The diagnosis of a serious illness like mesothelioma can be devastating for patients, their friends and their families. Fear, denial, anger and grief are just some of the emotions that may surface all at once. Where can you turn if you or someone you love is trying to cope with the difficulty of being a mesothelioma patient?

Fortunately, Mesothelioma support groups provide help by sharing resources for patients and their family. The following resources offer support for mesothelioma patients and other types of cancer as well as their families and friends.

Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF)

MARF is a national organization that provides up-to-date information regarding mesothelioma treatments.

Association of Cancer Online Resources (ACOR)

An excellent resource for victims of all types of cancer. ACOR offers online support in the form of e-mail lists, real-time chat and links to other support sites.

Alliance for Lung Cancer, Advocacy, Support and Education Support Groups (ALCASE)

Provides support for cancer patients and their families, including online communities with discussion groups, a buddy support system and inspirational stories of people living with cancer.

CancerCare

A national nonprofit organization that provides free professional support services to people with cancer, caregivers, children, loved ones and the bereaved.

Cancer Information and Counseling Line (CICL)

A nationally recognized telephone counseling program affiliated with AMC Cancer Research Center in Denver, Colorado. To reach the hotline, call 1-800-525-3777 (or 303-239-3422 within the Denver Metro area), Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Gilda's Club

Provides social and emotional support to cancer patients and their families and friends, with an emphasis on living with cancer. Gilda's Club is named in honor of comedian Gilda Radner, who died of ovarian cancer in 1989.

Hospice Education Institute

HOSPICELINK, a service of the nonprofit Hospice Education Institute, is a computerized database of all hospice care programs in the United States. Call toll-free 1-800-331-1620 for referrals to hospice and palliative care programs, as well as general information about hospice care.

I Can Cope

An educational program of the American Cancer Society for people facing cancer, either personally or as a caregiver. Classes are available in many communities as well as online.

Look Good... Feel Better

A free program that helps improve the self-image, appearance, and quality of life of people undergoing cancer treatment. Originally a program for women, LGFB now includes programs for men and teens.

Stories of Hope

The American Cancer Society presents inspirational stories of people whose lives have been touched by cancer.

Taking Charge of Money Matters

This workshop, offered by the American Cancer Society, addresses money issues that typically arise during and after cancer treatment.

The Wellness Community (TWC)

An international nonprofit organization that provides education and resources to people affected by cancer.