FAQs
Answers to all your questions about receiving or giving support.
Knowing there are others who truly understand what you’re going through can help you feel supported, less alone, and empowered to face the emotional, physical, and practical challenges that cancer presents.
Requesting a Peer Mentor FAQs
Who is eligible for services?
Cancer Hope Network serves adult patients and their caregivers.
Is there a cost to receive support from a Cancer Hope Network mentor?
No, Cancer Hope Network’s peer mentor support services are completely free of charge.
How does it work?
You can learn more about our process here.
What is a Cancer Hope Network Peer Mentor?
A Cancer Hope Network Peer Mentor is a trained volunteer who has personally experienced cancer or cared for someone with cancer. Peer Mentors provide emotional support, guidance, and understanding to individuals currently navigating a cancer diagnosis or caregiving journey. Whether you’re a patient or caregiver, a Peer Mentor offers a compassionate, relatable connection to help you feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Once I am matched with a mentor, how will we connect?
Once you’re matched with a mentor, they will reach out to you directly, typically via phone. Your conversations can continue over the phone, or if you both prefer, you can connect via email, text message, or video chat. Every person is different, just like every cancer experience, so our structure is intentionally flexible to ensure you receive support how and when you need it most.
How do I know if this is right for me?
We’re here to answer your questions. Want to talk through your specific situation? Our Programs Team is available at 877-HOPENET. Additionally, see what others have said about their experience with Cancer Hope Network, here.
Becoming a Peer Mentor FAQs
By volunteering your time and experience as a Cancer Hope Network mentor, you can offer hope and support to someone navigating cancer or caregiving. Whether you’re a cancer survivor or have cared for a loved one with cancer, your story and compassion can be a lifeline for someone else.
As a mentor, you’ll receive free training and be matched with individuals seeking support. Through shared experience, you’ll provide empathy, understanding, and encouragement that builds trust and offers meaningful connection.
What are the requirements to become a Peer Mentor?
Survivor mentors:
Individuals who have experienced a cancer diagnosis and are at least one year out of active treatment or currently receiving maintenance therapy with a stable medical condition.
Caregiver mentors:
Those who have provided care for a loved one with cancer and are at least one year removed from that caregiving experience.
What kind of training will I receive?
All survivor mentors undergo comprehensive training that includes best practices for providing emotional support, maintaining boundaries, and communicating effectively with mentees. Cancer Hope Network is dedicated to providing our Peer Mentors with ongoing training and engagement opportunities.
Do I need experience in all types of cancer or previous mentorship to become a mentor?
No, you do not need experience in all types of cancer or prior mentorship experience to become a mentor. We will match you with individuals who share a similar cancer journey to your own, ensuring your personal experience aligns with their needs. Free training is provided to prepare you for your mentorship role.
What is the time commitment?
The time commitment depends on the needs of your mentees and can vary. We ask that mentors be available for regular communication, but you and your mentee can set a schedule that works best for both of you. Our team is here to support you throughout the process, helping to ensure the experience is manageable and fulfilling for both you and your mentee.
How will I connect with my mentee?
You will typically connect with your mentee via phone, with the option to continue communication through email, text message, or video chat, if both of you prefer. Every person’s needs are different, and our flexible structure ensures you can provide support in a way that works for both of you.
How can I apply or learn more about becoming a Cancer Hope Network Peer Mentor?
Complete the Peer Mentor inquiry form to connect with our team, who will be happy to answer any questions you have and guide you through the process of becoming a mentor.
Hopeful Hearts Program FAQs
What is the Hopeful Hearts Program?
Hopeful Hearts is a free, one-on-one peer mentorship program specifically for parents and guardians of pediatric cancer patients. The program connects families with trained peer mentors who have gone through a similar experience, providing emotional support, practical advice, and hope.
How do I connect with a Hopeful Hearts Peer Mentor?
Parents or guardians of pediatric cancer patients can sign up by visiting Cancer Hope Network’s website or contacting the Hopeful Hearts team directly. From there, you’ll be matched with a peer mentor based on your unique situation and needs.
Who are the mentors in the program?
Our peer mentors are parents or guardians who have cared for a child with cancer. They are carefully selected and trained by Cancer Hope Network to provide support, share experiences, and offer practical guidance.
Is there a cost to participate in the Hopeful Hearts Program?
No, the program is completely free. Cancer Hope Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support to cancer patients and their families at no cost.
How long will I have access to a peer mentor?
There is no time limit on the support you can receive. Hopeful Hearts offers flexible, short- or long-term mentorship, whether you need ongoing support or just assistance during certain stages of your child’s cancer journey.
Can I choose my mentor?
Mentors are matched based on a variety of factors, including your child’s diagnosis, treatment plan, age, and any specific challenges you’re facing. While you won’t choose your mentor directly, we ensure the best possible match to meet your needs.
What kind of support can I expect from my mentor?
Mentors provide emotional support, practical advice on caregiving, tips on managing medical appointments, and guidance on navigating the healthcare system. They can also help with coping strategies and share resources for families dealing with pediatric cancer.
How is Hopeful Hearts different from other peer support programs?
Many peer support programs are offered exclusively through individual pediatric cancer hospitals and may only be available to patients treated at those facilities. Hopeful Hearts is open to all parents and guardians, regardless of where their child is receiving treatment, and is accessible nationwide.
What if my child has finished treatment?
The Hopeful Hearts Program offers support not only during treatment but also after, helping parents navigate survivorship, late effects, and ongoing emotional challenges related to their child’s cancer experience.
Can I become a mentor?
Yes! If you are a parent or guardian who has cared for a child with cancer, have completed one year of survivorship, and are interested in helping others, you can apply to become a Hopeful Hearts mentor. Mentors undergo free training to ensure they can provide the highest level of support.
CHN En Español FAQs
What is the CHN En Español Peer Mentorship program, and how does it work?
The CHN En Español Peer Mentorship program connects Spanish-speaking individuals diagnosed with cancer to Spanish-speaking mentors who experienced similar challenges during their cancer journey, are at least one-year post-treatment, and have completed our Peer Mentor training program. CHN En Español Peer Mentors provide culturally and linguistically appropriate emotional support, information, and guidance.
How can I access a mentor who speaks Spanish?
To access a Spanish-speaking mentor, simply reach out to Cancer Hope Network, and we will match you with a trained mentor who can communicate in your language.
How long does the mentorship program last?
The duration of the mentor/mentee relationship can vary based on the mentee’s needs and the agreement between the mentor and mentee. The mentorship relationship can last as long as necessary and can be tailored to your pace and requirements.
Is there any cost associated with the mentorship program?
No, the CHN En Español mentorship program is completely free for cancer patients and their caregivers. Our goal is to provide support without any financial barriers.
Can I become a mentor?
Yes! Spanish-speaking cancer survivors must be at least one year out of active treatment or currently receiving maintenance therapy with a stable medical condition and caregivers must be at least one year out of actively caring for a loved one to become a CHN En Español Peer Mentor volunteer. If you are interested in helping others, we hope you will apply to become a mentor. Mentors undergo free training to ensure they can provide the highest level of support.
Becoming a TACT Mentor FAQs
What is the TACT Program?
The TACT (Talking About Clinical Trials) Program is designed for individuals who have participated in clinical trials as patients and are passionate about supporting others considering or currently participating in clinical trials. Through this program, mentors offer emotional support, share personal insights, and help demystify the clinical trial process for mentees.
Who can become a TACT Mentor?
TACT Mentors are cancer survivors who have personally participated in a clinical trial. They must meet the standard criteria for becoming a Cancer Hope Network mentor, including being at least one year out of active treatment or currently receiving maintenance therapy with a stable medical condition.
What kind of training will I receive as a TACT Mentor?
All TACT Mentors receive specialized training focused on the clinical trial experience. This training covers key topics such as communicating effectively about clinical trials, addressing common misconceptions, maintaining boundaries, and providing emotional support. Mentors also participate in Cancer Hope Network’s comprehensive mentor training program.
Do I need a specific type of clinical trial experience to become a TACT Mentor?
No, your personal experience – whether you were part of a treatment trial, prevention study, or observational research – provides valuable insight to mentees. We’ll match you with individuals whose needs align with your unique clinical trial journey.
Will I need to provide medical advice or expertise?
No, mentors are not medical professionals and should never provide medical advice or attempt to guide a mentee’s medical decisions. As a TACT Mentor, your role is to offer emotional support, share your personal experiences, and encourage mentees to consult their healthcare team for any medical questions or decisions related to clinical trials.
How can I apply to become a TACT Mentor?
Complete the Mentor Inquiry Form on our website, and our team will guide you through the application and training process. If you’re ready to share your clinical trial experience and help others navigate their own journey, we’d love to have you join our team!
