A lung cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. GO2 for Lung Cancer’s Phone Buddy program is here to help.
The Phone Buddy program is a peer-to-peer support program for people with lung cancer. Our trained Phone Buddy volunteers have either been through or are going through lung cancer treatment. As a result, they are uniquely qualified to lend support and share their experiences with treatments, side effects, and more to help support you.
How the Phone Buddy program works
GO2 will match you with a trained Phone Buddy volunteer. Phone Buddy volunteers have experienced lung cancer first-hand; they understand the challenges and emotions you may be facing. Their personal experience can provide insight, connection, information, and resources you need—because they’ve been there. We do our best to connect buddies who seem to have a lot in common.
Get help today
If you are seeking support for yourself or someone else, please call or email our Helpline at 1-800-298-2436 so we can discuss resources for support.
Be matched with a Phone Buddy for support
As part of the Phone Buddy matching process, our staff will talk to you about your needs and match preferences. As often as possible, matches are made based on the following:
Type of lung cancer (non-small cell or small cell)
Stage of lung cancer
Treatment plan
Symptoms and side effects
Life experiences
Once the match is made, your Phone Buddy is just a phone call away. Your buddy can help you by sharing how they cope, navigate day-to-day life, and where they go for support. Think of them as a wise friend who is there to listen and share their experiences.
Volunteer as a Phone Buddy
Becoming a Phone Buddy and sharing your lung cancer experience with others who are living with the disease can make a huge impact. If you have a passion for mentoring and supporting others who have been diagnosed with lung cancer, please complete this volunteer interest form.
When you sign up to become a Phone Buddy, you are committing to:
Completing a questionnaire that outlines your treatment history and experiences.
Reviewing our easy-to-follow training guide.
Joining a 60-90 minute phone or virtual orientation with the Phone Buddy Program manager.
Allowing time to talk on the phone with each match. Time commitment can vary depending on how often you and your match want to talk.
GO2 for Lung Cancer promises to:
Connect you with people who are seeking peer support.
Help prepare you to be a Phone Buddy volunteer.
Answer questions you may have.
Offer support and follow-up discussions about your matches.
Meet some of our Phone Buddies
“I remember what it was like when I was first diagnosed. Even with a great doctor, I still had lots of questions and concerns. I could have really benefited from a peer-to-peer connection. Now I am able to be that peer to others. I try to share my perspective as a realist optimist by listening, honestly answering questions, sharing my experiences, and encouraging people who are dealing with this disease.”
James Hiter
Stage 4 (IV) NSCLC
“I have been stable for 3 years living with stage 4 (IV) lung cancer. I wanted to become a Phone Buddy because I want lung cancer patients to know that they are not alone and that there is hope and support! I feel that having someone to talk to who shares the same diagnosis and treatment(s) is a critical piece in the puzzle in how a person handles their newfound situation.”
Jennifer Moran
Stage 4 (IV) NSCLC, EGFR+
“I remember what it was like when I was first diagnosed. Even with a great doctor, I still had lots of questions and concerns. I could have really benefited from a peer-to-peer connection. Now I am able to be that peer to others. I try to share my perspective as a realist optimist by listening, honestly answering questions, sharing my experiences, and encouraging people who are dealing with this disease.”
James Hiter
Stage 4 (IV) NSCLC
“I have been stable for 3 years living with stage 4 (IV) lung cancer. I wanted to become a Phone Buddy because I want lung cancer patients to know that they are not alone and that there is hope and support! I feel that having someone to talk to who shares the same diagnosis and treatment(s) is a critical piece in the puzzle in how a person handles their newfound situation.”
Jennifer Moran
Stage 4 (IV) NSCLC, EGFR+