Vital Options International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting patients, caregivers, and families affected by cancer and other chronic, terminal, and rare conditions. Through health education, community connection, patient advocacy, and financial aid programs, Vital Options works to empower people to navigate their illness with knowledge, voice, and resilience — offering practical guidance, support communities, and limited financial assistance for those in hardship.

 Main Programs & Activities

• Health Education & Advocacy:
  Vital Options offers reliable, accessible health information, helping patients and caregivers better understand diseases, treatment options, and how to engage effectively with health care systems.

• Caring Community & Support Forums:
  Through online community platforms (like AVORA360), patients and family members can connect for mutual support, share experiences, and access updates and resources at no cost.

• Selma Schimmel Vital Grant:
  Financial assistance for qualified individuals or families facing significant hardship because of their illness — helping cover essential costs such as treatment-associated travel, groceries, housing, and more. Applications are reviewed, and if selected, assistance is provided or applicants are referred to partner organizations for further support.

• Advocacy Programs:
  Vital Options works to give patients, survivors, and caregivers a platform to be heard — including via outreach campaigns, community dialogues, and partnerships with health advocacy initiatives.