OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONAL SUPPORT

"A Cure In Sight offers the Cure Companions program to provide the newly diagnosed or those suffering from disease progression with a 'veteran' OM companion to be a friend, to offer support, and to help navigate travel and treatment options."

"Imerman Angels provides peer-to-peer support services to melanoma patients and caregivers. We invite you to register to be matched with a Mentor Angel or to volunteer to be a Mentor Angel. The process of receiving a match takes just a few days."

"Patient True Talk, a patient-to-patient registry, makes matches based on diagnosis and treatment parameters as well as geographical location. Patients and caregivers then have the ability to send secure messages directly to those whom are willing to share their experience."

At these weekly Ocular Melanoma Support Meetings, "connect with other OMies for support, friendship, and sharing experiences. We will split into two groups, one for metastatic patients and one for non-metastatic patients." 

 These free meetings on Zoom are held every Tuesday of each month, 7 – 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. 

"Do you have ocular melanoma cancer or are you a new member? Join us to meet other people online" in the OcuMel UK Ocular Melanoma Community Support Group.

These free meetings on Zoom are held on the first Tuesday of every month from 6 – 7 p.m. UK Standard Time. 

"Staffed by community navigators and resource specialists who have extensive experience in helping people affected by cancer. We provide guidance, resources, and support to cancer patients or their loved ones." [...] Over-the-phone translation support in over 200 languages."

1-888-793-9355 [toll-free], Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m and Friday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.. Eastern Standard Time. Both phone support and one-on-one online chats are available during these hours.

"This [free] decision-support counseling program can help you prepare for an appointment in which you will be making a treatment decision. The program is available in English or Spanish for people with any stage of cancer. In a brief 1-hour session [at a select CSC affiliate location or by phone], an Open to Options Specialist can help you develop a personal list of questions and concerns that will help you and your doctor explore your situation and develop the best treatment option for you."

"NCI's Cancer Information Service can help answer your cancer-related questions whether you are a patient, family or friend, health care provider, or researcher. CIS is a free and confidential service. Our trained information specialists provide personalized responses to a range of cancer topics. [...] All services are available in English and Spanish." 

1-800-422-6237 [toll free], Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Both phone support and one-on-one online chats are available during these hours.

"Our team includes a specialized physician assistant to help you navigate through the entire spectrum of care. Our melanoma medical expert can provide accurate answers to a wide range of melanoma questions on a confidential basis. [...] Please send a message through the [online] form or call the toll free number and leave a message [...] You can expect answers within 48 business hours." [Note: This free service includes ocular melanoma. See their webpage for types of non-urgent questions that can be addressed.] 

"Do you have a specific, more medically-based question? If so, you can submit your question to the Melanoma Research Foundation's nurse by email. You can expect a personalized answer from our experienced nurse within 72 hours." [Note: This free service includes ocular melanoma.]