Patient Resources

Having a brain tumor can be overwhelming. Support services and programs can help you and your family members cope with the physical, emotional and financial implications of a brain tumor diagnosis. 

Support Groups

  • The Brain Tumor Support Group provides patients and families an opportunity to discuss all things related to brain tumor care. Meetings are held virtually via Zoom on the second Thursday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. To learn more and RSVP, contact Michaela Fitzgerald, MSW: 202-660-7519, [email protected]
  • The Cancer Caregiver Support Group invites caregivers to share information, insight and encouragement. Facilitated by a social worker and oncology nurse, these meetings are held virtually via Zoom on the first and third Monday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. To learn more and register, contact Ilana Velasquez: 202-660-6320[email protected]
  • HopeWELL Cancer Support is for people diagnosed with a primary or metastatic brain tumor as well as their caregivers.
  • Chordoma Foundation Peer Connect Program is a free, confidential peer-to-peer support program that connects anyone touched by chordoma with another person whose experiences with chordoma are similar.
  • Neurofibromatosis Network brings together groups from around the country to speak as one voice on issues affecting people with neurofibromatosis.
  • Pituitary Network Association offers several online self-help groups where patients can connect with each other, as well as local support groups led by a mental health professional.
  • Meningioma Mommas provides support and valuable resources to all those affected by meningioma brain tumors. 
  • The American Brain Tumor Association's CommYOUnity Connect program pairs newly-diagnosed patients and families with mentors who have been through a similar diagnosis.

Supportive Care

Supportive care consists of equipment and services to help patients recover and improve their comfort and quality of life. It also includes end-of-life care. Johns Hopkins will provide patients will information about supportive care that is appropriate to their situation.

 

Financial Assistance Resources

Financial assistance may be available for medications and brain tumor treatment.

Financial Aid for Medications

Many people receiving treatment for brain tumors require prescription medications, some of which can be quite expensive. While many insurance policies include a prescription benefit, not all do.

Many pharmaceutical companies have assistance programs for some of their medications. Many of the programs have very flexible income requirements, so they are often worth investigating. Each company’s program is different, so you may need to fill out a different application form for each medicine.

Learn more about the following available pharmaceutical assistance programs:

Medicaid or Medical Assistance

Medicaid, sometimes referred to as medical assistance, is state-funded health care insurance (with support from the federal government) that assists low-income people who meet eligibility criteria. Some prescription medication coverage is usually included as a benefit of Medicaid. Eligibility criteria vary by state. For more information, contact your state's health department.

View more financial assistance resources.

Podcasts

Johns Hopkins Neurosurgeons answers a variety of questions about specific tumor types as well as brain tumor care a whole.

Meningiomas

 

Brain Tumor Monitoring

 

Electrical Fields and Brain Tumors

 

Abnormal MRI? What To Do Next

 

Surgery on Advanced Gliomas

 

Viruses and Immunotherapy for Brain Tumors

Additional Resources