These 6 Organizations Help Those Struggling With Chronic Illness

Many people who struggle with chronic illness are in and out of hospitals, treatment centers, and clinics. They often need financial assistance with health insurance and hospital bills. But most of all, they want to feel normal. 

Many organizations support individuals feeling alone and isolated in their illness. We highlighted some nonprofits doing fantastic work to provide the necessary support to those struggling with their health.

Share Self-Help for Women with Breast or Ovarian Cancers, Inc.

New York, NY

SHARE is a nonprofit organization that supports women with breast cancer by providing general information and peer support. They manage a multilingual toll-free helpline, support groups, educational, and public health initiatives. All programs are free of charge and are based in metropolitan New York, although their hotline and educational resources reach women worldwide.  

“I have been going to the SHARE Self-help group for about 3 years. I’m a busy mom to 3 kids, but I try to keep my second Thursday evening of every month free, to allow myself some SHARE time. I look forward to our meetings, because everyone there is very welcoming. I learned a lot about breast cancer treatment options, the latest research topics on cancer, and how to be stronger inside and out. This is one of the few places that I feel comfortable talking about my struggles with breast cancer. My only regret is that I didn’t find SHARE sooner. My hope is that more people will have access to SHARE.”- SusanofQueens

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation, Inc.

Avon, CT

This nonprofit foundation is devoted to helping those with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, a rare genetic congenital disability. The foundation provides personal support to individuals with this condition, as well as family service support lines, national conferences, and family gatherings across the nation. They serve around 5,300 individuals with this diagnosis and related conditions per year. 

“In a time of need, when all else failed to offer support and comfort, the Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation was there for us. We reached out to them expressing our feelings of helplessness and despair. In them, we found the resources, support and sympathy that uplifted our hearts in feeling a sense of hope. It was through their prompt response, knowledge, professionalism and, above all, their sensitive attitude that we regained the strength needed to deal with our situation.” – Writer

Patient Airlift Services 

Farmingdale, NY

Patient Airlift Services (PALS) is a nonprofit aviation organization that organizes flights for individuals who need medical treatment. They support families and military personnel around the US and have organized over 23,000 flights since they founded in 2010.  

“All I can say is that PALS is an absolute true blessing to our family. Honestly I can’t imagine doing our journey with our daughter without them. We have had the most amazing experience flying back and forth from Rochester NY to Boston Children’s Hospital for treatments for our 1 year old daughter. Not only have they done this multiple times they all are the kindest people with the biggest hearts. Thank you thank you PALs for making this hard journey a little easier! We are so grateful.” -Gia N.

Gracie’s Gowns, Inc.

Ruther Glen, VA

Gracie’s Gowns handmakes unique hospital gowns for children who are chronically ill at little to no cost. They send their gowns across all 50 states and even to countries worldwide. Their mission is to give kids something fun and personal to wear during hard times. 

“When being in the hospital for another admission becomes your life you try to make the best of it… But every time you go in you lose a little of yourself, you lose a little more dignity. When Gracies Gowns came into our lives it wasn’t just a gown or something to wear at another admission, it was dignity. Jessica gave my daughter back a piece of her life that had been chipped away more and more with each admission.” – AmandaJ.4

Good Days

Frisco, TX

Good Days helps individuals with chronic illnesses who are uninsured to afford the medications they need. This nonprofit provides financial support by covering the cost of doctor visits and medication. In some cases, they help those suffering to pay health insurance premiums. Since 2003, Good Days has helped 500,000 people gain access to healthcare. 

“Being diagnosed with a life altering diagnosis can be extremely difficult, but obtaining the medication you need to thrive and overcome that diagnosis shouldn’t be. The team at Good Days does everything they can to make that hill easier to climb, not just with financial help but with a true care and compassion for the members under their care.” -JLRosa