Glioblastoma Patient, Caretaker and Family Resources
A glioblastoma (GBM) diagnosis can be overwhelming for patients, families, and caregivers. To support you throughout this challenging journey, we have compiled a comprehensive collection of trusted resources, organized by category for easy navigation. Whether you are looking for education and medical guidance, financial assistance, support groups, caregiver and family resources, nutrition and daily living support, mental health and grief support, hospice and end-of-life care, or legal and future planning resources, our goal is to connect you with reliable information and compassionate support. These resources are designed to help you navigate every stage of the GBM journey and empower you with the tools, knowledge, and community needed along the way.
Education & Medical Advice
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American Cancer Society Access to Clinical Trials
A free U.S. based program from the American Cancer Society in which patients fill out a short form and they use an AI algorithm to match them with a personalized clinical trial.
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Johns Hopkins Brain Tumor Clinical Trials
A website with a list of open Johns Hopkins clinical trials for a variety of brain cancer types (first time patients, a returning tumor after treatment, and other cancers that have spread to the brain).
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National Brain Tumor Society Clinical Trial Finder
A website with a short questionnaire that uses AI to find and rank the best fitting clinical trials close to patient location.
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myTomorrows
A website in which patients can input their type of cancer and country and it will provide relevant clinical trials; also offers a free option to search for personalized trials (although this requires a call with a representative and an AI search).
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Mayo Clinic Brain Tumor Clinical Trials
List of current clinical trials conducted by Mayo Clinic, with option to filter further by patient location, status, etc.
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American Association of Neurological Surgeons Database
A searchable database of AANS-certified neurosurgeons with location and specialty filters.
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NCI-Designated Cancer Centers
A list of all NCI-designated Cancer Centers, which means that the National Cancer Institute has confirmed that they uphold the highest standard of cancer treatment and care — these are more likely to have experienced and knowledgeable surgeons.
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American Brain Tumor Association: Find a Brain Tumor Treatment Center
A searchable database of ABTA-certified brain cancer treatment centers, with additional information about the annual number of patients treated, specialized procedures and technologies offered, additional available supportive services, etc.
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University of Michigan Brain Tumor Treatment Guide
A guide on how to approach treatment after being diagnosed with brain cancer and what to look for in neurosurgeons and how to find them.
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Cancer Commons Brain Cancer Support and Solutions Alliance
An online resource to help patients and caregivers figure out care options; it provides one-on-one support and makes a personalized plan to help patients find and receive the best tests/treatments for their unique situation
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Pact Ai
The first AI-driven patient and caregiver-first clinical trial recruitment and navigation engine. Find trials tailored to your unique medical history.
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Ivy Brain Tumor Center
The Ivy Center's patient navigation program is committed to empowering individuals facing brain tumors to make informed decisions and receive the comprehensive care they deserve. Ivy Navigators serve as guides and advocates, helping patients and their families navigate the complex journey of diagnosis, treatment and recovery. From the moment of diagnosis, our navigators offer unwavering support, ensuring patients have the necessary resources and information.
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The American Cancer Society Questions to Ask Your Care Team
It’s important for you to be able to have honest, open discussions with your cancer care team. Ask any question, no matter how small it might seem. Here are some you might want to ask, but be sure to add your own questions as you think of them.
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State Cancer Profiles
A resource created by the Cancer.gov website and NIH cancer institute to view incident rates in specific US state or counties.
Financial Support
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Path to Hope-Understanding Government Assistance Programs for Brain Cancer Patients
An explainer article on how to understand and use government assistance programs to help afford brain cancer treatment; also have a Path to Relief fund, which offers limited financial support for people diagnosed with primary malignant brain tumors.
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Dollar For
A quick screening tool to check if you are eligible for financial assistance at your hospital. Dollar For helps you apply for financial assistance from your hospital.
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American Brain Tumor Association Financial Assistance
A list of a variety of financial assistance resources, including ABTA’s own application, and additional resources for travel, prescription drugs, lodging, brain tumor-specific, cancer-specific, general medical funding, child/adolescent brain cancer funding and more.
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National Brain Tumor Society Financial Assistance
A list of a variety of financial assistance resources, including general assistance, federal and state programs, medication assistance, food assistance, funding for biomarker testing, and funding for children and adolescents with brain cancer, including college scholarships; also resources for families and caregivers.
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CancerCare Financial Assistance
Limited financial aid to cover treatment-related costs like co-pays, transportation, home care, and child care, as well as a link to the Helping Hand Online Financial Resource Database, which provides more options/information.
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Mission4Maureen
Financial aid application for up to three bills with no more than $1,500 per application; provides rent, mortgages, utilities, car repairs, treatment costs, etc.
U.S. only, with priority given to applicants in northeast Ohio
All ages (pediatric & adult)
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End Brain Cancer
A list of travel and financial resources, from free flights/rides to treatments to support for families of patients.
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Glenn Garcelon Foundation
The Glenn Garcelon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which exists to improve the quality of life of brain tumor survivors, caregivers and their families by providing emotional and financial support.
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Path to Hope - Path to Relief fund
Offers limited financial support for people diagnosed with primary malignant brain tumors.
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Go with the Good Foundation
Go with the Good Foundation supports young adults with Glioblastoma or an advanced brain tumor diagnosis and their immediate families with financial assistance and resources to focus on care, treatment, and quality of life. They also assist with tuition and scholarships for children impacted by a brain cancer diagnosis.
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Accessia Health
Accessia Health helps patients with rare and chronic conditions afford the treatments they need. Through financial assistance, copay support, and personalized resources, we remove barriers to care and improve access to life-changing therapies.
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The Bryan Latten Foundation
The Bryan Latten Foundation's mission is to provide financial assistance to individuals and families who have lost a family member to cancer or have a family member with a terminal diagnosis.
Support Groups
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American Brain Tumor Association
A list of intermittent and regularly-meeting support groups for brain tumor patients, families, and caregivers that people can filter by location, format (in-person/online), age, language, and population, as well as a list of upcoming meetings.
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NBTS Brain Tumor Support Conversations
Two online support groups meeting on the evening of the third Sunday of each month for brain tumor patients facilitated by trained NBTS Peer Facilitators.
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Johns Hopkins Support Groups
A list of support groups for brain cancer patients, families, and caregivers.
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HopeWELL Cancer Support
HopeWell Cancer Support offers free support groups, wellness classes, expressive arts, grief support, and educational programs for people with cancer, survivors, caregivers, and families, helping individuals navigate the emotional and social challenges of cancer in a welcoming community.
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Path to Hope Patient Perspectives
Patient and survivor support group on the first Thursday of each month at 6 pm CST.
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UCSF Brain Tumor Support Group
Support group on the first Wednesday of each month at 5 pm PT for patients, families, and caregivers; also another peer-led support group for young adults with brain tumors too.
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Path to Hope Caregiver Conversations
Support group for current caregivers on Zoom on the second Thursday of each month at 6 pm CST.
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NBTS Caregiver Support Conversations
Support group for current caregivers on the first Monday of each month at 7 pm EST.
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CancerCare Brain Tumor Caregiver Support Groups
Support group for people ages 20-39 who have someone they love diagnosed with cancer — online 24 hour message board led by an oncology social worker.
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Dana Farber Cancer Institute Young Adult Caregiver Peer Program: Partners/Spouses
Support group for partners/spouses of young adult patients (18-early 40s) over Zoom
-Need to call DFCI for permission to join if not a DFCI patient/family
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Fighting Cancer Today
Fighting Cancer Today provides support groups, comfort kits and financial services to the cancer community. Therapeutic Tuesday support group is held the first Tuesday of every other month and provides individuals with a safe space to navigate their emotions while fighting cancer. Comfort Kits, which are personalized and include items to help support and comfort families through this journey, are sent to cancer patients and caregivers. Financial support aid for cancer patients and caregivers with transportation assistance in the form of rides and fuel cards and aid for utilities.
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Inheritance of Hope
Inheritance of Hope (IoH) is a national charity with the mission of inspiring hope in young families facing the loss of a parent. Hope at home offers hour long support groups for GBM specific support, grief, loss, and much more.
Hospice, Pallative & End of Life Care
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NBTS Palliative Care Guide
Guide on what palliative care is and the different types of care for patients with brain cancer.
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ABTA End of Life Care Guide
Guide on what end of life care looks like for brain cancer patients, caregivers, and families, including advanced care planning, a webinar on whether to continue treatment or not and how to discuss that with doctors, and hospice care.
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National Alliance for Care at Home
A database of more than 10,000 home care and hospice agencies in the U.S., with a brief information page on each one.
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CaringInfo
A program by the National Alliance for Care at Home with resources and guides for people taking care of loved ones impacted by a serious illness, including detailed information on palliative care, advance directives, and hospice care.
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National Cancer Institute: End of Life Care
A guide on what end of life care looks like for those with cancer; more focused on how to navigate actual process rather than legal elements, which can be found in the ABTA guide above.
Grief, Mental Health & Emotional Support
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NBTS: Anticipatory Grief in the Brain Tumor Community
Guide on navigating anticipatory grief as a patient or loved one with coping strategies/tips.
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ABTA: Facing End of Life Together: Guidance and Support for Brain Tumor Patients and Families
Guide on navigating and preparing for grief, as well as additional resources/links at the end.
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Helping Young Hearts Heal: A Guide to Grief Support for Children
Article about different kinds of grief, how children grieve, and how to support children who are grieving.
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Grieve Leave
At Grieve Leave, we’re on a mission to make grief a normal thing to talk about. Together, we’re building a world where everyone’s grief is seen and heard, and it’s no longer something to avoid because it’s scary to talk about. By bringing people together, both virtually and in person, Grieve Leave provides a platform to share experiences of loss and reduce the sense of isolation. Grieve Leave shares resources, stories, and a healthy dose of humor, ensuring that people have the support and insights they need for their grief journey. Grieve Leave was founded by Rebecca Feinglos, whose mother died of a glioblastoma.
Caregiver Resources
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UCSF Brain Tumor Center: Caregiver Resources
Database with links to UCSF manuals on introductions to caregiving, dealing with transitions in care, an archive of UCSF caregiving newsletters, and links to videos on a variety of topics including a caregiving panel discussion, exercise and self-compassion for caregivers, and how to safely care for a loved one at home
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ABTA Caregiving Support
ABTA offers several resources for caregivers, including a CareLine people can call for caregiving questions and resources and a mentor matching service that pairs adult caregivers with a mentor who’s been through a similar situation.
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Family Caregiver Alliance
Offers a variety of resources for caregivers, including information/tips on caregiving, a list of services in each state, support groups (in-person in some states and virtual), events and classes, and CareNav (a personalized dashboard with information for a caregiver’s specific needs).
Children & Family Support
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NBTS: Children, Teens, and Young Adult Resources
A list of a variety of resources for children and teens/young adults who have either been diagnosed with or affected by a sibling or parent’s brain tumor diagnosis.
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Calm Waters
Offers resources to help children and families in central Oklahoma in their grief journey, including grief trainings and support groups (which are both free).
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Bright Spot Network
An organization providing free support, programs, and resources for parents with cancer and their children; includes virtual support groups, a small grant program, and connections/activities for kids.
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Pickles Group
Pickles provides free peer-to-peer support and resources to kids who are impacted by their parent or guardian’s cancer. They offer pickles family support kits, parent webinars, resources and a virtual youth program.
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Camp Kesem
Kesem offers a broad range of free programs and services to support children affected by a parent's cancer. Their flagship program, Camp Kesem is a free, week-long overnight summer camp experience, designed specifically for children ages 6 to 18 who are impacted by a parent's cancer. There are currently 120+ chapters in 40+ states.
Nutrition, Wellness & Daily Living
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UCSF Brain Tumor Center: Living Well with Brain Cancer: Cognitive Strategies
Free manual on the best approaches to increase cognitive wellness and manage symptoms for those with brain cancer.
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Path to Hope: Daily Living with a Brain Tumor
Guide to managing daily life with a brain tumor, including relationships, mental/emotional health, and medical care/symptoms.
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ABTA: The Best Diet for Brain Tumor Patients: What to Eat Before, During, and After Treatment
Nutrition guide for all stages of treatment and sample recipes.
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Livestrong Foundation
Live Strong and the YMCA worked with researchers to conduct a study on the impact of the program on participants’ cancer-related outcomes. They found that participants experienced significant increases in physical activity, overall quality of life and fitness performance as well as decreases in cancer-related fatigue. Join a program today!
Cognitive & Neurological Support
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NBTS: How to Help Patients with Brain Tumors Navigate Speech and Language Challenges
Article with advice for caregivers, families, and patients on dealing with aphasia, apraxia, and other speech challenges as a result of brain cancer.
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NBTS: Improving Balance and Preventing Falls for Patients with Brain Tumors
Article with advice for patients with motor issues as a result of a brain tumor and advice for caregivers/families on how to help improve internal/external balance concerns.
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ABTA: The Best Diet for Brain Tumor Patients: What to Eat Before, During, and After Treatment
Nutrition guide for all stages of treatment and sample recipes.
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National Council on Aging: Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Programs
A database with detailed information about many different programs for people with motor issues, including programs for younger adults with a condition that impacts stability (like brain cancer).
Legal, Medical & Future Planning
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NBTS: Legal Assistance
A list of resources those with a brain tumor diagnosis can access and use for legal, financial, and employment concerns.
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Cancer and Careers
A nonprofit that helps people diagnosed with cancer navigate workplace changes/concerns and helps those with cancer or in remission find jobs.
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NCI: Making Future Plans with Advanced Cancer
An article explaining how to legally and medically plan ahead after a cancer diagnosis, including information on advance directives, insurance, and important papers to organize and fill out.
Other Resources
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First Descents
Provides free outdoor adventures over the U.S. and a free week-long camp to young adults who have or have had cancer and young adult caregivers.
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Kits to Heart
An organization that provides curated cancer care packages/kits to patients and caregivers in the U.S.
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Cleaning for a Reason
Provides free home cleanings (up to two) to cancer patients.
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Better Place Forests
Choose a tree instead of a tombstone and spread ashes around your own Memorial Tree in a protected forest. A Memorial Tree is an established, growing tree that serves as a resting place for cremated remains. Ashes are mixed with soil and spread at the base of the tree, becoming forever part of the forest. Every memorial tree Includes rights to spread ashes for one person, rights to add people and pets in the future, ongoing access to the forest and saplings planted in your honor.
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Wish Upon a Wedding
Wish Upon a Wedding is a national nonprofit that grants weddings and vow renewals to couples facing terminal illness or life altering health circumstances.

