Get Support
At Living Journeys, we walk alongside those impacted by cancer and their families with compassion and care through every step of the journey. Through financial assistance, practical resources, and community-based programs, we help lighten the emotional, physical, and financial load cancer can bring. The information below outlines the resources available to those we serve.
Getting Started with Living Journeys
Have you or someone you love just been diagnosed and are new to Living Journeys? Living Journeys supports people impacted by cancer in Gunnison County or getting cancer treatment at Gunnison Valley Health. Fill out the appropriate form below or contact Avery Forsythe, Program Manager for more information.
Those With Cancer
Have you recently been diagnosed with cancer or are you just finding out about us? Living Journeys is here for you! You can receive support through any of our programs. We also are also here to support your family, caregiver, friends, and/or children. Download the application below and send to admin@livingjourneys.org.
The New Client Application also gives you the option to apply for support from Gunnison Tough, our sister cancer support organization serving the Gunnison Valley. Applying to Gunnison Tough is completely optional, simply select the option that best fits your needs on the application.
When you reach the Program-Specific Details section, complete only the sections for the programs you are interested in receiving support from.
If you have any questions, please contact us at admin@livingjourneys.org or 970-349-2777. We’re happy to help!
Immediate Family and Caregivers
Has a loved one in your immediate family or household or someone you are caregiving for recently been affected by cancer? You are eligible for support through private therapy, support groups, enrichment, and on a case by case basis, transportation. Download the application below and send to admin@livingjourneys.org.
Other Loved Ones
Has a loved one recently been affected by cancer? Even if they don’t live in Gunnison County or you don’t live with/care give for them you are eligible for support through private therapy and support groups. Download the application below and send to admin@livingjourneys.org.
Contact Program Manager
Contact Living Journey Program Manager, Avery Forsythe, for more information about our services or if you have any questions about application. Contact Avery at admin@livingjourneys.org or 970-349-2777
Financial Assistance
Living Journeys provides direct financial grants to Gunnison County residents to help relieve the financial burden of a cancer diagnosis.
Our financial grants committee meets quarterly to anonymously review all financial grant applications. Applicants may request up to $5,000 in financial assistance each quarter.
Applications may be submitted at any time, but are due and reviewed quarterly (funds are disbursed early in the following month):
Feb 15 | May 15 | Aug 15 | Nov 15
To apply, please fill out the appropriate application below. If you are new to Living Journeys, please also register as a client.
Annual Financial Grant Application
Use this form if you have not filled out this application or the New Client Application within the last 12 months.
Download and fill out the Annual Financial Grant Application. You can fill it out on your computer and email it to admin@livingjourneys.org, print it and return it to our office at 426 Belleview, Suite 301, or mail it to PO Box 2024, Crested Butte, CO 81224. Sending us photos via text is also an option.
Quarterly Financial Grant Application
Use this form if you have filled out an Annual Financial Grant Application or New Client Application within the last 12 months.
Download and fill out the Quarterly Financial Grant Application. You can fill it out on your computer and email it to admin@livingjourneys.org, print it and return it to our office at 426 Belleview, Suite 301, or mail it to PO Box 2024, Crested Butte, CO 81224. Sending us photos via text is also an option.
Register as a Client
If you are not already a Living Journeys Client, please fill out a New Client Application along with the Quarterly Grant Application to apply for your first grant.
Food Delivery
Living Journeys Food Program provides weekly meal deliveries and food boxes to people with cancer and their families in the Gunnison Valley in the thick of treatment and recovery or still experiencing the effects of cancer.
Meals are prepared by Crested Butte Personal Chefs and delivered weekly directly to clients’ homes throughout the valley.
Food boxes are also available for delivery to our clients through a partnership with the Gunnison Country Food Pantry.
Before you can receive meal or food box deliveries, you must be a Living Journeys client.
Already a Living Journeys client?
Please contact Avery at admin@livingjourneys.org to let her know you would like to begin receiving meal and/or food box deliveries.
Not yet a Living Journeys client?
Please complete the New Client Application at the top of this page. On the application, simply select the programs you’d like to receive support from, including meal and/or food box delivery.
Therapy
Living Journeys offers private therapy grants and referrals to therapist partners for all clients and their family members. We want to ensure that no one has to go through cancer alone.
Before you can receive therapy support, you must be a Living Journeys client.
Already a Living Journeys client?
Please contact Avery at admin@livingjourneys.org to let her know you would like to begin receiving therapy support.
Not yet a Living Journeys client?
Please complete the appropriate application at the top of this page. On the application, simply select the programs you’d like to receive support from, including therapy.
Support Groups
Living Journeys offers free emotional support groups for people with cancer, caregivers/loved ones, and the bereaved. Facilitated by a licensed professional, meetings are open to all to Gunnison County residents and are hosted in Crested Butte and Gunnison. Support groups for caregivers/loved ones and the bereaved are open to all situations, not just cancer.
You do not have to be a Living Journeys client to attend any support groups.
Cancer Patients
Living Journeys provides free, safe, and confidential support groups for individuals who have received a cancer diagnosis. The group is a supportive and healing environment where open discussion concerning cancer-related topics can happen. You can opt-in for cancer support group meeting reminders.
The Gunnison Cultivating Hope Cancer Support Group runs on the first Thursday of every month from 12:00-1:00pm. You can attend in person or via Zoom.
The next session of the Crested Butte Cultivating Hope Cancer Support Group will run every Wednesday, 5:30-6:30pm in the Living Journeys office from September 2nd through October 14th. This is an 8-week closed group. Pre-registration is required. To register or learn more fill out THIS FORM and Dawn Stewart will be in touch.
Caregiver & Loved Ones
This group is for those who love and care for someone facing an illness or health struggle. This group is designed for individuals seeking support, understanding, and coping strategies as they navigate the challenges of being a caregiver or supporting a loved one through tough times.
This group is open to all situations, not just cancer. You can opt-in for cancer support group meeting reminders.
The next session of the Caregiver/Loved Ones Support Group will run every Tuesday, 5:30- 6:30 in the Living Journeys office from September 29th – November 17th.This is an 8-week closed group. Pre-registration is required. To register or learn more fill out THIS FORM and Dawn Stewart will be in touch.
Bereaved
Living Journeys is currently partnering with Gunnison Valley Hospital to provide 10-week bereavement support groups in the spring and the fall. This group is not limited to those who have experienced loss because of cancer; anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one is welcome to attend.
Details to come on the fall group!
Enrichment Offerings
Living Journeys offers enrichment opportunities to support clients throughout their healing process. These activities are designed to reduce stress and promote emotional and physical well-being. Options include exercise classes, acupuncture, massage, journaling workshops, nutrition education, and more.
Before you can receive Enrichment Program support, you must be a Living Journeys client.
Already a Living Journeys client?
Please contact Avery at admin@livingjourneys.org to let her know you would like to access the Enrichment Program.
Not yet a Living Journeys client?
Please complete the New Client Application at the top of this page. On the application, simply select the programs you’d like to receive support from, including the Enrichment Program.
Transportation
Living Journeys recognizes that due to our rural location and proximity to specialized forms of cancer treatments, Gunnison County residents may experience difficulty in traveling to and from their cancer treatments. We offer multiple types of assistance: volunteer drivers, gas reimbursement, loaner vehicles (through Gunnison Tough), lodging assistance, and other travel resources.
Before you can receive transportation assistance, you must be a Living Journeys client.
Already a Living Journeys client?
Please fill out the Travel Reimbursement Form below and email that and any hotel receipts to Avery at admin@livingjourneys.org for reimbursement. Fill out the forms below or contact Avery to request a driver or loaner vehicle.
Travel Reimbursement Form
Living Journeys has funds available to offset the cost of travel to treatment. To request reimbursement for travel expenses like flights and hotels, please submit your receipts. For gas reimbursement, please complete and submit the application below.
You can fill it out on your computer and email it to admin@livingjourneys.org, print it out and return it to us at our office at 426 Belleview, Suite 301, or via mail it to PO Box 2024, Crested Butte, CO 81224.
Request a Driver
We will help match volunteer drivers with individuals needing transportation to treatment.
Request a Loaner Vehicle
Gunnison Tough, our sister cancer support organization (formerly Tough Enough to Wear Pink), has vehicles that are available to assist people needing to get to cancer treatment. Living Journeys can help connect you with a vehicle for your next trip to treatment.
Not yet a Living Journeys client?
Please complete the New Client Application at the top of this page. On the application, simply select the programs you’d like to receive support from, including transportation assistance.
Cancer Screening
Living Journeys, in partnership with Gunnison Valley Health Foundation and Gunnison Tough, has launched the Cancer Screening Access fund. A groundbreaking initiative designed to improve access to lifesaving cancer screenings for individuals in the Gunnison County. This fund will support prostate, colon, lung, and cervical cancer screenings, offering up to $5,000 per applicant to ease financial barriers for underinsured and uninsured community members.
Applications for the Cancer Screening Access Fund will be managed by Gunnison Valley Health, ensuring a seamless and supportive process for individuals seeking assistance. While the fund prioritizes prostate, colon, lung, and cervical screenings, breast screenings will remain under the dedicated support of the Gunnison Tough Screening Program.
You do not have to be a Living Journeys client to access the Cancer Screening Access Fund.
Youth Groups
The Living Journeys Youth Groups bring together Gunnison County youth who’ve been impacted by cancer with their peers and licensed therapists.
Our mission is to offer engaging adventure activities that help free the mind while being surrounded by peers who share common experiences related to cancer, and guide an empowered group of young people who support each other, become mentors for others, and act as a resource for the community through volunteer service.
Other Community Resources
There are many resources available for Gunnison residents in need. Browse below for other support resources.
Gunnison Tough
Gunnison Tough is dedicated to providing comprehensive cancer programs to keep our community strong. We serve residents of Gunnison and Hinsdale Counties of Colorado including Crested Butte, Almont, Gunnison, Parlin, Pitkin, and Lake City.
CB State of Mind
CB State of Mind provides mental health support in the Gunnison Valley.
Whether you’re struggling with your mental health, supporting someone else, or simply feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone—and help is available.
We know that taking the first step can feel hard. You might not know what kind of help you need, or where to begin. That’s okay. We’re here to guide you.
Gunnison Country Food Pantry
Gunnison Country Food Pantry serves those in need by providing food assistance in a kind, confidential and supportive environment.
The only requirement to receive Pantry services is to fill out an application annually. No proof of income, residency, or identification is necessary. The Pantry assists all Gunnison County residents during their time of need.
Health and Human Services
Health and Human Services assists with health, housing, food, care coordination, and community resource navigation.
Dempsey Center
Based in Lewiston, Maine, the Dempsey Center provides personalized and comprehensive cancer care at no cost. There are many online resources and connections the Dempsey Center provides to people all over the world.
Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company
Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company offers safe and affordable medicines at the lowest possible price.
If you don’t have insurance or have a high deductible plan, you know that even the most basic medications can cost a fortune. Many people are spending crazy amounts of money each month just to stay healthy. No American should have to suffer—or worse—because they can’t afford basic prescription medications.
Prescription Drug Support Programs
Prescription drug providers may offer a discount program that reduces the cost of your prescriptions. Ask your local pharmacy if they offer such a program, how to qualify and how to apply or learn more at the website below.
Sunshine Rides
Sunshine Rides provides taxi, shuttle, charter, medical, healthcare and Medicaid transportation in Colorado.
They can transport from Gunnison or CB to Montrose with notice. Give a 24 hour notice for 25+ mile rides. Call an hour before for local rides in Montrose.
Country Lodge Montrose
The Country Lodge in Montrose offers a significant discount for those staying in Montrose for cancer treatment.
$89/night for room with kitchen and $79/night for room without kitchen. Call to book a room with this discount.
Angel Flight West
Angel Flight West delivers health and hope using donated flights to serve those with healthcare or other compelling human needs. In the air, Angel Flight West links volunteer pilots and commercial airlines with people whose non-emergency health needs require long-distance travel to access care. On the ground, volunteer drivers ferry passengers to and from their departure and destination airports.
Heidi’s Heroes
Heidi’s Heroes is a non-profit organization spreading joy among childhood cancer fighters and their families through American Girl Dolls and other care packages
Mom's Meals
Mom’s Meals delivers the nation’s most comprehensive food as medicine solutions, including medically tailored meals, nutrition counseling and education, and other nutrition services — helping people live healthier lives at home.
Their evidence-based solutions meet specific dietary needs, taste great and reliably reach homes others cannot. They improve health outcomes, lower costs, and bring comfort and dignity to those who need it most.
Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
The Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is a federally funded program that helps eligible hard-working Colorado families, seniors and individuals pay a portion of their winter home heating costs. Our goal is to help bring warmth, comfort and safety to your home and family by assisting with heating costs.
Long-Term Services and Supports Programs (LTSS)
Long Term Services and Supports Programs (LTSS) connects you to all benefits, programs and projects relating to LTSS for people with disabilities and older adults in Colorado.
Gunnison Valley Basic Needs Resource Guide
The Gunnison Valley Basic Needs Resource Guide may be helpful if you are trying to make ends meet, an immigrant, a senior, a parent, a veteran, or just want to learn more about the myriad of resources available in the Gunnison Valley.
The Conversation Project
The Conversation Project is a public engagement initiative designed to help everyone talk about their wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected.
Together we can make these difficult conversations easier. We can make sure that our own wishes, and those of the people who matter most to us (our loved ones, friends, chosen family), are both understood and respected. The Conversation Project offers free tools, guidance, and resources to begin talking with those who matter most about your and their wishes.
Five Wishes
Five Wishes is an easy-to-use legal advance directive guide written in everyday language. It helps all adults, regardless of age or health, to consider and document how they want to be cared for at the end of life.
Five Wishes is unique among all other living will and healthcare agent forms because it speaks to all of a person’s needs: medical, personal, emotional and spiritual. Five Wishes also helps to guide and structure discussions with your family and physician, making conversations easier.
GVH Hospice & Palliative Care
If you’re facing a serious diagnosis or illness, you may be anxious or confused about what to do next. Maybe you just want to know all of your options.
Hospice is 100% covered by Medicare/Medicaid and most insurance providers. Hospice covers all visits made by the Hospice Team in addition to all DME, Oxygen, Medications (related to the terminal illness), Incontinence and Medical Supplies.
Other Family Support Resources
We want to help! Addressing more than just medical problems can lead to a happier, healthier life. You shared with us that you have needs that are typically not addressed in the medical setting.
Please note Living Journeys collaborates with a number of community partners to provide comprehensive resources for our community. These partners operate independently, and while we appreciate their willingness to support our community, Living Journeys has not formally vetted all providers. Participants are encouraged to consider their own preferences and needs when determining whether a program or provider is the right fit for their personal needs.
