Cancer Lifeline Support Groups & Classes | |
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Register for Classes
& Support Groups
All classes and support groups are FREE for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers.
Click here for a downloadable pdf of our current catalog.
Check out our website for access instructions and current program listings. Don't hesitate to call our Lifeline at 206-297-2500 if you need any assistance!
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Providing Resources for Hope:
A Message from the Executive Director
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Twelve years ago, Cancer Lifeline launched a fundraising campaign in order to realize a special dream of one of our biggest supporters and it was aptly christened “Resources for Hope”. This was the dream of Lynn Behar, our Advisory Council Chair, and a long-time oncology social worker who knew from speaking directly with hundreds of lower-income patients, that financial constraints were keeping many individuals affected by a cancer diagnosis from accessing the care they needed. Many patients, even those with medical insurance, were faced with the difficult choice of spending their limited income on their prescribed treatment protocol and related co-pays OR for paying for some of life’s most basic necessities; groceries, gas to get to treatment, childcare, rent, or utilities.
Lynn and her husband Howard Behar provided the seed funding to launch Cancer Lifeline’s Patient Financial Assistance Fund. Shortly thereafter, Cancer Lifeline started raising restricted Resources for Hope funds to replenish the Patient Financial Assistance Fund (PFAF), to ensure that under-resourced cancer patients won’t have to make a choice between their cancer treatment and buying groceries for their family.
Reflecting on Past Achievements
We were incredibly proud of the success of our first Resources for Hope campaign in 2013 which allowed us to provide desperately needed financial assistance to 89 lower income individuals affected by cancer. Last year, we were able to provide 1,090 individuals with financial assistance. The growth of the program has been phenomenal, but sadly, we are still falling short of helping every individual who applies.
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The impact of the Patient Financial Assistance Fund
Each year we produce a video of at least one recipient of the Patient Financial Assistance Fund. This year we featured Edna, who usually travels on public transportation. However, during her cancer treatment, Edna quickly realized that the local bus ride was exposing her to potential infection at a time when her immune system was weak and was a difficult ride on days when she was feeling ill from her cancer treatments. Click here to view Edna's video.
From our Staff
Over the years, practically every Cancer Lifeline employee has helped administer the Patient Financial Assistance Fund, so I thought it would be illuminating to share some of their most impactful memories of the fund:
“When working as an Oncology Social Worker I was reminded of the great value Cancer Lifeline’s Patient Financial Assistance Fund (PFAF) had for my patients and their families. I knew that the PFAF assistance would ease some of the financial burden living with cancer brings. The relief expressed by patients that there was this financial hope to ease their fears of not being able to cover their electric or gas bills and that their lights would remain on, was immeasurable. Thank you all for your generosity and easing the financial burdens of so many patients.”
Sandi Johnson, LICSW, Current CL Support Group Supervisor
“The Patient Financial Assistance Fund was one of my first responsibilities as a staff member at Cancer Lifeline and it allowed me to deepen my appreciation of the extensive reach of our service to people whose lives are affected by the financial toxicities of a cancer diagnosis. We've continued to streamline the process to make it easier and clearer over time, with each staff member who has held it adding improvements. This year, in my current role of supervising our counseling interns, the interns got involved in calling people who received our financial support to welcome them into our other programs and services. I noticed how each Intern began to really understand the importance of our work and were touched by all that the people who they called shared about their experiences with cancer.”
Pamela Krueger, MA, REAT, LMHC, LMFT, MFA, RYT-200, C.A.G.S. Current CL Clinical Program Director & Expressive Arts Psychotherapist
“One of the most memorable experiences I had while managing the financial assistance program was when I called to inform a client that she had been approved to receive a grant from Cancer Lifeline. She told me that she had been homeless but had moved in with her daughter in her one-room cabin while undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. The money, she explained, would allow her to buy a mattress, as she had been sleeping on the floor.”
Nicole Taylor, CL Program Manager
“One of the clients I was helping said it best, she said simply, I was short on rent, and this check helped me keep a roof over my head.”
Veronica Dalton, CL Patient Financial Assistance Fund Administrator and Exec Assistant
Outstanding Need
Starting on September 18, we embarked on a planned four-week Resources for Hope fundraising campaign to replenish our Patient Financial Assistance Fund for 2025. Due to many challenging circumstances and losses in our community, the campaign is falling short of our goal. We are extending the campaign through Oct 28. If you haven’t done so yet, I hope you will help us with a donation.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE
A Heartfelt Thank You
We honor the generosity and humanitarianism of Lynn & Howard Behar and we share the gratitude of literally thousands of people who have been helped by this program. Lynn is still a tireless advocate for the PFAF and works hard to share the need with her network of family and friends, and she is not alone in this task. Special thanks to the hard-working Board of Directors at Cancer Lifeline, our Resources for Hope committee chair, Peggy Rinne and committee member, Katie Richey, the staff, and many community members and/or Advisory Council members who have helped us raise funds for the PFAF this year. All of these achievements would be impossible to sustain without the unwavering support of our donors, volunteers, sponsors, grantors and other community members. Your dedication and generosity are the driving forces behind our success in helping so many during such a difficult time in their lives.
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From Diagnosis to Hope: Kwami's Journey with Cancer Lifeline | |
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In November 2023, a prostate cancer diagnosis altered the course of one man’s life. Facing late-stage cancer, Kwami was referred by his urologists in Everett, Washington, to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, where he began treatment in January 2024. His treatment plan was intensive, combining androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.
His first encounter with Cancer Lifeline came shortly after his treatment began. In January 2024, he attended a presentation on "Prostate Cancer and Exercise." From there, he explored a variety of programs, including support groups, creative writing workshops, and nutrition classes. These programs not only provided vital information but also offered emotional and mental support through a challenging time.
When it came to financial concerns, seeking help was difficult, requiring a humbling acceptance of vulnerability. Upon learning that he had been awarded a Cancer Lifeline Patient Financial Assistance Fund grant, he felt an overwhelming sense of relief and gratitude. For someone who had been unable to work due to treatment side effects brought on by chemotherapy, the assistance was crucial. The funds helped him cover essential costs like utilities and rent during a particularly tough month.
While the grant provided one-time financial assistance, its impact extended well beyond that initial support. It gave him hope—a reminder that there were people and organizations willing to help in times of need. It also deepened his trust in the compassion and goodness of others.
Looking back, he reflects on what he wishes he had known when he was first diagnosed. He acknowledges that cancer is not just a physical disease; it affects all aspects of life—finances, mental health, and relationships. Having experienced that financial support firsthand, he encourages others not to face cancer alone, and to reach out to Cancer Lifeline for help, resources and to find strength in community.
Read Kwami's full story as well as others by clicking here. Interested in sharing your story with others? Learn more here.
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Monthly Blog: The Importance of Palliative Care | |
 |  | When faced with a serious illness like cancer, it can be physically, emotionally, and mentally challenging—not only for the patient but also for their loved ones. While modern medicine offers a range of treatments aimed at curing or controlling disease, there’s another crucial aspect of care that’s often overlooked: palliative care. Palliative care is comprehensive care designed to provide relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. It is patient- and family-centered care that aims to enhance quality of life, regardless of the patient’s age, diagnosis, or stage of illness. One common misconception is that palliative care is the same as end-of-life care or hospice. While palliative care can include end-of-life support, it is not limited to that phase. In fact, it can be initiated at any stage of a serious illness, even in conjunction with curative treatments. But what exactly does palliative care involve, and how can it help patients and caregivers during these tough times? Read More.
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Get to Know Board of Directors Member Dr. Kim Herner | |
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What sparked your interest in joining Cancer Lifeline’s Board of Directors?
I have known about Cancer Lifeline for the past 15 years. I am a two-time breast cancer survivor and have personally used Cancer Lifeline's services. I am also a family medicine physician.
In that role, I have supported my patients as they received new cancer diagnosis and understand that in addition to medical care it is important to support people with their cancer journey. I recommend Cancer Lifeline's programs to my patients for all of the wonderful opportunities they have to support people with cancer such as support groups, classes, counseling and financial support. I am now at a point in my life where I have time to give back and was excited to see there was an opportunity at Cancer Lifeline and applied to be a board member.
How long have you been volunteering with Cancer Lifeline as a Board Member and what is your role?
I started volunteering in December 2023. I am a Board Director and also participate on the Board Governance Committee. The Governance Committee is focused on recruitment, on-boarding and support of board members to assure we are a strong board to support Cancer Lifeline's mission.
What do you find most fulfilling about serving on the Board of Directors?
I am excited to support the mission of Cancer Lifeline to optimize the quality of life of all patients living with cancer. I enjoy working with the other board members and Cancer Lifeline team to assure that we are providing the resources that people who have cancer need to live their lives fully.
How has your life been affected by cancer?
I am a two-time breast cancer survivor. I never thought I was going to get cancer. When I heard the Doctor tell me that I had cancer, it was hard for me to hear anything else that was said after that. During and after the whirlwind of tests, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, I felt I needed something more. My team had given me a Cancer Lifeline flyer, and I started participating in yoga for people with cancer and other classes. I found a sense of community. After 12 years, I was shocked to find out I had a new breast cancer. And like the first time, I participated in Cancer lifeline classes. I now share my story with others who have been newly diagnosed with breast cancer to offer support. I find that one on one connection to support other individuals has been satisfying. I am excited to be on the board of Cancer Lifeline and assure support opportunities are available for the community.
What do you see as the biggest needs cancer patients and caregivers have?
Although the stigma of having a cancer diagnosis has improved, many people do not always feel comfortable sharing their diagnosis with others. Cancer Lifeline is a safe space for people and their caregivers to talk, write, and use other creative expressions about their experiences, participate in group activities like nutrition, cooking, and exercise programs in person or virtually, receive financial support and behavioral health counseling. I think the sense of community is one of the best supports that Cancer Lifeline provides.
Please tell us about your “Day Job”.
I am the medical director for medical services at Neighborcare Health. Neighborcare Health is a community healthcare clinic network whose mission is to provide comprehensive health care to families and individuals who have difficulty accessing care; respond with sensitivity to the needs of our culturally diverse patients; and advocate and work with others to improve the overall health status of the communities we serve. I support the primary care teams and partner with behavioral health and dental services to provide whole person integrated care to our patients. I am new to the organization and am energized by everyone's mission driven focus to serve the community. I find the mission of my "day job" and the mission of my volunteer work with Cancer Lifeline have the similarity in supporting people to live their lives fully understanding that there is more to health than medical treatment.
Tell us something about yourself that you’d like to share in general.
I am a big baseball fan and have a goal to attend games at all the major league ball parks. I am about halfway through, including some minor league teams as well.
Join our exceptional board! We continuously welcome new members. Learn more here.
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Welcome to our New Interns | |
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Mandah Gombosuren
Mandah recently completed her master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from the Seattle Pacific University and is currently advancing her expertise through a final internship in Medical Family Therapy. Originally from Mongolia, she brings a rich cultural background and is fluent in Mongolian, Russian, English, and Japanese.
She is a proud mother of two teenagers. Over the past two years, she has had the privilege of serving as a clinical MFT intern at a private practice, where she provided psychotherapy to individuals, couples, families, teenagers, and children. This role has been profoundly enriching, allowing her to connect with diverse clients, hear their unique stories, and refine my therapeutic skills in a professional setting. Additionally, she gained invaluable experience working as a chaplain intern for nine months at a VA hospital.
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Eli Katzman
Eli is a clinical counseling intern who is studying for his Master of Clinical Social Work from Smith College. He is a white, Jewish, cis-gendered man.
Eli integrates his understanding of macro-level forces into his practice as context to holistically work with individual psychological needs. Eli believes each client is the expert of their own life and sees his therapist role as a collaborator- to work with the client to reach their stated goals.
Eli is looking forward to being at Cancer Lifeline because he believes mental health and whole-person wellbeing are inseparable. He is proud to join an organization that can offer counseling alongside support groups, wellness classes, and financial support. Eli is excited to work with Cancer Lifeline’s clients - he is intrigued by the relational and life changes that cancer begets and how to assist clients in navigating these challenges. Eli is curious about and invested in expanding the reach of Cancer Lifeline’s services to communities of all backgrounds, races, and socioeconomic status.
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Lizzy Palmquist
Lizzy is pursuing a Master of Science in Marriage & Family Therapy and a certification in Medical Family Therapy from Seattle Pacific University. She received her Bachelor's of Science in Psychology and Women's, Gender, & Sexuality Studies from the University of Oregon. When she is not working with clients or writing papers for class, she enjoys spending time walking her dog and trying out Seattle's never-ending supply of coffee shops.
Lizzy has been a Cancer Lifeline Intern since May and has enjoyed being able to work with the diverse array of clients Cancer Lifeline serves. She is excited to continue practicing with clients as the year progresses and hopes to gain more experience serving those facing chronic illness in therapy settings.
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We're more than halfway through our Resources for Hope fundraiser, but we still need your help to reach our goal of raising $530,000! This fundraiser supports Cancer Lifeline's Patient Financial Assistance Fund, a vital resource for low-income cancer patients struggling to cover basic expenses during treatment. In 2023, we provided financial grants to 1,090 patients, helping them with rent, mortgage, food, transportation, medical co-pays, and other essential needs.
Your support is critical in ensuring we can continue providing this crucial safety net for those who need it most. Every donation brings us closer to our goal! Click here to donate or click the button below.
On behalf of all the cancer patients who have experienced financial and emotional relief through the Patient Financial Assistance Fund, THANK YOU!
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In a few weeks, Cancer Lifeline joins many in our community by celebrating Dia de los Muertos or the Day of the Dead. This is a lovely multi-day Mexican holiday in which friends, family and communities come together to celebrate and remember the lives of loved ones who have passed. Day of the Dead traditions are joyous and lively; nothing about this holiday is meant to be somber.
Our team comes together to create a communal ofrenda (altar) full of photos, personal mementos, flowers, candles and iconography befitting the occasion and we take the time to share stories of those in the images we share of the friends, families and clients who have died.
Creating a Día de los Muertos ofrenda is a meaningful way to honor the lives of loved ones who have passed and can often help with the grief process.
Here are the essential steps to build an ofrenda in your home:
- Choose a location. Find a space in your home where the ofrenda will be set up. It can be a small table, shelf, or larger area, depending on how elaborate you'd like it to be.
- Set the levels. Traditional ofrendas are built on multiple levels, usually two or three.
- Add a tablecloth or covering.
- Add photos of loved ones. The heart of the ofrenda is the photos of loved ones who have passed. Place these on the top level of the altar to honor them.
- Add personal belongings or favorite items of the deceased, such as a book, or an object they cherished.
- Place the favorite meals, snacks, or beverages of the deceased as an offering. Traditional offerings also include Pan de Muerto and sugar skulls.
- Include marigolds (Cempasúchil) which are known as the "flowers of the dead" and are believed to guide spirits to the altar.
- Place candles throughout the altar, especially in front of photos.
- Decorate the altar with Papel Picado, brightly colored paper cutouts that represent the fragility of life and the presence of wind and spirit.
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A Fall Recipe Favorite- Perfect Pecan Pie | |
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My mom created this updated version of the pecan pie her mother used to make when she was growing up in South Carolina. It has everything you’d expect: a thick and gooey filling but not overly sweet. It’s still delicious, just healthier. Pecans are the most antioxidant-rich tree nut-which includes antioxidant vitamins E and A. Makes 8 servings
1/2 cups whole pecans– to decorate top of pie
1 3/4 cups pecans
3⁄4 cup maple syrup (or agave, honey, brown rice syrup or date syrup)
1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 tablespoons ground flaxseed meal or chia seeds
1⁄4 cup unsweetened or vanilla milk (preferably soy, coconut, or oat)
1 tablespoon extra-virgin coconut or safflower oil
¼ teaspoon sea salt
2 tablespoons whole wheat or oat flour (or other preferred flour)
Optional: (9-inch) whole-grain pie crust
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a food processor, add 1 cup pecans and process until a coarse meal is formed. Lightly chop the remaining 3/4 cup of pecans
In a large bowl, combine the maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, flaxseed meal or chia, milk, oil, and salt. Allow to sit for a minute to let the flax or chia absorb the milk.
Add the ground pecans along with the 1 cup chopped to the wet mixture, stir well.
Stir in 1 tablespoon of the flour. You want the batter to be thick, but still loose enough to pour so depending on the flour you use, you may want to use a little more.
Pour the batter into the prepared pie crust. OR, for bars, heavily oil an 8x8 baking dish. Pour batter into the pan.
Arrange the remaining whole pecans on top to look nice.
Bake for 45 minutes or until golden and firm with a very small amount of wiggle in the middle. Don’t try to wait until it is completely solid as this may cause it to over-bake.
Let cool completely to firmly set.
*Recipe adapted from Tracye McQuirter, author of Ageless Vegan.
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Sponsor Spotlight: RBC Wealth Management | |
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On behalf of Cancer Lifeline and the cancer patients we support, we extend our deepest gratitude to the staff at RBC Wealth Management for their generous sponsorship for our 2024 Resources for Hope fundraising campaign. We also congratulate them for being rated as one of the Best Wealth Management firms!
RBC's commitment to our mission allows us to provide critical financial assistance to those facing the overwhelming costs and challenges of having cancer. With your support, we can continue to make a meaningful impact in our community, offering hope and relief to patients and their families during some of the most difficult times of their lives.
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Our Sponsors Make it Possible
Cancer Lifeline is grateful for the leadership and support of the following sponsors:
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Cancer Lifeline thanks myMDadvocate and Dr. Susan Baumgaertel for her ongoing support. myMDadvocate is a virtual consultation service serving patients as an advocate, guide, advisor, coach, resource, consultant, collaborator, educator, navigator, and partner.
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We are grateful for the support of the Fred Hutch Cancer Center on so many levels - for our current Board Director Reetu Ghumman who is on staff at FH, and for their continued sponsorship! | |
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We began our formal hospital partnership with Overlake Medical Center in September of 2017, but our relationship reaches back to 2004 when Cancer Lifeline had office space in Bellevue. We are very grateful for Overlake's ongoing support. | |
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We thank Genentech for their ongoing sponsorship. While this biotechnology corporation is committed to advancing science for the greater good, they are also committed to supporting our local cancer community. | |
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Thank you to The Commerce Bank for their ongoing support of Cancer Lifeline. Since 1988, The Commerce Bank of Washington has enriched local businesses with highly personalized banking from local, experienced bankers dedicated to long-term relationships. | |
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Thank you to Jennifer Evans and her Farmers Insurance agency for their ongoing support of Cancer Lifeline. With over 25 years in the insurance industry, Jennifer has the knowledge and experience to help clients better understand insurance coverage options- whether that's auto, home, life, commercial and more! | |
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Cancer Lifeline thanks wealth advisor, D A Davidson as a sponsor. Our thanks to Advisory Board Member Jane Caron for her leadership.
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Thank you to Pathstone for their ongoing support of Cancer Lifeline. Pathstone is an independently owned and operated wealth management firm serving multi-generational families with complex needs. | |
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We have counted on ROI Technology Inc. to keep us safe, secure and active on the internet since 2015. Cancer Lifeline salutes ROI Technology for their ongoing support in 2024.
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One of Cancer Lifeline's hospital partners, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has locations in both downtown Seattle and Federal Way. Cancer Lifeline is grateful for Virginia Mason's continued sponsorship of our events.
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Freestone Capital, an independent wealth and advisory firm, returns this year as a sponsor. Our thanks to former Cancer Lifeline Board Director, Bobby Gentry. | |
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One Dog Media helps businesses with website design that reinforce brand identity, e-commerce solutions, graphic design and more. We thank Lisa Oliver, in-kind sponsor, for this important work that allows us to reach and stay connected with the people we serve. | |
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Cancer Lifeline thanks Windermere Foundation for their support. Windermere Foundations commitment to building thriving communities has helped them grow into one of the largest and most respected real estate brands in the country, with more than 300 offices and 7,000 agents throughout the Western U.S. and Mexico.
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Thank you to Seattle Children’s for their ongoing support of Cancer Lifeline. Seattle Children's provides patient care, advance new discoveries and treatments through pediatric research and they serve as the pediatric and adolescent academic medical center for Washington, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho – the largest region of any children’s hospital in the country!
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Thank You To Our Grantors | | | | |
