What makes this center unique is it brings many activities together in one location. Centralizing resources provides more than just convenience; it provides a sense of community and support.

The center includes:

• Friend to Friend, a boutique specifically designed for cancer patients that sells wigs, scarves, hats, makeup, prostheses, and other items.

• Cancer Resource Center, a library of multimedia patient information, referrals, and services. Programs and activities include lessons on using the Internet, support groups, individual counseling, spiritual guidance, discussion forums, workshops on talking with children about cancer, and classes in art, yoga, dance and exercise. Participation in all support groups and programs is free. Staff members are available to research cancer- related questions or they can show patients how to do the research themselves.

• Ida?s Café, a restaurant and coffee bar overlooking the garden that offers healthy, low-fat food. Items served include organic greens, tofu, and the high-protein grain quinoa. The head chef, Mark Yeager, is from the Heart Disease Reversal Program, also at UCSF.

• The Healing Garden, an oasis of plants and fountains where people can go to relax and reflect. Near the garden is a wall of ceramic tiles created by cancer survivors.

The center was created through contributions from Joseph Friend, a business owner in San Francisco who lost his wife, Ida, to ovarian cancer in 1996. Since it opened in October 1998, more than 170 patients a week have used the center.

Its goals are to support patients? diverse needs, promote wellness, and link patients and their loved ones to local resources. "It is intended to be a place that shows patients there are people who care and have time to talk to them about their issues," said Keren Stronach, MPH, Cancer Resource Center Manager. "We really are here to support patients and that?s our mission."

"Patients have very different ways of coping, and there are many different correct ways of coping, so it?s important to provide support and information in as many avenues and ways as possible," said Stronach.

Patients can be overwhelmed or exhausted and don?t know where to turn. "People really appreciate having a place they can come to where, when they call, there?s someone who always answers the phone and will make sure their questions get answered," she added.

The center?s advisory board includes physicians, patients, family members, and caregivers. Patient feedback is constantly gathered, evaluated, and then used to guide programming.

The center is now collaborating on a new project with the American Cancer Society and other organizations for a comprehensive database of northern California cancer resources. Available on the web, it will include information on support groups, legal assistance, employment issues, transportation options, and more.

• UCSF Cancer Center