Because cancer goes beyond the medical chart — it challenges home, heart, and everyday stability.

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A cancer diagnosis doesn’t just impact health. It can shake every part of a person’s life — from housing stability and food security to employment, transportation, and emotional well-being. In East Tennessee, these challenges can be even more pronounced, especially for families already facing financial hardship or living in rural and underserved areas.

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Through our work at Guided Path, and in collaboration with the Tennessee Cancer Coalition (TC2), we have seen firsthand how quickly a cancer diagnosis can lead to housing insecurity, food shortages, emotional distress, and impossible choices between treatment and basic needs. Yet, until now, there has been no real comprehensive, region-wide effort to address these interconnected challenges as a unified community.

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Why The Task Force Is Needed

Cancer care in East Tennessee is strong in clinical treatment — but the non-medical support system is fragmented. Individuals and families often find themselves navigating a maze of separate services on their own, while simultaneously coping with a life-changing diagnosis.

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The East Tennessee Cancer Task Force was created to change that. By bringing together diverse partners across 24 counties, we can build a seamless safety net that extends beyond medical care to address every aspect of a family’s needs during and after a cancer diagnosis.

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Who This Supports

This Task Force is for anyone and everyone in East Tennessee whose lives are touched by cancer — patients, caregivers, families, and community members. It is also for those at risk of falling through the cracks: individuals facing homelessness or housing instability, rural residents with limited access to care, and families experiencing food insecurity.

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Who Should Participate

We need the collective strength of our entire community to make this vision a reality. We invite:

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• Healthcare providers — hospitals, oncology clinics, primary care providers, palliative and hospice care teams

• Housing and homeless service providers

• Food assistance programs and food banks

• Faith-based organizations and spiritual leaders

• Mental health professionals and counseling services

• Nonprofit organizations and community service agencies

• Local governments and public health departments

• Transportation and logistical support services

• Local businesses and community leaders

• Anyone with a heart for helping neighbors in need

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How To Be A Part Of It

Participation can take many forms — from attending meetings and sharing expertise to helping coordinate services or offering resources. By working together, we can create a powerful, compassionate, and connected support system for our region.

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If you or your organization would like to get involved, we encourage you to reach out. We welcome everyone with a shared commitment to helping East Tennesseans navigate cancer without facing additional hardship or isolation.

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To learn more or to get involved, please complete the form below. You may also contact Rich Boozell directly at rich@guidedpathtcs.org or by phone at 423-438-3799 ext. 1.

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Information​

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Download a copy of the East Tennessee Cancer Task Force Charter here.

Download a copy of the State of Tennessee Cancer Plan here.