Resources & Reads

Recently diagnosed with cancer? Just out of treatment? Man, are there a ton of resources, books, organizations, groups, blogs etc., etc. geared toward you! Here's just a taste of what I found helpful since my diagnosis.

15-40 Connection Non-Profit Organization
Resources for young adults with cancer are scarce. Here's one website geared to that age group.

A Fresh Chapter Blog
Terri Wingham is a force to be reckoned with. Check out her blog for updates on her adventures, the adventures she's allowing other survivors to have, and to read her eloquent, emotional and exciting posts. 

Anticancer, Book by David Servan-Schreiber
A must-read for everyone. This book provides an incredible overview of carcinogens and cancer-fighting habits we can all adopt. 

Bumpy Boobs Blog
"Life after the unexpected twist", Catherine Brunelle shares story of marriage, fertility, being young at heart and the life of a breast-cancer survivor.

Canadian Cancer Society Non-Profit Organization
The CCS has everything you need to get you through your diagnosis, treatment and post-cancer life. They also have peer support workers, can arrange volunteer drivers to and from appointments, and list studies you may be interested in joining.

Cancer Can't Dance One-Man Show
This play was hilarious! Showings are few and far between, so don't miss out when the opportunity comes your way!

Cancer Connection Online Community
The Canadian Cancer Society's online community has resources, discussion forums, blogs,  groups, and joining is quick and easy. You'll get updates, messages, discussions and posts sent right to your inbox. 

Cancer Ward, Book by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
The English student in me recommends this to help cancer patients gain insight that transcends the constraints of time.

ELLICSR Non-for-Profit Organization
If you're in the downtown core, ELLICSR is a survivor oasis. They can also link you up with clinicians, classes and groups.

Emperor of All Maladies, Book by Siddhartha Mukherjee
This book provides an incredibly in-depth, yet appropriate for all audiences, overview of how cancer treatment has evolved, and where we're heading. 

Facing Cancer Together Online Community
"For everything else you're going through with cancer". This is an incredibly rich online community for women facing cancer, complete with resources and stories by women affected by all types of the disease. Also, I blog there! 

First Descents Non-Profit Organization
Young adult cancer survivor adventure destination! Go rafting in the Colorado river with most costs covered!

Fuck Cancer Non-Profit Organization
Find your inner fighter with this cancer-fighting organization with balls! This is more of an advocacy group, but still somewhere you might be able to find information and resources.

Gilda's Club Toronto Non-Profit Organization
One of the best finds I made after my treatment, Gilda's Club (in regions across Canada) offer survivors and their families cooking classes, picnics, movie nights, art therapy, yoga, to name a few things. And, it's free.

Goaltender Online Community
This is a good resource to track appointments, symptoms, side-effects, and anything else cancer-related. Geared toward young adults.

Live Strong Charitable Foundation
Lance Armstrong's organization has information on everything from fundraising to side-effects of treatment. 

Look Good Feel Better Foundation
If you're a woman facing cancer, you need to take advantage of this resource. I got a box full of cosmetics and tips for how to make myself up during treatment... all, for free!

Mortality Book by Christopher Hitchens
This book caused me to fall in love with Hitchens. No matter what your diagnosis, you'll appreciate Hitchens' humour and depth on the topic of cancer and one we must all eventually face, our own mortality.

National Cancer Institute Government Agency
Everything you need to know about cancer is here.

PMH Wig and Accessory Shop Accessory Shop
This is more than a wig salon. The volunteers here help make you beautiful and embrace your hair loss.

Princess Margaret Hospital Hospital
I owe my life to the people here and the resources they offer. 

Stupid Cancer Non-profit Organization
Another scarce resource for young adults with cancer.

Wellspring Non-profit Organization
I still go to the You Can Connect group that I hooked up with through Wellspring. I made friends who my health and well-being depend on.

Wrong Way to Hope Documentary Film
Stay tuned to find out how survivor Mike and his wife Bonnie Lang take over the world. 

Young Adult Cancer Canada Non-profit Organization
Endless resources and information for young adults with cancer in Canada. Also plenty of opportunities to connect with other survivors - for free!