At Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee, we are committed to providing our members access to a wide range of educational resources. In addition to having a Cancer Resource Specialist on staff and maintaining a comprehensive lending library at our Clubhouse, we are happy to offer this guide to free and accessible resources.
Are you looking for a local therapist who has experience working with cancer patients and family members? If so, please email our Cancer Resource Specialist, Megan Forshey and we can recommend local practitioners who may be a good fit for you and your needs.
Emotional Support & Virtual Connection Resources
Mental Health Crisis Resources
Financial Assistance Resources
Mindfulness & Relaxation Resources
Expressive Arts & Cultural Activities
Cancer Specific Educational Resources
Insurance, Social Security, Disability & Legal Resources
Medical Supplies, Prosthetics & Wig Resources
Emotional Support & Virtual Connection Resources
Cancer Support Community Helpline: 888-793-9355
Toll-free helpline staffed by counselors and resource specialists who can provide emotional support, as well as information to anyone affected by cancer. Available M-F 8am-8pm CST. Online Live Chat available.
American Cancer Society Helpline: 800-227-2345
24/7 helpline that offers support and resource referrals for patients and caregivers. Help is available in 200 languages.
CancerCare Online & Telephone Individual Counseling
Offers free, short-term counseling with an oncology social worker over the phone or online for anyone affected by cancer. Call 800-813-4673 or email info@cancercare.org.
CancerCare Online & Telephone Support Groups
Offers a variety of free support groups online and by phone for people living with cancer and caregivers.
Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation Clinical Care Counseling
Free licensed therapists and resource counselors available for emotional support and logistical guidance for people with all cancer diagnoses and family members.
MyLifeLine by the Cancer Support Community
Website and app that enables virtual connection during this period of social distancing. Participants can join discussion boards (moderated by licensed clinicians) and share updates to their social network.
Organizations that offer free peer support over the phone. They match people with cancer or caregivers with a peer who has been through a similar cancer experience as a way to connect and receive support:
Open Path Psychotherapy Collective
Non-profit, nationwide network of mental health professionals dedicated to providing affordable therapy sessions at a discounted rate (between $30-$60) to individuals, couples, children, and families in need.
BetterHelp Online & Phone Counseling
Network of licensed counselors who provide affordable, remote counseling that can help with a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, relationships, trauma, and grief.
Network of licensed clinicians who provide therapy via text and video calls.
AfterShock – Facing a Serious Diagnosis App
Free app that helps guide individuals who have been recently diagnosed. Learn more about diagnoses, treatment options, and ways to cope. Download in the App Store.
The Estuary Online Wellness Community Classes
Offering free self-care classes and community gatherings online.
The Healing Trust’s Self-Care Planning Guide
Don’t know where to start with “self-care?” Try this template with tools and instructions to assist in creating a personalized self-care plan.
Mental Health America Webinars
Free live webinars and recordings covering a variety of topics on mental health during this time.
Stupid Cancer Webinar “Coping with Social Isolation & Fear”
This webinar suggests coping tools and insights for managing mental health in this challenging time for the immuno-compromised community.
Online and app-based community for anyone impacted by cancer to share their experiences and connect with others. They offer free online webinars focused on living with cancer.
Program through the TN Commission on Aging & Disability that offers older adults and caregivers weekly (or more, upon request) phone calls with a volunteer who checks-in, assesses needs, and offers resources and support. Fill out a request form online or call 615-253-4307.
Mental Health Crisis Resources
Crisis Line
Free telephone counseling and crisis support 24/7
Call: 615-244-7444
Text: “HERE” to 615-502-4373
Tennessee Crisis Services & Suicide Prevention Line
Free help 24/7 help for mental health emergencies; calls routed to trained specialist in your area.
Call: 855-274-7471
Text: “TN” to 741-741
Mental Health Cooperative Mobile Crisis & Walk-In Center
Free 24/7 crisis assessment and intervention services for children and adults.
Mobile crisis line: 615-726-0125
Walk-in center open 24/7: 250 Cumberland Bend Dr., Nashville TN 37228
Free, confidential, 24/7 support for people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
Call: 1-800-273-8255
Free, 24/7 hotline that provides information and referrals to mental health services in Tennessee.
Call or text: 1-800-889-9789
YWCA Middle TN Domestic Violence Support Helpline
Anonymous, confidential crisis line and emergency shelter for those experiencing domestic violence
Call: 1-800-334-4628
Text: 615-983-5170
Financial Assistance Resources
Assistance available constantly changes as new funds become available and programs are closed. Please check program websites for their most current availability. In addition to the general assistance programs listed here, there are diagnosis-specific organizations that may be able to provide help.
Salvation Army Covid-19 Financial Assistance
Offers rent, mortgage, and utility assistance for those who have been directly affected by COVID-19.
Catholic Charities COVID-19 Relief
Assistance provided may include payment of rent, mortgage and/ or utilities; food assistance; and computer tablets for telehealth, job applications, education and more.
Offers financial assistance and resource referrals to Davidson County residents and NES customers, including help with water/electricity bills and emergency rent assistance. Call 615-269-6835 for assistance.
Free one-on-one financial counseling to residents of Davidson County. All appointments are virtual during COVID. Services available in English and Spanish.
Offers $250 to those with any chronic condition and who meet other eligibility criteria; for help in covering bills and other expenses during this time.
Cancer & Careers COVID Assistance Grants
$500 grants for cancer patients and survivors experiencing financial challenges to use toward bills, technology, skill development, and/or training.
HealthWell Foundation COVID-19 Insurance Premium Payment Assistance
Limited time assistance with employee portion of insurance premium costs related to COVID-19 furloughs and COBRA Premium costs related to COVID-19 layoffs/unemployment.
Family Reach Covid-19 Emergency Fund
Financial assistance available to individuals and families with cancer during this crisis.
CancerCare Financial Assistance
Offers assistance for people with cancer to help with various costs, including food, medications, household expenses, transportation, home care and childcare. Call 800-813-4673 to apply.
United Way Covid-19 Respond Fund
Financial aid resource list for individuals, families, and organizations in Middle Tennessee experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19.
Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) COVID Care Help
Offers information and resources 24/7 for those who need direct intervention. COVID Care and COVID Care Recovery Fund both provide one-on-one support.
Modest Needs Financial Assistance
Offers short-term financial assistance grants to people and families facing a financial crisis.
Provides financial aid, resources, and referrals to cancer patients.
Multi-County Cancer Support Network (MCCSN)
Provides emotional, financial, and educational support for cancer patients in the Middle Tennessee area. Counties served include Franklin, Coffee, Moore, Lincoln, Grundy, Marion, Warren, and Bedford.
Serves residents of Davidson County, who are in need of assistance with food and financial circumstances.
LUNGevity Breathe Easier Emergency COVID-19 Fund
Financial assistance for patients in active treatment or actively pursuing treatment for lung cancer. Funds are available for non-medical expenses, such as food, transportation, and general household bills. Apply by phone 844-360-5864.
Susan G. Komen COVID-19 Action Fund
Financial assistance for women with breast cancer in urgent need during this time.
MusiCares Financial Assistance
Short-term financial assistance grants for personal or addiction needs for people in the music industry.
Provides information, referrals, and financial assistance to people in the entertainment industry.
Metro Nashville LIHEAP Program
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides assistance with payment of gas, electric, and energy bills to Davidson County residents.
Organizations that provide assistance with co-pays, premiums, and out-of-pocket expenses related to medical care (always check with them directly for the most current information on the funds that are open/ available)
CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Program
CancerCare Financial Assistance Program
Call 800-813-4673 to speak to an oncology social worker.
Meal and Nutrition Resources
Kroger Health Tele-Nutrition Services
During COVID-19, Kroger Health is offering free dietician-led telenutrition sessions. Topics may include: cooking basics, getting creative with shelf stable ingredients, changes in the availability of food, picking the best foods for your medical condition, and setting/maintaining personal nutrition goals. To get started, contact Emily Harland at 615-917-2939 or emily.harland@thelittleclinic.com
Free nutrition education and consultations with a dietician for patients and caregivers of all cancer types.
Heimerdinger Foundation Meals 4 Health
Delivers free, nutritious meals to individuals and families currently in treatment for cancer in Davidson and Williamson Counties.
Gilda’s Club Lunch & Learn: Eating Well During Cancer Treatment & Survivorship
Recording of a Gilda’s Club workshop featuring holistic health and nutrition coach Danielle Gilbert and Karen Gillingham of The New Beginnings Center. Learn why nutrition is an important part of cancer treatment and survivorship, and how to make manageable dietary changes. Video includes a cooking demonstration.
Health coach Danielle Gilbert helps people with health and medical concerns, including cancer, establish a plan that works toward healing, from the inside out, through changes in food and lifestyle habits.
Cancer Support Community Diet & Nutrition Webpage
Educational information on eating well during and after cancer treatment, including free articles, PDF guides, and recipes.
Free cookbook from Eating Well that provides healthy recipes for cancer treatment and recovery.
Dabble Studio Virtual Cooking Classes
Cooking and art studio in Nashville offering affordable virtual cooking classes and pick-up meal kits.
National Cancer Institute’s Nutrition in Cancer Care Website
Fifty Forward/ Meals on Wheels
Provides home-delivered, low-cost/free meals and additional groceries to people 50+.
A non-profit grocery store that offers free groceries to individuals and families during times of crisis. Curbside and delivery options available during COVID-19.
One Generation Away Mobile Food Pantries
Drive-up food pantry offered at several locations and on various dates throughout the Middle Tennessee area.
Food bank locations around Middle Tennessee to help those in need.
Homemade, healthy meal delivery in Nashville and surrounding areas. Health coaching services are also available.
Plant-based meal delivery company that offers a bundle created by the AICR specifically for cancer patients.
Mindfulness & Relaxation Resources
Guided Imagery by Claudia Prange
Enjoy the Guided Imagery class at Gilda’s Club? Join our weekly live session via Zoom, or you can relax at home with a recording!
Moment of Meditation with Savanna
In addition to joining our weekly live meditation sessions for the Gilda’s Club community via Zoom, you can access meditation sessions anytime. Interested in virtual live/ private meditation or yoga sessions? Email Savanna.
CancerCare Meditation App
Features free guided meditation sessions, inspirational talks, and soothing music/sounds aimed to help people affected by cancer manage symptoms and anxiety.
Sound Healing Journey Virtual Workshop
Live sound healing workshops offered online for people with cancer and their loved ones. Offered Fridays from 4:30-6 p.m. Contact Sharon Doughty to register: 707-525-6131 or email.
A selection of free, guided meditations. Download on Apple Music, Spotify, or Youtube.
Offers a variety of mindful connections via Zoom and in-person, including meditation, mindful book club, yoga, and more.
Offers a variety of meditation groups for people with all levels of experience. Meditations are currently offered online via Facebook Live.
A Steady Heart in the time of Coronavirus – Meditations by Jack Kornfield
Smithsonian Institute Meditation & Mindfulness
Free meditation workshops appropriate for all levels of practitioners. See schedule and register online.
Videos also available in Spanish
Guided Meditation for Cancer Patients & Caregivers
“Mindful at Home” Recorded & Live Sessions
Free live and recorded mindfulness sessions hosted by Mindful.org. Find recorded sessions on their website or join live sessions via their Facebook page.
Creating a Meditation Space in Your Home Article
Offers meditations and teachings to balance stress, focus, and rest. Many free options available at this time. Download in the App Store.
Offers clinically-validated guidance and habits for a healthy mind that can help you deal with stress, anxiety, and depression. Free and paid options available.
Offers free guided meditations, mindfulness, and breathing exercises.
Offers free guided mediations and relaxation exercises.
Offers clinically-validated mindfulness practices, and specifically offers a cancer specific mindfulness class. Download in the App Store.
Movement & Exercise Resources
Expressive Movement & Restorative Yoga Virtual Classes
Live virtual yoga classes specifically for people with cancer and their loved ones. Offered Wednesdays: 3:30-5:30. Contact Sharon Doughty to register: 707-525-6131.
Yoga for Cancer-Related Anxiety
Easy-to-follow, 15-minute practice designed for cancer patients and care partners dealing with anxiety.
Osher Center for Integrative Health Telehealth Classes
Vanderbilt’s integrative health center offers movement and wellness classes via telehealth.
Offering a variety of Pilates classes via Zoom. Their simple, recorded 20-minute Pilates video can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/NashvillePilatesCompany/videos/2278773595765097/
Health and wellness center that helps financially disadvantaged women discover the strength in themselves (inside and out) and become the healthiest they can be through individualized coaching in fitness, nutrition, and behavior change.
Helps cancer survivors regain their health and wellness through one-on-one personal training. Managing cancer is tough enough, recovering shouldn’t have to be.
Offers free workouts to do at home for a variety of skill levels and personal goals. Users can workout solo or with others. Download in the App Store.
Free yoga videos for all skill levels.
Small World Yoga Online Classes
Offers remote yoga classes via Zoom. Check their Facebook page to get the schedule and daily Zoom link information, or watch recorded videos on their YouTube site.
Carol Michaels Fitness Zoom Classes
Offers free, weekly Zoom fitness classes specifically designed for cancer recovery and osteoporosis. Email caroljmichaels@gmail.com for the Zoom link.
Gentle Yoga Flow from YogiApproved
Gentle yoga video for all skill levels to decompress and calm the mind and body. Other YogiApproved yoga videos can be found at https://www.youtube. com/channel/UCyEEqjhf3NeujoC73yUZbKw.
Free exercise videos for anyone and everyone.
YMCA 360 On Demand Health & Fitness Videos
No membership needed to access the YMCA’s library of free exercise and health videos.
Simple Tai Chi for Beginners Video
Exercise Video for Cancer Patients (light intensity)
Gentle Bed Yoga for People with Cancer
Expressive Arts & Cultural Activities
Cassie Stephens Art Classes & Videos
Local elementary school art teacher who offers free online art classes at this time. Recorded lessons can be found on her YouTube channel and live lessons on her Facebook page.
Joann & CreativeBug Arts and Crafts Classes
Offers a two-month free trial of online arts and crafts classes. Or visit Joann’s Youtube Channel for more free craft videos.
Smithsonian Institute Online Classes
Free online art classes and workshops. See the schedule and register on their website.
Nashville Public Library Online Universe
Free online workshops and classes for all ages, along with an extensive e-collection of materials.
Tennessee Performing Arts Center TV
Missing your favorite performances at TPAC? Check out their library of videos you can watch from home.
Frist Art Museum Online Programs
Join in on free events with Frist online, including virtual gallery tours, community conversations, and art classes.
Google Arts & Culture Virtual Museums
View galleries and exhibits from around the world in the comfort of your home.
NFocus Art Exhibits & Performances
Current list of art exhibits and performances that are available online.
Cancer-Specific Educational Resources
Database of trusted information, webinars, and resources. Users can search by diagnosis or topic. To view the upcoming free webinar schedule and register.
Princess Margaret Online Cancer Classes
Free online classes for anyone who wants to learn about specific types of cancer, treatments, side effects, and the emotional impact of cancer. Participants can log in from anywhere and learn at their own pace.
Website with information and articles on different types of cancer, treatments, managing health care, and coping with the impacts cancer can have.
Live chat service with NCI Information Specialists who can answer questions about cancer, clinical trials, quitting smoking, etc.
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Guidance for Cancer Patients during Coronavirus
American Cancer Society TheoryLab Podcast
Free podcast by the ACS that includes episodes on living with cancer through coronavirus.
Useful tips for those caring for someone with a serious illness during COVID-19.
Insurance, Social Security, Disability, & Legal Resources
Health Insurance Hotline through TriStar Health
Free service through the TriStar Health’s benefits hotline that helps patients navigate payment plans, insurance options, and financial assistance programs, and can discuss services appropriate for a variety of scenarios. Call: 833-867-8771.
Free hotline that helps individuals and families who need information on healthcare and enrollment. Call: 866-475-7879.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Free helpline that assists Tennesseans with Medicare and understanding their options. Call 877-801-0044.
Legal Aid Society of Middle TN & The Cumberlands
Nonprofit law firm that provides free, high-quality civil legal services and education. To speak with a lawyer, call 800-238-1443.
The Cancer Legal Resource Center
Provides free information and resources about cancer-related legal issues.
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
Free service that helps individuals and families with disabilities find and access resources, support, and services. Call: 800-640-4636.
Provides free legal advocacy services to protect the rights of Tennesseans with disabilities.
American Institute for Cancer Research Will Tool
Free online program to help individuals create or update a legal will.
Legal Rights & Resources for Caregivers Webinar
Webinar presented by CSC and CLRC that covers the legal rights of caregivers for taking time off work, wage replacement, and more. Learn about other caregiver resources available as well.
Medical Supplies, Prosthetics, & Wig Resources
Local medical supply store specializing in cancer-related needs and can assist people with filing supplies through insurance. Call 615-327-4931 and ask for Julie Blake.
United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee
Offers free wheelchair ramps and medical equipment through equipment exchange program for Middle Tennesseans in need regardless of diagnosis.
Provides financial assistance to people who have medical related needs, including medical equipment.
Medical supplies and prostheses for women with breast cancer. Experts in filing with medical insurance. Call for an appointment: 615-777-PINK.
Local hairstylist and Gilda’s Club volunteer who specializes in wigs and wig styling for people in cancer treatment. Call 615-310-6221.
Wig store in Murfreesboro experienced in working with people experiencing hair loss due to cancer treatment.
Local wig store in Brentwood that specializes in wigs for chemotherapy patients.
Local wig store in Mt. Juliet that specializes in wigs for chemotherapy patients.
Suzi Q’s Scrubs & A Whole Lot More
Business in Cookeville that has partnered with ACS to offer free wigs to people in treatment.
Offers free wigs to children with hair loss, and they also accept hair donations.
Offers free wigs to women and children with hair loss due to cancer.
Free wigs for women and children with medical hair loss, and they also accept hair donations.
Grants to offset cost of scalp cooling treatment to minimize hair loss during chemotherapy