Cancer Support Resources in Virginia
Virginia’s cancer care clusters along the I-95 corridor and in Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Hampton Roads, but that concentration leaves large portions of the state underserved. The Southwestern Virginia coalfields, the rural Southside stretching from Danville toward Emporia, the Shenandoah Valley communities west of the Blue Ridge, and the Eastern Shore all present access challenges that the state’s overall healthcare reputation doesn’t fully capture.
Southwestern Virginia carries one of the state’s heaviest cancer burdens. The coalfield counties — Buchanan, Dickenson, Wise, Lee, Scott, and neighboring communities — combine Appalachian poverty with an industrial legacy of coal mining that has elevated rates of lung cancer, black lung disease, and other occupationally related conditions. These communities are economically isolated, have seen significant population decline, and have healthcare infrastructure that has contracted rather than grown over the past several decades. The nearest NCI-designated cancer center is hours away. Social workers and patient navigators who understand the specific resources available in this region are invaluable, and several are connected to organizations listed in this directory.
The rural Southside — Mecklenburg, Brunswick, Greensville, Emporia, and surrounding counties — has some of Virginia’s highest cancer mortality rates, concentrated particularly in Black communities. This region has high poverty rates, limited healthcare infrastructure, and cancer screening rates well below the state average. Late-stage diagnoses are common, and transportation to cancer centers in Richmond or Durham, NC is a genuine barrier for low-income patients without reliable vehicles.
Virginia has one of the largest military and veteran populations in the country. Hampton Roads — home to Naval Station Norfolk, Langley Air Force Base, Fort Eustis, and the world’s largest naval complex — contains hundreds of thousands of active-duty personnel, military families, and veterans. Northern Virginia’s defense corridor adds another large population of current and former service members. Veterans facing cancer diagnoses connected to service exposures — Agent Orange, burn pits, shipyard asbestos, or other hazards — may have access to VA oncology programs and benefits through facilities in Hampton, Richmond, Salem, and other locations across Virginia. Several organizations in this directory specialize in veteran cancer support and VA navigation.
Northern Virginia presents a different challenge. Proximity to world-class cancer institutions in Washington, D.C. — and to Inova Schar Cancer Institute and other major Northern Virginia programs — means access to excellent care is geographically realistic. The challenge is the cost of living: one of the highest in the country, even before a cancer diagnosis adds treatment expenses, lost wages, and caregiving costs. Financial assistance programs are heavily used in this region despite the area’s overall wealth.
Richmond and Charlottesville anchor strong cancer care for central Virginia. VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and UVA Cancer Center are both NCI-designated institutions with active research programs and patient support services. This guide connects you with organizations — from these major institutions to grassroots coalfield nonprofits — working to ensure every Virginian facing cancer has access to practical support. Resources start with statewide programs, then move into regional sections.
How This Guide Works
Use the filter buttons or search bar below to find resources by category or keyword. Each listing includes a description of services, eligibility details, and a direct link. Resources are organized by region so you can find help close to home — from statewide programs to neighborhood-level support groups. Whether you need financial help, transportation, legal advice, or a community of people who understand what you’re going through, this guide is here to help.
Showing all 106 resources
Statewide Resources
Programs and services available to cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers throughout Virginia regardless of where they live.
American Cancer Society – Virginia
📍 Statewide (multiple offices)
The ACS Virginia division provides 24/7 cancer information, patient navigation, and connection to local support services across the Commonwealth. Their trained specialists help patients find financial assistance, transportation, lodging, and emotional support programs tailored to their specific cancer type and location.
- 24/7 cancer information helpline (1-800-227-2345)
- Road To Recovery transportation program
- Hope Lodge accommodations
- Patient navigator referrals
Who: All cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers in Virginia
Cost: Free
Phone: 1-800-227-2345
Virginia Cancer Foundation
📍 Statewide
The Virginia Cancer Foundation is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to reducing the cancer burden across the Commonwealth through financial assistance, education, and advocacy. They provide direct grants to Virginia residents undergoing cancer treatment and fund screening programs for underserved communities.
- Financial assistance grants for treatment costs
- Cancer screening programs for uninsured Virginians
- Community education and prevention outreach
- Advocacy for cancer research funding in Virginia
Who: Virginia residents diagnosed with cancer
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Virginia Department of Health – Every Woman’s Life
📍 Statewide (through local health districts)
Every Woman’s Life is Virginia’s federally funded breast and cervical cancer early detection program. It provides free screenings, diagnostic services, and treatment access for eligible uninsured and underinsured women through a network of local health districts and community partners across the Commonwealth.
- Free mammograms and Pap tests
- Diagnostic follow-up for abnormal results
- Treatment access through Medicaid enrollment
- Patient navigation for eligible women
Who: Uninsured/underinsured women ages 18-64
Cost: Free for eligible participants
Phone: 2-1-1
CancerCare – Virginia Services
📍 Nationwide (serves Virginia residents remotely)
CancerCare provides free professional counseling, support groups, educational workshops, and limited financial assistance to Virginia residents affected by cancer. All services are available by phone or online, making them accessible to patients in rural parts of the state without local support resources.
- Free professional oncology counseling (phone/online)
- Support groups organized by cancer type
- Financial assistance for treatment-related costs
- Educational workshops and publications
Who: Cancer patients, caregivers, and bereaved family members
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
LiveStrong at the YMCA – Virginia Locations
📍 Multiple YMCA locations across Virginia
The LiveStrong at the YMCA program offers free 12-week fitness and wellness sessions designed specifically for cancer survivors at participating YMCA locations throughout Virginia. Trained instructors create personalized exercise plans that help survivors rebuild strength, improve energy levels, and regain confidence after treatment.
- Free 12-week group fitness program
- Personalized exercise plans for survivors
- Peer support through small group format
- Free YMCA membership during the program
Who: Cancer survivors (during or after treatment)
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – Virginia/DC Chapter
📍 Statewide
The LLS Virginia/DC Chapter provides financial assistance, education, and support for blood cancer patients and families across the Commonwealth. Their patient services include co-pay assistance, travel grants, and free information specialists who help patients understand treatment options and navigate the healthcare system.
- Co-pay assistance program for blood cancer patients
- Travel assistance grants
- Free information specialists (800-955-4572)
- Peer-to-peer support through First Connection
Who: Blood cancer patients and families in Virginia
Cost: Free
Phone: 800-955-4572
VA Medical Centers – Oncology Services (Virginia)
📍 Richmond, Hampton, Salem VA Medical Centers
Virginia’s three major VA Medical Centers provide comprehensive cancer care for eligible veterans, including screening, treatment, surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. With Virginia’s large military population, these facilities serve as critical oncology hubs, particularly for veterans exposed to Agent Orange, burn pits, or other service-related carcinogens.
- Full-spectrum oncology treatment services
- Specialized care for service-connected cancers
- Telehealth oncology consultations
- Social work and caregiver support programs
Who: Eligible veterans enrolled in VA healthcare
Cost: Covered through VA benefits (co-pays may apply)
Phone: 2-1-1
Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic
📍 Virginia Beach, VA (serves Mid-Atlantic region)
Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic coordinates free air transportation for cancer patients in Virginia who need to travel long distances for treatment. Volunteer pilots donate their time and aircraft to fly patients from rural areas to medical centers, a lifeline for those in Southwest Virginia or the Eastern Shore who face hours-long drives for care.
- Free air transportation to treatment centers
- Ground transportation coordination
- Companion travel accommodated
- No financial eligibility requirements
Who: Cancer patients needing travel to distant treatment facilities
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Virginia State Bar – Lawyer Referral Service
📍 Statewide
The Virginia State Bar’s lawyer referral service connects cancer patients with attorneys who specialize in health-related legal issues including insurance denials, disability claims, employment discrimination, estate planning, and medical billing disputes. Initial consultations are available at reduced fees or pro bono for qualifying patients.
- Referrals to health law attorneys
- Insurance denial and appeals assistance
- Disability benefits guidance
- Estate planning and advance directives
Who: Virginia residents needing legal help related to cancer
Cost: Reduced-fee consultations; some pro bono options
Phone: 2-1-1
Patient Advocate Foundation – Virginia Headquarters
📍 Hampton, VA (serves nationwide)
Headquartered in Hampton, Virginia, the Patient Advocate Foundation provides free case management and financial assistance to cancer patients facing insurance denials, medical debt, and access barriers. Their Virginia-based team understands the Commonwealth’s specific insurance landscape and can advocate directly with insurers and providers on patients’ behalf.
- Free case management for insurance disputes
- Co-pay relief program for qualifying patients
- Medical debt crisis assistance
- Prescription assistance referrals
Who: Cancer patients facing financial or insurance barriers
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Virginia Caregiver Coalition
📍 Statewide
The Virginia Caregiver Coalition connects family caregivers of cancer patients with respite services, support groups, training, and resources across the Commonwealth. They work with Virginia’s Area Agencies on Aging and local nonprofits to ensure caregivers have access to the practical and emotional support they need to sustain their caregiving role.
- Caregiver respite programs
- Support groups for family caregivers
- Training on patient care skills
- Resource navigation and referral
Who: Family caregivers of cancer patients in Virginia
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Federation of Virginia Food Banks
📍 Statewide (7 regional food banks)
The Federation of Virginia Food Banks coordinates seven regional food banks serving all 133 localities across the Commonwealth. Cancer patients and families facing food insecurity during treatment can access emergency groceries, nutritional programs, and referrals to local pantries through the statewide network.
- Emergency food distribution
- Local food pantry referrals
- Nutritional assistance programs
- SNAP/food stamp enrollment help
Who: Cancer patients and families facing food insecurity
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Northern Virginia (NoVA/DC Suburbs)
Cancer support resources in Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun, Prince William, and the greater DC metro area of Virginia.
Inova Schar Cancer Institute
📍 Fairfax, VA
Inova Schar Cancer Institute is Northern Virginia’s premier comprehensive cancer center, offering cutting-edge treatments including genomic medicine, immunotherapy, and clinical trials. Their patient support services include oncology social workers, financial counselors, nutrition guidance, and survivorship programs designed to support patients through every phase of care.
- Oncology social work and counseling
- Financial assistance and insurance navigation
- Survivorship clinic and wellness programs
- Clinical trial matching and navigation
Who: Cancer patients in Northern Virginia and the DC metro
Cost: Insurance accepted; financial assistance available
Phone: 2-1-1
Cancer Support Community – Greater Washington (NoVA)
📍 Washington, DC (serves NoVA)
The Cancer Support Community Greater Washington offers free support groups, educational workshops, healthy lifestyle programs, and social activities for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers in the NoVA/DC area. Their evidence-based programs address the emotional, social, and practical challenges of living with cancer.
- Weekly support groups (in-person and virtual)
- Mind-body wellness programs (yoga, meditation)
- Caregiver-specific support groups
- Educational workshops on treatment and coping
Who: Cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers in NoVA/DC area
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
The LifeLine – Northern Virginia Cancer Support
📍 Fairfax County, VA
The LifeLine provides peer-based cancer support services in Northern Virginia, including one-on-one mentoring, support groups, and community events that connect patients with survivors who have walked a similar path. Their culturally diverse volunteer base reflects the rich diversity of the NoVA community.
- One-on-one peer mentoring
- Community support group meetings
- Survivor social events and networking
- Multilingual support available
Who: Cancer patients and survivors in Northern Virginia
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia – Cancer Transport
📍 Fairfax County, VA
The Shepherd’s Center provides free volunteer-driven transportation for cancer patients in Northern Virginia who need rides to treatment appointments, including chemotherapy, radiation, and follow-up visits. Volunteer drivers serve patients in Fairfax County and surrounding areas who lack reliable transportation.
- Free rides to cancer treatment appointments
- Door-to-door service with volunteer drivers
- Weekday appointment coverage
- Companion ride-along welcome
Who: Cancer patients in Fairfax County needing transportation
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
LINK (Loudoun Interfaith Network of Kind Services)
📍 Loudoun County, VA
LINK provides emergency financial assistance and food to Loudoun County residents facing hardship due to cancer treatment. Despite Loudoun’s high median income, many families face devastating financial strain from cancer treatment costs, and LINK fills a critical gap with rent, utility, and grocery assistance.
- Emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities
- Food pantry access and grocery support
- Holiday assistance programs
- Referrals to additional community resources
Who: Loudoun County residents in financial need due to illness
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Children’s National Hospital – Oncology Support (NoVA patients)
📍 Washington, DC (serves NoVA families)
Children’s National Hospital in DC is the primary pediatric oncology center for many Northern Virginia families. Their support services include child life specialists, family psychosocial support, school reintegration programs, and sibling support groups designed to help the whole family cope with a childhood cancer diagnosis.
- Child life specialists and therapeutic play
- Family psychosocial support services
- School reintegration planning
- Sibling support groups
Who: Pediatric cancer patients and families in NoVA/DC
Cost: Insurance accepted; financial assistance available
Phone: 2-1-1
Wounded Warrior Project – NoVA Area
📍 Arlington, VA
The Wounded Warrior Project supports post-9/11 veterans in Northern Virginia dealing with cancer and other service-connected health conditions. Their programs include mental health support, peer connection groups, benefits counseling, and caregiver services designed for the unique needs of military families facing serious illness.
- Mental health counseling for veteran cancer patients
- Peer support and connection events
- Benefits and claims assistance
- Caregiver programs for military families
Who: Post-9/11 veterans and their caregivers
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Legal Aid Justice Center – Northern Virginia
📍 Falls Church, VA
Legal Aid Justice Center provides free legal assistance to low-income cancer patients in Northern Virginia facing issues related to their diagnosis, including Medicaid denials, workplace discrimination, housing instability, and immigration-related healthcare access. They serve a diverse client base reflecting NoVA’s multicultural community.
- Free legal representation for low-income patients
- Medicaid and insurance appeals
- Employment and housing discrimination cases
- Immigration-related healthcare access
Who: Low-income cancer patients in Northern Virginia
Cost: Free for qualifying individuals
Phone: 2-1-1
Richmond & Central Virginia
Cancer support resources in the Richmond metro area and surrounding Central Virginia communities.
VCU Massey Cancer Center
📍 Richmond, VA
VCU Massey Cancer Center is Virginia’s only NCI-designated cancer center, providing world-class research-driven care and an extensive patient support infrastructure. Their support services include patient navigation, financial counseling, psycho-oncology, art therapy, and a dedicated health equity program that works to reduce cancer disparities across the Commonwealth.
- Patient navigation and oncology social work
- Financial counseling and assistance programs
- Psycho-oncology and art therapy
- Clinical trials access and health equity programs
Who: Cancer patients seeking NCI-designated care in Virginia
Cost: Insurance accepted; financial assistance available
Phone: 2-1-1
Cancer Support House (Richmond)
📍 Richmond, VA
Cancer Support House is a Richmond-based nonprofit offering a warm, home-like environment where cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers can access free support groups, counseling, wellness programs, and community. Their programs are designed to complement medical treatment by addressing the emotional and social dimensions of living with cancer.
- Weekly support groups by cancer type and stage
- Individual and family counseling
- Wellness programs (yoga, nutrition, art therapy)
- Caregiver support groups and respite
Who: Cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers in Greater Richmond
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
CrossOver Healthcare Ministry
📍 Richmond, VA
CrossOver Healthcare Ministry provides free primary care, specialty referrals, and medication assistance to uninsured adults in the Richmond area, including cancer patients who cannot afford treatment-related care. Their volunteer physicians and pharmacists help bridge the gap for patients who fall outside traditional safety net programs.
- Free primary care for uninsured patients
- Specialty referral coordination including oncology
- Free prescription medication program
- Chronic disease management support
Who: Uninsured adults in Greater Richmond
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
GRTC Transit System – Specialized Transit (Richmond)
📍 Richmond, VA
GRTC’s CARE paratransit service provides door-to-door transportation for Richmond-area cancer patients who are unable to use regular bus service due to their condition. The service covers the Richmond metro area and can be used for medical appointments including chemotherapy, radiation, and doctor visits.
- Door-to-door paratransit for medical appointments
- ADA-compliant vehicles
- Advance scheduling available
- Reduced fares for qualifying individuals
Who: Disabled or mobility-impaired cancer patients in Richmond metro
Cost: Reduced fare (ADA paratransit rates)
Phone: 2-1-1
FeedMore – Central Virginia Food Bank
📍 Richmond, VA (serves Central Virginia)
FeedMore is Central Virginia’s primary food bank, distributing millions of meals annually through a network of over 300 partner agencies. Cancer patients and families struggling with food insecurity during treatment can access emergency food boxes, community meal programs, and nutrition support through their extensive distribution network.
- Emergency food box distribution
- Community kitchen prepared meals
- Mobile food pantry program reaching rural areas
- Meals on Wheels for homebound patients
Who: Individuals and families facing food insecurity in Central Virginia
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center – Oncology
📍 Richmond, VA
The Richmond VA Medical Center provides comprehensive cancer treatment and support services for veterans in Central Virginia. Their oncology department offers chemotherapy, radiation, surgical oncology, and palliative care, along with social work services that help veterans navigate benefits, housing, and financial assistance during treatment.
- Full-spectrum oncology treatment
- Veteran benefits counseling and claims assistance
- Social work and mental health support
- Caregiver support program for veteran families
Who: Eligible veterans enrolled in VA healthcare
Cost: Covered through VA benefits
Phone: 2-1-1
Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation
📍 Richmond, VA (serves statewide)
The Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation is a statewide advocacy and education organization headquartered in Richmond. They provide breast cancer awareness programs, support eradication research, and connect breast cancer patients with resources across the Commonwealth through their network of volunteers and community partners.
- Breast cancer education and awareness programs
- Patient resource referral network
- Advocacy for breast cancer research funding
- Community outreach in underserved areas
Who: Breast cancer patients and advocates in Virginia
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation
📍 Richmond, VA
ASK (Assistance, Support, Knowledge) is a Richmond-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting families of children diagnosed with cancer. They provide emergency financial assistance, family support services, bereavement programs, and community events that bring pediatric cancer families together for mutual support and encouragement.
- Emergency financial assistance for families
- Family support coordinator services
- Camp Fantastic summer camp for kids with cancer
- Bereavement support programs
Who: Families of children with cancer in Virginia
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Bon Secours Cancer Institute – Richmond
📍 Richmond, VA (multiple locations)
Bon Secours Cancer Institute provides cancer treatment and comprehensive patient support services across multiple Richmond-area locations. Their support programs include nurse navigators, genetic counseling, palliative care, survivorship clinics, and community support groups that serve patients throughout Central Virginia.
- Nurse navigator program
- Genetic counseling and risk assessment
- Palliative care and survivorship clinics
- Cancer support groups and wellness programs
Who: Cancer patients in the Greater Richmond area
Cost: Insurance accepted; financial assistance available
Phone: 2-1-1
Central Virginia Legal Aid Society
📍 Richmond, VA
Central Virginia Legal Aid provides free civil legal services to low-income cancer patients in the Richmond area, helping with issues like insurance denials, disability benefits, housing, and advance directives. Their medical-legal partnership with local hospitals ensures patients can access legal help during treatment.
- Free legal representation for low-income patients
- Insurance denial appeals
- Advance directives and estate planning
- Medical-legal partnership with hospitals
Who: Low-income cancer patients in Central Virginia
Cost: Free for qualifying individuals
Phone: 2-1-1
Hampton Roads (Norfolk/Virginia Beach)
Cancer support resources in the Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Newport News, Hampton, Chesapeake, and Suffolk metropolitan area.
Sentara Cancer Network – Hampton Roads
📍 Norfolk, VA (multiple Hampton Roads locations)
Sentara Cancer Network is one of the largest cancer care providers in Hampton Roads, offering treatment at multiple locations across the region. Their comprehensive support services include nurse navigators, financial counselors, support groups, palliative care, and survivorship programs that serve military families and civilian patients alike.
- Nurse navigator program for every cancer patient
- Financial counseling and charity care programs
- Cancer survivorship clinic
- Support groups and wellness activities
Who: Cancer patients in Hampton Roads
Cost: Insurance accepted; financial assistance available
Phone: 2-1-1
Gilda’s Club Hampton Roads
📍 Virginia Beach, VA
Gilda’s Club Hampton Roads provides a welcoming community where cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and families can find free emotional and social support. Their programs include support groups, educational lectures, healthy lifestyle workshops, and social events in a comfortable, home-like setting that fosters connection and healing.
- Support groups for patients and caregivers
- Noogieland children’s program
- Healthy lifestyle workshops
- Social events and community building
Who: Cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and families
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Hampton VA Medical Center – Oncology Services
📍 Hampton, VA
The Hampton VA Medical Center serves one of the largest concentrations of veterans in the country, providing comprehensive cancer care to eligible veterans in the Hampton Roads area. Their oncology department addresses the unique cancer risks faced by military personnel, including cancers linked to burn pit exposure, Agent Orange, and radiation.
- Comprehensive cancer screening and treatment
- Toxic exposure registry and cancer surveillance
- Veterans benefits counseling
- Mental health and palliative care integration
Who: Eligible veterans in Hampton Roads
Cost: Covered through VA benefits
Phone: 2-1-1
Chesapeake Regional Cancer Center – Support Services
📍 Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake Regional Cancer Center provides oncology treatment and patient support services for the Chesapeake and south Hampton Roads community. Their support team includes patient navigators, social workers, and financial counselors who help patients manage the practical and emotional challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
- Patient navigation services
- Financial counseling and assistance
- Support groups and counseling referrals
- Survivorship care planning
Who: Cancer patients in Chesapeake and south Hampton Roads
Cost: Insurance accepted; financial assistance available
Phone: 2-1-1
Hampton Roads Transit – Paratransit Services
📍 Hampton Roads region
Hampton Roads Transit offers paratransit services for cancer patients with disabilities or mobility limitations who need transportation to treatment appointments across the Hampton Roads area. The HRT RIDE service provides curb-to-curb transportation for eligible individuals throughout Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton, and Newport News.
- Curb-to-curb paratransit for medical appointments
- ADA-compliant vehicles and trained drivers
- Service across Hampton Roads municipalities
- Advance reservation system
Who: Disabled or mobility-impaired cancer patients in Hampton Roads
Cost: Reduced fare paratransit rates
Phone: 2-1-1
Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore
📍 Norfolk, VA
The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia distributes food to over 350 partner agencies across Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore. Cancer patients and families experiencing food insecurity can access emergency food, community meals, and nutrition support through their extensive network of pantries, shelters, and feeding programs.
- Emergency food distribution
- Mobile pantry program for underserved areas
- Community meal programs
- SNAP enrollment assistance
Who: Individuals and families facing food insecurity in Hampton Roads
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD) – Cancer & Blood Disorders
📍 Norfolk, VA
CHKD is the primary pediatric cancer treatment center for Hampton Roads, providing comprehensive care for children with cancer and blood disorders. Their support services include child life specialists, psychosocial support, school liaison programs, and family support coordinators who help military and civilian families navigate a child’s cancer journey.
- Child life specialists and therapeutic recreation
- Family psychosocial support and counseling
- School liaison and tutoring programs
- Financial assistance for qualifying families
Who: Children with cancer and their families in Hampton Roads
Cost: Insurance accepted; financial assistance available
Phone: 2-1-1
Veterans of Foreign Wars – Hampton Roads Posts
📍 Multiple Hampton Roads locations
VFW posts throughout Hampton Roads provide emergency financial assistance, claims support, and community connection for veterans battling cancer. Their service officers help veterans file disability claims for service-connected cancers and connect them with VA healthcare, emergency funds, and veteran-specific support programs.
- Veterans service officer claims assistance
- Emergency financial grants (Unmet Needs program)
- Community and peer support
- Referrals to VA oncology services
Who: Veterans and their families in Hampton Roads
Cost: Free (VFW membership not required for assistance)
Phone: 2-1-1
EVMS Strelitz Diabetes Center – Cancer & Chronic Disease Support
📍 Norfolk, VA
Eastern Virginia Medical School’s community health programs provide support for cancer patients managing co-morbid conditions like diabetes, a common challenge in the Hampton Roads population. Their integrated approach helps patients manage multiple health conditions during cancer treatment with nutrition counseling and chronic disease education.
- Chronic disease self-management education
- Nutrition counseling for cancer patients
- Community health worker programs
- Health literacy and patient education
Who: Cancer patients with co-morbid conditions in Hampton Roads
Cost: Varies; some programs free
Phone: 2-1-1
Charlottesville & Blue Ridge
Cancer support resources in the Charlottesville area, the Shenandoah Valley, and Blue Ridge communities.
UVA Cancer Center (Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center)
📍 Charlottesville, VA
The University of Virginia Cancer Center is an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center providing advanced treatment and extensive support services. Named in honor of Emily Couric, the center serves as the primary oncology referral hub for much of western and central Virginia, offering patient navigation, financial assistance, clinical trials, and psychosocial support.
- Patient navigation and oncology social work
- Financial assistance and charity care programs
- Clinical trials enrollment and navigation
- Psychosocial support and counseling
Who: Cancer patients from across Virginia seeking NCI-designated care
Cost: Insurance accepted; financial assistance available
Phone: 2-1-1
Cancer Support Group at UVA
📍 Charlottesville, VA
UVA Cancer Center hosts multiple support groups for patients and caregivers dealing with various cancer types. Led by trained facilitators and oncology social workers, these groups provide a safe space for sharing experiences, learning coping strategies, and building connections with others on a similar journey.
- Cancer-specific support groups (breast, prostate, lung, etc.)
- General cancer support groups
- Caregiver support groups
- Young adult cancer support
Who: Cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Jaunt Transit – Rural Medical Transportation
📍 Charlottesville, VA (serves surrounding rural counties)
Jaunt Transit provides demand-responsive transportation for cancer patients in the rural counties surrounding Charlottesville, including Albemarle, Fluvanna, Louisa, Nelson, and Buckingham. This service is a lifeline for patients living in areas with no public transit who need to reach UVA Cancer Center or other treatment facilities.
- Door-to-door medical transportation
- Service to UVA and area treatment centers
- Rural county coverage where no transit exists
- Wheelchair-accessible vehicles available
Who: Residents of Charlottesville area and surrounding rural counties
Cost: Reduced fare; Medicaid-covered rides available
Phone: 2-1-1
Blue Ridge Area Food Bank
📍 Verona, VA (serves Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge)
The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is the largest food bank in Virginia, serving 25 counties across the Shenandoah Valley, Central Virginia, and Charlottesville regions. Cancer patients and families facing food insecurity can access emergency food, mobile pantry distributions in rural areas, and nutrition education through their extensive partner network.
- Emergency food box distribution
- Mobile pantry program reaching remote communities
- Fresh produce and nutrition education
- SNAP enrollment assistance
Who: Individuals and families in the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah region
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
UVA Health – Patient Lodging & Travel Assistance
📍 Charlottesville, VA
UVA Health provides lodging assistance and travel coordination for cancer patients who must travel significant distances for treatment in Charlottesville. Their patient services team helps arrange discounted hotel stays, connects patients with hospitality houses, and coordinates transportation for those traveling from rural areas of the Commonwealth.
- Discounted hotel accommodations near UVA
- Hospitality house referrals
- Travel assistance coordination
- Social work support for out-of-area patients
Who: Cancer patients traveling to UVA for treatment
Cost: Discounted rates; some free options available
Phone: 2-1-1
Augusta Health – Cancer Support Services
📍 Fishersville, VA (Shenandoah Valley)
Augusta Health’s cancer program provides treatment and support services for patients in the Shenandoah Valley, offering a closer-to-home option for residents who would otherwise travel to Charlottesville or Richmond. Their support team includes navigators, social workers, and community health educators who understand the rural context of Valley communities.
- Patient navigation services
- Oncology social work and counseling
- Cancer education and wellness programs
- Community screening outreach
Who: Cancer patients in the Shenandoah Valley
Cost: Insurance accepted; financial assistance available
Phone: 2-1-1
Roanoke & New River Valley
Cancer support resources in the Roanoke metro area, Blacksburg, Radford, and surrounding communities in Virginia’s western mountains.
Carilion Clinic Cancer Center
📍 Roanoke, VA
Carilion Clinic Cancer Center is the primary oncology referral center for western Virginia, serving patients from the Roanoke Valley to the coalfields of Southwest Virginia. Their comprehensive support services include patient navigators, financial counselors, support groups, and a dedicated survivorship program that helps patients transition from active treatment to long-term wellness.
- Patient navigation for all cancer patients
- Financial counseling and charity care
- Support groups and counseling services
- Survivorship clinic and wellness programs
Who: Cancer patients in western Virginia
Cost: Insurance accepted; financial assistance available
Phone: 2-1-1
Cancer Support of Southwest Virginia
📍 Roanoke, VA
Cancer Support of Southwest Virginia offers free emotional support, education, and wellness programs for cancer patients and their families in the Roanoke Valley and surrounding region. Their programs include support groups, individual counseling, art therapy, yoga, and educational seminars that help patients and caregivers cope with the cancer experience.
- Cancer support groups by type and stage
- Individual counseling and emotional support
- Art therapy and wellness programs
- Caregiver support and education
Who: Cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers in Southwest Virginia
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Salem VA Medical Center – Oncology
📍 Salem, VA
The Salem VA Medical Center provides cancer care and support services for veterans in the Roanoke Valley and throughout western Virginia. Their oncology program includes screening, treatment, palliative care, and veteran-specific support services that address the unique health challenges faced by military personnel.
- Cancer screening, treatment, and palliative care
- Veterans benefits and claims counseling
- PACT Act enrollment for toxic exposure cancers
- Mental health and substance abuse support
Who: Eligible veterans in western Virginia
Cost: Covered through VA benefits
Phone: 2-1-1
RADAR (Roanoke Area Dial-A-Ride)
📍 Roanoke, VA
RADAR provides demand-responsive transit for cancer patients in the Roanoke Valley and surrounding counties who need rides to medical appointments. Their service extends to rural areas of western Virginia where no fixed-route transit exists, connecting patients with Carilion and other area treatment centers.
- Door-to-door medical transportation
- Rural county coverage for medical trips
- Wheelchair-accessible vehicles
- Advance reservation scheduling
Who: Residents of the Roanoke Valley and surrounding counties
Cost: Low fare; Medicaid-covered rides available
Phone: 2-1-1
Feeding Southwest Virginia
📍 Salem, VA (serves SW Virginia region)
Feeding Southwest Virginia distributes food to partner agencies across 26 counties and 8 cities in western Virginia. Cancer patients and families struggling with food insecurity during treatment can access emergency food, mobile pantry distributions, and nutrition programs through their extensive network reaching deep into rural Appalachian communities.
- Emergency food box distribution
- Mobile pantry program in rural communities
- BackPack program for children in food-insecure families
- SNAP and WIC enrollment assistance
Who: Individuals and families facing food insecurity in SW Virginia
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
LewisGale Medical Center – Cancer Financial Assistance
📍 Salem, VA
LewisGale Medical Center offers cancer treatment and financial assistance programs for patients in the Roanoke and New River Valley area. Their financial counselors work with patients to navigate insurance, apply for charity care, and access medication assistance programs that can reduce the financial burden of cancer treatment.
- Charity care program for uninsured patients
- Insurance navigation and enrollment assistance
- Medication assistance program referrals
- Payment plan options
Who: Cancer patients at LewisGale facilities
Cost: Insurance accepted; financial assistance available
Phone: 2-1-1
Good Samaritan Hospice – Carilion Partnership
📍 Roanoke, VA
Good Samaritan Hospice provides palliative and hospice care for cancer patients in the Roanoke Valley, including pain management, symptom control, spiritual care, and family support. Their bereavement program offers grief counseling and support groups for families after a loved one’s passing.
- Hospice and palliative care for cancer patients
- Pain and symptom management
- Spiritual care and chaplaincy
- Bereavement support and grief counseling
Who: Cancer patients needing palliative or hospice care in Roanoke area
Cost: Covered by most insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid
Phone: 2-1-1
Legal Aid Society of Roanoke Valley
📍 Roanoke, VA
The Legal Aid Society of Roanoke Valley provides free civil legal assistance to low-income cancer patients in western Virginia, covering issues such as disability benefits, insurance appeals, housing stability, and advance care planning. Their attorneys understand the specific legal challenges faced by patients in rural and Appalachian communities.
- Free legal representation for low-income patients
- Disability benefits and SSI/SSDI applications
- Advance directives and healthcare powers of attorney
- Housing and benefits advocacy
Who: Low-income cancer patients in western Virginia
Cost: Free for qualifying individuals
Phone: 2-1-1
Southwest Virginia (Appalachia)
Cancer support resources in Virginia’s coalfield counties and Appalachian communities, including Wise, Lee, Scott, Dickenson, Buchanan, Tazewell, and Russell counties.
Ballad Health Cancer Care – SW Virginia
📍 Bristol/Abingdon, VA
Ballad Health is the primary healthcare system serving Southwest Virginia’s coalfield communities, providing cancer treatment and support across multiple locations. Their cancer program includes patient navigation, financial counseling, and community health workers who serve patients in some of Virginia’s most remote and economically challenged counties.
- Cancer treatment at multiple SW Virginia locations
- Patient navigation for rural cancer patients
- Financial assistance and charity care
- Community health worker outreach
Who: Cancer patients in SW Virginia and the Tri-Cities region
Cost: Insurance accepted; financial assistance available
Phone: 2-1-1
Remote Area Medical (RAM) – SW Virginia Clinics
📍 Various SW Virginia locations (pop-up clinics)
Remote Area Medical provides free pop-up clinics in the coalfield counties of Southwest Virginia, offering medical, dental, and vision care to uninsured and underinsured residents. Cancer patients can access screenings, referrals to oncology services, and prescription assistance at these weekend events that draw thousands from Appalachian communities.
- Free cancer screenings at pop-up clinics
- Referrals to oncology services
- Prescription assistance
- General medical care and health education
Who: Uninsured and underinsured residents of SW Virginia
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Stone Mountain Health Services
📍 Pennington Gap, VA (serves Lee, Scott, Wise counties)
Stone Mountain Health Services is a federally qualified health center providing primary care, screenings, and referrals in Virginia’s remote coalfield counties. Cancer patients in Lee, Scott, and Wise counties rely on Stone Mountain for initial screenings, care coordination, medication assistance, and connections to oncology specialists at distant treatment centers.
- Cancer screenings and diagnostic referrals
- Sliding-scale fee primary care
- Prescription assistance programs
- Care coordination with distant oncology centers
Who: Residents of Lee, Scott, and Wise counties
Cost: Sliding scale based on income
Phone: 2-1-1
Appalachian Cancer Support Network
📍 SW Virginia (community-based)
The Appalachian Cancer Support Network organizes peer support and community aid for cancer patients in the coalfield counties of Southwest Virginia. Rooted in the mutual aid traditions of Appalachian communities, the network connects patients with volunteers who provide practical help like meals, rides, and companionship during treatment.
- Peer-to-peer cancer support and mentoring
- Volunteer meal delivery and companionship
- Transportation assistance to treatment
- Community fundraisers for patient expenses
Who: Cancer patients in SW Virginia’s coalfield communities
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Mountain Empire Older Citizens (MEOC) – Medical Transportation
📍 Big Stone Gap, VA (serves Wise, Lee, Scott, Dickenson counties)
MEOC provides critical medical transportation services for cancer patients in the remote coalfield counties of far Southwest Virginia. With some patients facing 2-3 hour drives to reach oncology specialists, MEOC’s van service is a lifeline for elderly and disabled cancer patients who cannot drive themselves to treatment appointments.
- Medical transportation to treatment centers
- Van service for elderly and disabled patients
- Service in Wise, Lee, Scott, and Dickenson counties
- Medicaid transportation coordination
Who: Elderly and disabled residents of far SW Virginia counties
Cost: Free or low-cost; Medicaid-covered rides available
Phone: 2-1-1
Virginia Coalfield Coalition – Emergency Food & Assistance
📍 Various coalfield county locations
The Virginia Coalfield Coalition coordinates emergency food and financial assistance for families in the economically distressed coalfield counties of SW Virginia. Cancer patients in these communities face some of the highest poverty rates in the state, and the coalition connects them with food pantries, utility assistance, and emergency funds.
- Emergency food pantry referrals
- Utility and heating assistance
- Emergency financial aid for medical expenses
- Community resource navigation
Who: Residents of Virginia’s coalfield counties
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Health Wagon
📍 Clinchco, VA (serves Dickenson, Buchanan counties)
The Health Wagon is a mobile medical clinic serving uninsured residents in the most isolated corners of Southwest Virginia. Their nurse practitioners provide cancer screenings, chronic disease management, medication access, and referrals to specialists for patients in Dickenson and Buchanan counties who would otherwise have no access to healthcare.
- Cancer screenings in remote communities
- Free primary care and chronic disease management
- Prescription assistance and medication access
- Specialist referral coordination
Who: Uninsured residents of remote SW Virginia counties
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Fredericksburg & Rappahannock
Cancer support resources in the Fredericksburg area, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and the Rappahannock region of Virginia.
Mary Washington Healthcare – Cancer Center
📍 Fredericksburg, VA
Mary Washington Healthcare’s cancer program provides comprehensive treatment and support services for patients in the Fredericksburg and Rappahannock region. Their support team includes patient navigators, oncology social workers, genetic counselors, and financial assistance specialists who help patients manage the cancer journey from diagnosis through survivorship.
- Patient navigation and social work services
- Genetic counseling and risk assessment
- Financial counseling and assistance programs
- Cancer support groups and wellness programs
Who: Cancer patients in the Fredericksburg region
Cost: Insurance accepted; financial assistance available
Phone: 2-1-1
Cancer Support Group of Fredericksburg
📍 Fredericksburg, VA
This community-based support group provides a welcoming space for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers in the Fredericksburg area to share experiences and find encouragement. The group meets regularly and welcomes all cancer types and stages, providing a local support option for those who may not want to travel to Richmond or NoVA for programs.
- Regular support group meetings
- Peer support and shared experiences
- Educational guest speakers
- Caregiver support and networking
Who: Cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers in Fredericksburg area
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank
📍 Fredericksburg, VA
The Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank serves the greater Fredericksburg and Rappahannock region, providing emergency food assistance to families struggling during cancer treatment. Their network of partner pantries and distribution sites helps ensure cancer patients don’t have to choose between food and medical bills.
- Emergency food box distribution
- Partner pantry network referrals
- Mobile food distributions
- Holiday meal programs
Who: Individuals and families facing food insecurity in the Fredericksburg area
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
FRED Transit – Medical Transportation
📍 Fredericksburg, VA
FRED Transit provides public transportation and demand-responsive medical rides for cancer patients in the Fredericksburg area who need to reach treatment facilities. Located between Richmond and DC, Fredericksburg-area patients can use FRED to connect with regional transit for treatment at either city’s major cancer centers.
- Fixed-route and demand-responsive transit
- Medical appointment transportation
- Connections to regional transit systems
- Reduced fares for qualifying individuals
Who: Residents of the Fredericksburg region
Cost: Low fare; reduced rates available
Phone: 2-1-1
Fredericksburg Area Veterans Council
📍 Fredericksburg, VA
The Fredericksburg Area Veterans Council serves the large veteran community in the Fredericksburg–Stafford corridor, connecting veterans with healthcare, benefits, and support services. Cancer patients who are veterans can access claims assistance, VA healthcare enrollment, and emergency financial aid through the council’s network of partner organizations.
- VA benefits and claims counseling
- Healthcare enrollment assistance
- Emergency financial assistance
- Peer support and community events
Who: Veterans in the Fredericksburg region
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Rappahannock Legal Services
📍 Fredericksburg, VA
Rappahannock Legal Services offers free legal assistance to low-income cancer patients in the Fredericksburg and Rappahannock region. Their attorneys help with issues such as insurance appeals, Social Security disability, housing, and advance care planning that frequently arise during cancer treatment.
- Free legal representation for eligible patients
- Insurance and benefits appeals
- Social Security disability assistance
- Advance directives and estate planning
Who: Low-income residents of the Rappahannock region
Cost: Free for qualifying individuals
Phone: 2-1-1
Eastern Shore & Rural Virginia
Cancer support resources for Virginia’s Eastern Shore (Accomack and Northampton counties) and other rural areas with limited oncology access.
Eastern Shore Rural Health System
📍 Multiple Eastern Shore locations (Accomack & Northampton counties)
Eastern Shore Rural Health System is a federally qualified health center network serving Virginia’s isolated Eastern Shore peninsula. Their clinics provide cancer screenings, care coordination, medication assistance, and referrals to oncologists on the mainland for the Shore’s largely rural and agricultural population.
- Cancer screenings and diagnostic referrals
- Sliding-scale primary care
- Medication assistance programs
- Care coordination with mainland oncology centers
Who: Eastern Shore residents, including agricultural workers
Cost: Sliding scale based on income
Phone: 2-1-1
Star Transit – Eastern Shore Medical Transportation
📍 Accomack County, VA
Star Transit provides demand-responsive transportation for Eastern Shore residents who need medical rides, including cancer patients traveling to treatment appointments on the mainland. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel crossing creates a significant barrier for Shore patients, and Star Transit helps bridge this gap with scheduled medical transport runs.
- Medical transportation to mainland treatment centers
- Door-to-door service on the Eastern Shore
- Scheduled runs across the Bay Bridge-Tunnel
- Medicaid transportation coordination
Who: Eastern Shore residents needing medical transportation
Cost: Low fare; Medicaid-covered rides available
Phone: 2-1-1
Foodbank of the Eastern Shore
📍 Tasley, VA
The Foodbank of the Eastern Shore serves Accomack and Northampton counties, providing emergency food to families struggling with the financial burden of cancer treatment. Their mobile pantry program reaches isolated communities throughout the peninsula where food access is limited.
- Emergency food distribution
- Mobile pantry program for remote areas
- Senior food boxes
- SNAP enrollment assistance
Who: Eastern Shore residents facing food insecurity
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital – Cancer Support
📍 Onancock, VA (Eastern Shore)
Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital provides cancer care and support services on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, offering a closer-to-home option for patients who would otherwise cross the Bay Bridge-Tunnel for every appointment. Their cancer support programs include navigation, social work, and community education tailored to the Shore’s rural population.
- Patient navigation and cancer care coordination
- Social work services and resource referrals
- Cancer screening and education programs
- Telehealth connections to mainland specialists
Who: Cancer patients on Virginia’s Eastern Shore
Cost: Insurance accepted; financial assistance available
Phone: 2-1-1
Piedmont Community Health Center
📍 Danville, VA (serves Southside Virginia)
Piedmont Community Health Center is a federally qualified health center serving the rural Southside Virginia region around Danville and Pittsylvania County. Cancer patients can access screenings, care coordination, prescription assistance, and referrals to oncology specialists through their sliding-fee primary care programs.
- Cancer screening and referral services
- Sliding-scale fee primary care
- Prescription assistance programs
- Chronic disease management support
Who: Residents of Southside Virginia, particularly uninsured/underinsured
Cost: Sliding scale based on income
Phone: 2-1-1
Centra Health – Lynchburg Cancer Support
📍 Lynchburg, VA
Centra Health’s cancer program serves patients in the Lynchburg region and surrounding rural communities, providing treatment and comprehensive support services. Their cancer care team includes navigators, social workers, and support group facilitators who help patients and families in the central Virginia foothills access the care and resources they need.
- Patient navigation and care coordination
- Cancer support groups
- Social work services and counseling
- Survivorship and wellness programs
Who: Cancer patients in the Lynchburg region
Cost: Insurance accepted; financial assistance available
Phone: 2-1-1
Virginia Community Healthcare Association (VCHA)
📍 Statewide (network of community health centers)
VCHA represents Virginia’s network of federally qualified health centers that serve as primary care providers and cancer screening access points in rural and underserved communities across the state. Cancer patients without insurance can find sliding-scale care, screening referrals, and medication assistance at member centers.
- Directory of community health centers across Virginia
- Sliding-scale primary care and screenings
- Medication assistance programs
- Care coordination and specialist referrals
Who: Uninsured and underserved Virginians in rural areas
Cost: Sliding scale based on income
Phone: 2-1-1
Additional Statewide & Specialty Resources
Specialty support programs, national organizations with Virginia services, and additional resources for specific needs.
Susan G. Komen – Virginia
📍 Statewide
Susan G. Komen provides financial assistance, education, and community support for breast cancer patients in Virginia. Their Patient Care Center offers free breast health and breast cancer information, and their Treatment Assistance Program helps eligible patients cover the cost of treatment, medications, and related expenses.
- Treatment assistance grants
- Free breast health information (1-877-465-6636)
- Patient navigation referrals
- Community education and screening events
Who: Breast cancer patients in Virginia
Cost: Free
Phone: 1-877-465-6636
St. Baldrick’s Foundation – Virginia Events
📍 Statewide (various event locations)
St. Baldrick’s Foundation funds childhood cancer research and supports families of pediatric cancer patients through community fundraising events held throughout Virginia. Their research grants support cutting-edge treatments that give Virginia’s youngest cancer patients access to the most promising therapies and clinical trials.
- Childhood cancer research funding
- Community fundraising events across Virginia
- Family support and resource connections
- Clinical trial awareness and access
Who: Families of pediatric cancer patients
Cost: Free support services
Phone: 2-1-1
Stupid Cancer – Young Adult Support (Virginia)
📍 Virtual (serves Virginia young adults)
Stupid Cancer provides online community, support, and advocacy for young adults (ages 15-39) diagnosed with cancer in Virginia. Their digital-first approach is particularly valuable for young Virginians in rural areas who can connect with peers facing similar challenges through virtual meetups, social media communities, and an annual summit.
- Online support community for young adults
- Virtual meetups and peer connection
- Cancer information for young adults
- Advocacy and awareness programs
Who: Young adults ages 15-39 with cancer
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
PanCAN – Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (Virginia)
📍 Nationwide (serves Virginia residents)
PanCAN provides free services for pancreatic cancer patients in Virginia, including personalized treatment and clinical trial information, patient support, and community connections. Their PanCAN Patient Services team offers one-on-one case management to help Virginia patients navigate treatment decisions and access financial resources.
- One-on-one patient services (877-272-6226)
- Clinical trial matching service
- Support community and peer connections
- Patient assistance and resource referrals
Who: Pancreatic cancer patients and families
Cost: Free
Phone: 877-272-6226
ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer (Virginia)
📍 Alexandria, VA (national headquarters)
Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, ZERO is the leading national nonprofit in the fight to end prostate cancer. They provide free prostate cancer screenings, educational programs, patient support, and mentoring for men diagnosed with prostate cancer throughout the Commonwealth and nationally.
- Free prostate cancer screening events in Virginia
- Patient mentoring and peer support
- Educational resources and webinars
- Advocacy and awareness campaigns
Who: Men with or at risk for prostate cancer
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Caregiver Action Network
📍 Washington, DC (serves Virginia caregivers)
The Caregiver Action Network provides education, peer support, and resources for family caregivers of cancer patients in Virginia. Based in DC, their programs are accessible to Virginia caregivers and include a helpline, online support community, and educational materials on managing the practical and emotional demands of cancer caregiving.
- Caregiver helpline (855-227-3640)
- Online peer support community
- Caregiver education and training
- Advocacy for caregiver rights and policies
Who: Family caregivers of cancer patients
Cost: Free
Phone: 855-227-3640
Virginia Department of Veterans Services
📍 Statewide (regional benefits offices)
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services provides free benefits counseling and claims assistance for veterans diagnosed with cancer, including those with service-connected cancers under the PACT Act. Their trained benefits counselors at regional offices across Virginia help veterans navigate the VA healthcare system and maximize their benefits.
- Free VA benefits counseling and claims filing
- PACT Act toxic exposure enrollment
- Connections to VA healthcare facilities
- State veterans cemetery and memorial services
Who: Virginia veterans and their families
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
HealthWell Foundation
📍 Germantown, MD (serves Virginia patients)
The HealthWell Foundation provides financial assistance for medication co-pays, premiums, and treatment-related expenses for cancer patients in Virginia and nationwide. Their disease-specific funds help patients afford critical medications that insurance may not fully cover, reducing the financial toxicity of cancer treatment.
- Medication co-pay assistance by disease fund
- Insurance premium assistance
- Treatment-related travel and lodging grants
- Online application process
Who: Underinsured cancer patients meeting income guidelines
Cost: Free financial assistance for qualifying patients
Phone: 2-1-1
Mercy Medical Airlift / National Patient Travel Center
📍 Virginia Beach, VA (serves nationwide)
Based in Virginia Beach, Mercy Medical Airlift coordinates free air and ground transportation for cancer patients who need to travel long distances for treatment. Their National Patient Travel Center serves as a clearinghouse connecting patients with volunteer pilot organizations, airline charity programs, and ground transport assistance.
- Free air transportation to treatment centers
- Commercial airline charity ticket program
- Ground transportation coordination
- Travel assistance for companions
Who: Cancer patients needing long-distance medical travel
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Good Days (formerly Chronic Disease Fund)
📍 Nationwide (serves Virginia patients)
Good Days provides financial assistance for cancer medications, insurance premiums, and treatment travel for Virginia patients with chronic or life-altering conditions. Their disease-specific funds help patients access expensive cancer treatments that insurance may not fully cover, with an emphasis on oral cancer medications.
- Co-pay assistance for cancer medications
- Insurance premium assistance
- Travel assistance for treatment
- Diagnosis-specific financial aid programs
Who: Cancer patients with financial need
Cost: Free financial assistance for qualifying patients
Phone: 2-1-1
Imerman Angels – One-on-One Cancer Support
📍 Nationwide (serves Virginia residents)
Imerman Angels provides free one-on-one cancer support by matching Virginia cancer patients and caregivers with Mentor Angels — cancer survivors or caregivers who have been through a similar experience. This personalized peer matching ensures patients connect with someone who understands their specific diagnosis and circumstances.
- One-on-one peer mentoring matched by cancer type
- Caregiver-to-caregiver support matching
- Pre-vivor support for high-risk individuals
- Available in person or by phone/video
Who: Cancer patients, caregivers, and previvors
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
NeedyMeds – Virginia
📍 Nationwide (searchable Virginia resources)
NeedyMeds maintains a comprehensive database of medication assistance programs, free clinics, and financial aid available to cancer patients in Virginia. Their free drug discount card and searchable database help patients find pharmaceutical manufacturer assistance programs, state programs, and local charities that can help cover medication costs.
- Free drug discount card (average 80% savings)
- Pharmaceutical manufacturer assistance program database
- Virginia-specific free clinic directory
- Financial aid program search tool
Who: Anyone needing medication or financial assistance
Cost: Free to search and use
Phone: 2-1-1
Cancer Hope Network
📍 Nationwide (serves Virginia residents)
Cancer Hope Network matches Virginia cancer patients and caregivers with trained survivor volunteers who have experienced a similar diagnosis and treatment journey. Their one-on-one phone support provides a confidential, compassionate connection with someone who truly understands the fears and challenges of cancer.
- One-on-one phone support with trained survivors
- Matched by cancer type, treatment, and demographics
- Caregiver-to-caregiver matching available
- Bilingual support available
Who: Cancer patients and caregivers
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Joe’s House – Lodging Near Treatment Centers
📍 Nationwide (searchable Virginia listings)
Joe’s House is a nonprofit providing a searchable database of lodging near cancer treatment centers in Virginia, including options near VCU Massey, UVA, Inova, and other facilities. Their listings include hospitality houses, discounted hotels, and free lodging options for patients and families who must travel for treatment.
- Searchable lodging database by treatment center
- Hospitality house and Hope Lodge listings
- Discounted hotel listings near cancer centers
- Free and low-cost options highlighted
Who: Cancer patients traveling for treatment in Virginia
Cost: Free to search; lodging costs vary (many discounted/free options)
Phone: 2-1-1
Meals on Wheels Virginia
📍 Statewide (through local programs)
Meals on Wheels programs across Virginia deliver nutritious meals directly to the homes of cancer patients who are homebound during treatment. Their network of local providers ensures that patients too sick or weak to prepare meals still receive adequate nutrition, along with the daily wellness check that comes with each delivery.
- Home-delivered meals for homebound patients
- Daily wellness checks during delivery
- Medically tailored meal options in some areas
- Referrals through local Area Agencies on Aging
Who: Homebound cancer patients in Virginia
Cost: Free or low-cost (varies by local program)
Phone: 2-1-1
Livestrong Foundation – Virginia
📍 Nationwide (serves Virginia residents)
The Livestrong Foundation provides free cancer navigation services to Virginia residents, helping them manage the practical challenges of cancer including insurance, financial concerns, fertility preservation, and emotional support. Their navigation services are available in English and Spanish.
- Free cancer navigation (855-220-7777)
- Insurance and financial guidance
- Fertility preservation resources
- Emotional support and community
Who: Cancer patients and survivors needing navigation
Cost: Free
Phone: 855-220-7777
2-1-1 Virginia (United Way)
📍 Statewide
Dial 2-1-1 to reach a trained specialist who can connect Virginia cancer patients with local resources including financial assistance, food, transportation, housing, and support services. Available 24/7, this free service is particularly valuable for rural Virginians who may not know what help exists in their area.
- 24/7 resource referral helpline
- Financial assistance connections
- Food and housing referrals
- Transportation resource navigation
Who: Anyone in Virginia needing help finding resources
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Family Reach
📍 Nationwide (serves Virginia families)
Family Reach provides financial assistance to Virginia families facing the financial toxicity of cancer treatment. Their programs include direct grants for housing, utilities, food, and transportation, along with financial planning resources and a financial treatment program that helps families create sustainable plans during cancer care.
- Direct financial grants for essential expenses
- Financial planning and education
- Resource navigation and referrals
- Financial treatment program for families
Who: Families facing financial hardship due to cancer
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Ronald McDonald House Charities – Virginia
📍 Richmond, Norfolk, Charlottesville (Virginia locations)
Ronald McDonald House Charities provides free or low-cost lodging for families of children receiving cancer treatment at Virginia hospitals. Their Houses near VCU, CHKD, and UVA keep families close to their child during extended treatments, removing the financial burden of hotel stays and long commutes.
- Free/low-cost family lodging near children’s hospitals
- Family rooms inside hospitals
- Meals and household essentials for families
- Supportive community of other families
Who: Families of children receiving medical treatment
Cost: Free or nominal nightly fee
Phone: 2-1-1
Virginia Legal Aid Society
📍 Statewide (multiple offices)
Virginia Legal Aid Society provides free civil legal services to low-income Virginians, including cancer patients facing legal issues related to their diagnosis. Their attorneys handle cases involving insurance denials, disability benefits, housing, employment discrimination, and advance care planning across the Commonwealth.
- Free legal representation for eligible cancer patients
- Insurance denial and Medicaid appeals
- Social Security disability assistance
- Advance directives and end-of-life planning
Who: Low-income Virginia residents
Cost: Free for qualifying individuals
Phone: 2-1-1
Fisher House Foundation – Virginia Locations
📍 Richmond & Hampton VA Medical Centers
Fisher House provides free lodging for families of veterans receiving cancer treatment at Virginia’s VA Medical Centers. Located on VA campus grounds, Fisher Houses offer a home-like environment where military families can stay together during a veteran’s inpatient or outpatient cancer care without the burden of hotel costs.
- Free lodging on VA Medical Center campuses
- Home-like accommodations for families
- Community kitchen and family common areas
- No length-of-stay limitations
Who: Families of veterans receiving VA medical care
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Look Good Feel Better – Virginia
📍 Statewide (at participating hospitals)
Look Good Feel Better offers free workshops at Virginia hospitals and cancer centers that teach beauty techniques to women undergoing cancer treatment. Participants learn skincare, wig styling, makeup application, and nail care tips to help manage appearance-related side effects and boost confidence during treatment.
- Free beauty workshops at Virginia hospitals
- Complimentary beauty kit for each participant
- Virtual workshops available
- Programs for teens and men also offered
Who: Women undergoing cancer treatment
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Triage Cancer – Legal & Financial Navigation
📍 Nationwide (serves Virginia residents)
Triage Cancer provides free education on the legal and financial issues that arise during cancer treatment, including insurance navigation, employment rights, disability benefits, and estate planning. Their resources help Virginia cancer patients understand their rights and access available financial protections.
- Insurance and financial education resources
- Employment rights information for cancer patients
- Disability benefits guidance
- Free educational webinars and fact sheets
Who: Cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Camp Kesem – Virginia Chapters
📍 UVA, Virginia Tech, William & Mary campuses
Camp Kesem provides free summer camps and year-round support programs for children ages 6-18 who have a parent with cancer. Virginia chapters at UVA, Virginia Tech, and William & Mary are run by trained college student volunteers who create a week of fun, friendship, and healing for kids dealing with a parent’s cancer diagnosis.
- Free week-long summer camps for kids 6-18
- Year-round community events and support
- Trained college volunteer counselors
- Peer connection with other children affected by cancer
Who: Children ages 6-18 who have a parent affected by cancer
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Virginia Health Insurance Marketplace (Cover Virginia)
📍 Statewide
Cover Virginia helps uninsured cancer patients enroll in health coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace or Virginia Medicaid. A cancer diagnosis qualifies as a special enrollment period event, allowing patients to enroll outside the annual open enrollment window. Navigators across the state provide free enrollment assistance.
- ACA marketplace enrollment assistance
- Virginia Medicaid enrollment
- Special enrollment period for cancer diagnosis
- Free in-person navigators across Virginia
Who: Uninsured Virginians needing health coverage
Cost: Free enrollment assistance; subsidies may apply
Phone: 2-1-1
Virginia Area Agencies on Aging – Caregiver Support
📍 Statewide (25 regional agencies)
Virginia’s 25 Area Agencies on Aging administer the National Family Caregiver Support Program, providing respite care, counseling, training, and supplemental services to caregivers of cancer patients age 60 and older. They also serve grandparents caring for grandchildren whose parents are undergoing cancer treatment.
- Respite care for family caregivers
- Caregiver counseling and support groups
- Supplemental services and home care
- Information and resource referrals
Who: Family caregivers of cancer patients age 60+
Cost: Free or sliding scale
Phone: 2-1-1
Lung Cancer Alliance / GO2 Foundation – Virginia
📍 Nationwide (serves Virginia residents)
GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer provides support, education, and advocacy for lung cancer patients in Virginia, a state where lung cancer rates are elevated in coal country and among the veteran population. Their helpline and support programs connect patients with treatment information, clinical trials, and peer mentoring.
- Lung cancer helpline (1-800-298-2436)
- Peer-to-peer support matching
- Clinical trial matching service
- Lung cancer screening education
Who: Lung cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers
Cost: Free
Phone: 1-800-298-2436
Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition (CFAC)
📍 Nationwide (serves Virginia residents)
CFAC is a coalition of organizations helping cancer patients manage the financial challenges of treatment. Their searchable database connects Virginia patients with financial assistance programs for co-pays, prescriptions, transportation, lodging, and daily living expenses during cancer care.
- Searchable financial assistance database
- Co-pay and prescription assistance referrals
- Transportation and lodging aid connections
- Living expense assistance program directory
Who: Cancer patients facing financial challenges
Cost: Free to search
Phone: 2-1-1
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation – Virginia
📍 Nationwide (serves Virginia families)
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation funds childhood cancer research and provides travel assistance to families of pediatric cancer patients who need to travel for treatment. Their travel fund helps Virginia families cover the cost of transportation, lodging, and meals when their child must receive care at a distant specialty center.
- Travel assistance for pediatric cancer families
- Childhood cancer research funding
- Community fundraising events
- Emotional support and family connections
Who: Families of children with cancer
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) – Virginia
📍 Statewide (multiple chapter locations)
DAV Virginia provides free benefits counseling, claims assistance, and transportation for disabled veterans diagnosed with cancer. Their network of trained service officers at Virginia VA facilities helps veterans file disability claims for service-connected cancers and access the full range of VA benefits and services.
- Free disability claims counseling
- DAV Transportation Network to VA facilities
- Benefits advocacy and appeals assistance
- Peer support and veteran community
Who: Disabled veterans in Virginia
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Colon Cancer Coalition – Get Your Rear in Gear Virginia
📍 Richmond and Northern Virginia events
The Colon Cancer Coalition organizes screening awareness events and community runs/walks in Virginia through their Get Your Rear in Gear program. They connect colorectal cancer patients with support resources, promote early detection through screening advocacy, and provide a community for survivors and patients across the Commonwealth.
- Colorectal cancer awareness events in Virginia
- Patient support and survivor connections
- Screening advocacy and education
- Community fundraising for research
Who: Colorectal cancer patients, survivors, and at-risk individuals
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Riverside Health System – Cancer Support Services
📍 Newport News, VA (serves Hampton Roads and Middle Peninsula)
Riverside Health System’s cancer program provides treatment and support services across the Hampton Roads and Middle Peninsula region. Their patient support team includes navigators, social workers, genetic counselors, and financial assistance coordinators who help patients access all available resources during treatment.
- Patient navigation and care coordination
- Financial assistance and charity care
- Genetic counseling and risk assessment
- Support groups and survivorship programs
Who: Cancer patients in the Hampton Roads and Middle Peninsula region
Cost: Insurance accepted; financial assistance available
Phone: 2-1-1
Casting for Recovery – Virginia Retreats
📍 Various Virginia retreat locations
Casting for Recovery offers free fly-fishing retreats for women with breast cancer in Virginia’s beautiful mountain and river settings. These weekend retreats combine gentle outdoor activity with peer support and medical education, providing a therapeutic experience that helps breast cancer survivors reconnect with nature and build lasting friendships.
- Free weekend fly-fishing retreats
- Peer support in outdoor setting
- Medical education and body awareness
- All equipment and lodging provided
Who: Women with breast cancer (any stage)
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Not Sure Where to Start?
Navigating cancer support resources can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with the stress of a diagnosis. Here are a few places to begin:
- Call 2-1-1: Available 24/7, a trained specialist will listen to your situation and connect you with local Virginia programs that can help — from financial aid to transportation to food assistance.
- Contact your cancer center’s social worker: Every accredited cancer center in Virginia employs oncology social workers who can connect you with financial aid, support groups, and practical assistance.
- Call the American Cancer Society (1-800-227-2345): Their 24/7 helpline is staffed by trained cancer information specialists who can answer questions and provide Virginia-specific referrals.
- Reach out to Patient Advocate Foundation (patientadvocate.org): Headquartered right here in Hampton, VA, they provide free case management for patients facing insurance and financial barriers.
- Visit CancerCare.org: Free professional counseling is available by phone for cancer patients, caregivers, and bereaved family members anywhere in Virginia.
Remember: asking for help is not a sign of weakness — it’s a smart strategy. These resources exist because no one should face cancer alone.
Explore support in nearby states: North Carolina, Maryland, West Virginia, Washington, DC, or browse all states.
Disclaimer: This resource guide is provided for informational purposes only by the Cancer Education Foundation. Inclusion in this directory does not constitute an endorsement. Program availability, eligibility requirements, and services may change without notice. We recommend contacting organizations directly to confirm current offerings. This guide is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Last updated: April 2026.