Patient and Family Support

Patients who receive their care at UNC and their families have many resources and programs available to them.

July 2008 Oncology Calendar
For questions, email Anne Marie at alee@unch.unc.edu

Resources at UNC

• Patient and Family Resource Center - Dedicated to providing emotional support and encouragement to cancer patients and their families, this center provides everything from coffee to books to wigs.


• Get Real & Heel - An exercise and recreational therapy program for breast cancer patients.


• CanThrive - A couples-based research program for patients with breast cancer and their spouses or significant others.


• Planetree at UNC - Planetree is a non-profit membership organization promoting patient-centered care. As a member of Planetree, UNC provides programs and special services focused on patients' minds, bodies, and spirits.


• Coping and Support Services -  Talk with patient counselors or social workers. Learn about survivorship.


• Pastoral Care - Chaplains work with people of all faiths and religious backgrounds and an inter-faith chapel is located on the first floor of the hospital.


• UNC Hospice - Comfort care is available as needed.


• Cancer Survivorship Clinics - Are being created to enhance the quality of life for all survivors.


• Nutrition - A cancer dietician is available for free to help you figure out what to eat during your treatment.

Resources in the Community

• Support Groups - A variety of support groups are offered in area - locate one that works for you


• Project Compassion - This site provides support and community for people living with serious illnesses.


• Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill - A boarding facility open to families with a pediatric patient being treated for a serious illness/injury at an area hospital or hospital-affiliated clinic.


• Family House - This facility provides an affordable, comfortable, and nurturing place for patients and their caregivers to stay during treatment at UNC Hospitals.


• Cornucopia House - An organization that provides education, companionship, and support for people with cancer, their families and friends.


• Rex Cancer Center - A comprehensive community cancer center that offers support groups and events as well as a variety of services.

Resources Available Online

• General Resources
• Bone and Soft Tissue Cancer
• Brain Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Gastrointestinal
• Gynecologic
• Head & Neck
• Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma
• Lung Cancer
• Nutrition
• Pediatric
• Prostate
• Skin(Melanoma)
• Urology