“You have cancer”: the dreaded words no one wants to hear. You are undoubtedly overwhelmed, with countless questions about your treatment and prognosis. With so much uncertainty, let one thing be for sure – you can count on Lee’s Friends.

Lee’s Friends is here to help you through your journey with cancer. We provide assistance with transportation to cancer appointments, emergency humanitarian grants, and vital emotional support.

Free Transportation

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With so many questions following your diagnosis, how you will get to your appointments shouldn’t be one of them. Lee’s Friends will transport you to and from your cancer-related appointments so that you have one less thing to worry about. In 2025, Lee’s Friends provided 900 rides for patients in need.

If you live in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth or Virginia Beach and need help with free transportation to and from your cancer-related appointments, give us a call at (757) 440-7501 or fill out the short form, below. You must be able to walk independently and get yourself in and out of the vehicle without assistance. Please give us at least one week’s notice to accommodate your request.

For more information, please contact:
Ann Bowen, Patient & Volunteer Manager
abowen@leesfriends.org

Emergency Humanitarian Grants

A cancer diagnosis brings many unexpected costs and places a significant financial burden on patients and their families. If you are experiencing financial hardship, Lee’s Friends may be able to help. Through our Emergency Humanitarian Grant program, we provide help with housing costs, utility bills, food, car or phone payments, gift cards for gas, and so much more to patients living in our service area. In 2025, Lee’s Friends awarded 316 emergency humanitarian grants to cancer patients in Hampton Roads with documented financial need, totaling $79,000.

Requests for financial support must be received through a written referral from one of your providers, such as a physician, nurse, patient navigator, or social worker. The referral must include supporting documentation such as utility bills, rental leases, or mortgage statements. Grants range in type and value, depending on your need, up to $250 per 12 month period. To qualify, you must live within our service area.

For more information, please contact:
Becky Ruffin, Assistant Director
bruffin@leesfriends.org

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Emotional Support

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Since 1979, Lee’s Friends has been committed to helping cancer patients and their families face the crisis of living with cancer. We offer a compassionate ear and an encouraging word. We validate your concerns and calm your fears. We answer your questions and connect you to additional resources and support, if you need it. Above all, we remind you that you are not alone; Lee’s Friends is here.

In partnership with Imerman Angels, Lee’s Friends matches cancer patients, survivors, previvors, and caregivers who provide one-on-one emotional support to help you navigate your cancer journey.

Click here to learn more and request a mentor. 

Request for Services

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    FAQ

    Lee’s Friends offers support to any cancer patient or family member of a cancer patient living in and receiving treatment in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach, Virginia.
    Lee’s Friends provides transportation to and from non-emergency, cancer-related doctors’ appointments or treatment for any ambulatory cancer patient in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach. As long as you can walk by yourself, you can receive transportation from Lee’s Friends.
    There is no cost to our Transportation Program; rides are provided free of charge.
    Our Transportation Program runs Monday through Friday. We can accommodate appointments as early as 9:00 a.m. and as late as 2:00 p.m. We provide return transportation for all rides.
    If you live in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, or Virginia Beach and need transportation to a cancer-related doctor’s appointment or treatment, simply call Lee’s Friends at (757) 440-7501, contact our Patient & Volunteer Manager, Ann Bowen, at abowen@leesfriends.org, or fill out this short form. Requests must be received at least one week prior to your appointment date, but please provide us with as much notice as possible. Have the following information ready when you call: your appointment date & time, your doctor’s name, and the office address of your appointment.
    In order to receive support through our Emergency Humanitarian Grant program, Lee’s Friends requires a written referral from one of your providers, as well as supporting documentation. Each grant request is handled on a case-by-case basis. You must live within our service area to qualify. For more information, contact Assistant Director, Becky Ruffin, at (757) 440-7501 or bruffin@leesfriends.org.
    We strive to respond to all requests within one to two business days after receiving all required information.
    Volunteers are the heart of Lee’s Friends. If you are interested in volunteering with us, please contact our Patient & Volunteer Manager, Ann Bowen, at (757) 440-7501, e-mail abowen@leesfriends.org, or fill out our Contact Form. Volunteers must have an interview with Ann and provide three personal references. If you would like to become a driver for our Transportation Program, you must also provide your DMV driving record.
    Gifts can be made on our Giving page or by mail to: Lee’s Friends 7400 Hampton Blvd, Room 201 Norfolk, VA 23505

    Our Impact is Great

    “I want to thank all of you caring people who helped me feel like I wasn’t negotiating this situation alone. You not only were there for all my anxious moments, but you made me feel that I was an important part of your family of friends. Thanks for having my back.”

    - Lee’s Friends' Client

    “You all have been such a blessing. Your drivers are wonderful and I cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate your kindness through all my trials and tribulation.”

    - Lee’s Friends' Client