive experience I had. The staff at CHN provided me with excellent training, and they do a very careful job matching my circumstances to those of people who currently need encouragement and hope. I couldn’t be happier to be helping current cancer patients and families through the Cancer Hope Network.

I had a very frightening and complex cancer history with two diagnoses of two separate cancers plus a near-fatal cellulitis infection within three months of my diagnosis. Then I had a blood clot, 5 difficult months of chemo, and a mysterious metastatic lymph node that came and went. I wish I had known about Cancer Hope Network, that aligns me with people who have the exact same conditions that I had. I have been able to assure them that I too had this or that condition, and I am happily healthy today. This is the only cancer group I ever intend to support and to dedicate my time to.

I am a 10 year+ metastatic breast cancer srivor, that's survivor and thriver all in one. I have been in treatment for that entire time and will continue to be until the day I die. I always felt that I had the ability/compassion/knowledge and drive to be able to help others deal with this road we're traveling. I wanted to be able to help, to give to others. I feel that it has been a blessing that Cancer Hope Network has accepted me, trained me and given me the responsibility /opportunity to reach out to others. Although I might be giving help/hope to others, I am receiving far more in return: there is a reason that I am still alive and kicking after all this time, I have found my passion - the ability to be there for others. No, I am not a miracle worker, but thanks to connecting to others through the Cancer Hope Network, I feel like one! It would be fantastic if this organization had the financial resources to be out there and helpful to even more people; those that turn to it in order to receive hope and those that turn to it in order to give hope. Alice S. Gordon

This is a great organization! It reaches out to new cancer patients with support and information from cancer survivors like myself. Their training is first rate and their follow up is great. I can't say enough good things aboutq what they do for cancer patients.

Bladder cancer was not on my mind when I went to the doctor. Wow, what a shock! I read everything I could find, and flooded my doctors and nurses with question after question. I talked to social workers and counselors. I was swimming in technical data. Then I found Cancer Hope Network. They matched me with a volunteer who had actually experienced bladder cancer. He shared the answers he had found. My anxiety settled down. We talked about how to handle problems as they arose, as well as how to rebuild my life after successful treatment. Nothing helps as much as talking to a person who has "been there, done that." Now I pass on MY experience as a volunteer for them.

I am a breast cancer survivor and now a volunteer. I call Spanish speaking patients all over the United States, referred to me by this organization and talk to them or listen to them as they express their fears and apprehensions. Sometimes they just need someone to listen to them as they try to cope with feelings of sadness and loss and trying to find ways to cope with their new situation. It is a privilege for me to "accompany" them in part of this journey and to witness their recovery as they gain new strength, faith and vision for the future. The staff at Cancer Hope Network are great to work with, and they have a genuine concern for the people they serve.

I was told about Cancer Hope Network by the National Cancer Institute 1-800-4CANCER when I had cancer and was going through treatment. I called because I needed reassurance about the things my radiation oncologist was telling me. Ordinarily I don't reach out for help but this was my ultimate crisis. The volunteer with whom I spoke was so helpful that when I was eligible I became a volunteer. This organization helps volunteers give back to society by sharing their experience and patients by speaking with survivors who have lived through what they are facing. I've been doing this for 11 years. It is gratifying to me, and I know from feedback, that it helpful to the new patients.

I first knew of Cancer Hope Network when our daughter was diagnosed with Hodgkin's in the early 1990s and have continued my association as a volunteer since my recovery from treatment for breast cancer. I have never known a more dedicated group than the patient advocates at CHN, who work hard to match a caller, frightened by a recent diagnosis, with a volunteer who has been through what the caller now faces. Volunteers have the opportunity to offer support, educated advice, and ,most importantly, a sympathetic ear. Many patients feel they shouldn't burden or frighten their relatives and friends with their concerns but need somewhere talk about them Cancer Hope Network fills that bill.

At 32 I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. I was sure I was going to die because it had spread to 2 of my lymph nodes. Then Edna called and changed everything. The first words out of her mouth were, "I had 17 positive lymph nodes and that was 16 years ago!" I couldn't have been happier - not happy about Edna's situation, but that she was still alive! Edna was the only one I could truly talk to because she had been through what I was going through. As supportive as my family and friends were, only Edna knew how I was feeling. She was my lifeline. Two years later, I discovered that Edna was going to be in Bermuda the same week I was going to be in Bermuda on my honeymoon. We had never met face to face until then. It was amazing to hug the woman who helped me survive cancer. I owe it all to Cancer Hope Network. As a result, I have been volunteering for Cancer Hope Network and made many calls like Edna's call to me. I know how good it felt for me to have Edna, and I want to be there for others.

As a 30+ year cancer survivor I have a unique and positive perspective to share with those who have been recently diagnosed. Cancer Hope Network has given me the opportunity to do so in a professional manner, and their representatives are always helpful, compassionate, and knowledgeable. It has been rewarding and fulfilling for me to be a part of the survivor volunteer team.

I've been a volunteer for Cancer Hope Network for several years. The staff of CHN provides an intensive training for this wonderful organization. I had a rare type of cancer, and I'm able to talk to current cancer patients, answer their questions and give them hope when they are facing the same type of cancer. The staff takes great care in matching up patients and volunteers and they are so supportive.This is a position I hope to always have and it does so much for everyone involved and anyone in the United States can participate. Corrinne

I was 38 and had a new born daughter when I found out I had colon cancer. Such unexpected and devastating news. A co-worker referred me to the Cancer Hope Newtork (her father had cancer and he had used them as well). I called them within two days of learning my diagnosis and the Cancer Hope Newtork paired with with someone who had been through what I had. Within 2 days, I was speaking to someone of the same gender, similiar age and same type cancer. It was great to hear from someone first hand what to expect. Just having a sense of what was coming was very helpful and helped to reduce my fears. It was also great to hear someone elses message of survival. That first call was critical to helping me wrap my head around what I needed to do. I am happy to report that I have been cancer free for 4 years and that I am now a Cancer Hope Network volunteer. Cancer Hope Network is a GREAT nonprofit!!

So many questions! Too much uncertainty! With whom can I share what I'm going through? "Cancer Hope Network" fills the void of the uninformed and uncertain.

For over 4 years, I have been a volunteer with Cancer Hope Network. Following a very informative and useful training session, I was matched up with clients dealing with the same type of cancer. It is very rewarding to be able to offer them a "hand" as they walk down the same path which I traversed over 8 years ago. The exceptional, knowledgeable staff is always available for consultation and follows up on my success after each contact with a client. Each conversation invariably ends with a, "Thank you", for the The Cancer Hope Network resource! ~ Jeff V. ~

I have been a volunteer for the Cancer Hope Network for the past 15 years. Through CHN, newly diagnosed or treated cancer patients are given the opportunity to connect with someone who has already been through a very similar experience. Many patients have thanked me for giving them hope and renewed optimism for the future. Whenever someone shares with me that they have been diagnosed with cancer, I recommend that they contact the Cancer Hope Network. They are never disappointed.

I have been a volunteer with the Cancer Hope Network for the last 5 + years and I love being a part of an organization that provides such a wonderful service to cancer patients. As a survivor myself I truly understand the benefit of talking to somebody who has been there, and really getting the "inside scoop" on exactly what it feels like to be in the position that you're in once you hear those 3 scary words "You have cancer." I so enjoy offering comfort and support to people that need to talk to somebody in the here and now (people are matched very quickly), and sharing my own experience-- Especially when I hear some relief on the other end of the phone as they hear how many years I am out from the disease and how well I'm doing. All of the staff at CHN are so kind-- I don't think I could be part of a more caring organization or find a more rewarding way to give back after being blessed with good health since I beat cancer.

I have been a volunteer for Cancer Hope Network for more than ten years. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I survived throat and neck cancer in 1999 and I got involved with Cancer Hope Network shortly thereafter. One of the many wonderful things that CHN does: They put volunteers, such as myself, in touch with people around the US who are experiencing similar types of cancer to help them deal with the many issues that cancer brings with it. The people who work at CHN do a tremendous job of matching volunteers with people going through similar ordeals. When I get a call from one of the dedicated people at CHN, it feels like I am getting a call from a friend to try and help a friend of theirs in need. I am aware of many non-profit cancer organizations, but none come close to what Cancer Hope Network does. God Bless.

As a cancer survivor, I volunteer in several organizations with similar goals as Cancer Hope Network but none do as thorough job preparing us for helping those newly diagnosed who contact the organization seeking help and hope. I was very impressed by the in-person training, the professional materials provided by CHN, and the caring people who work for CHN as the first contact with patients who are very scared and shocked by the news they have cancer.