501(c)(3) nonprofit · Serving Greater Atlanta

Supporting the cancer journey. Strengthening the entire family.

We bring comfort, practical help, education and community to people affected by cancer, and to the caregivers and families who walk beside them, from diagnosis through survivorship and beyond.

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CompassionSupportCommunity
Our mission

To support individuals and families affected by cancer through compassionate care, practical assistance, education, wellness resources, and meaningful community connections.

We are committed to empowering patients, encouraging survivors, strengthening caregivers, and creating educational opportunities for students whose lives have been affected by cancer, ensuring that no one has to navigate the cancer journey without support.

Our vision

We envision a future where every person affected by cancer has access to compassionate support, practical resources, wellness opportunities, and a strong community throughout treatment, survivorship, and beyond.

Who we serve
  • Newly diagnosed
    Comfort and clear next steps in the first weeks
  • Patients in treatment
    Chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and recovery
  • Cancer survivors
    Support for life after treatment ends
  • Caregivers and families
    Spouses, children, relatives and friends
  • Students
    Whose education has been affected by cancer

Our programs support people affected by all types of cancer.

Our story

Cancer touches the whole family, and the need for support doesn't end when treatment does.

Natasha Thomas, founder of The Thomas-McKeithen Foundation
Natasha ThomasFounder · Breast cancer survivor · Caregiver
A letter from our founder

Dear Friends,

Cancer has touched my family many times. Each experience has shaped who I am and why I started The Thomas-McKeithen Foundation.

I lost my sister to leukemia when we were in our twenties. I lost my maternal grandfather to colon cancer and my maternal grandmother to multiple myeloma. Each loss left a space in our family that could never be filled.

Then I heard the words myself: I had breast cancer.

After losing so many people I loved, facing my own diagnosis was the moment I knew I had to do something. I did not yet know what that would look like, but I knew I wanted to help others walking this same road.

My cancer journey began during the height of COVID-19. Medical restrictions meant attending doctor appointments and hospital visits alone. I was blessed with loving family and friends, yet there were moments when I felt deeply alone. Their support mattered so much, but so did the absence of someone beside me in those rooms.

That experience taught me how much comfort, presence and community matter. Today, I am a breast cancer survivor, and I carry that lesson with me.

In 2025, I lost my father to prostate cancer after caring for him through his illness. Being both a patient and a caregiver showed me how far a diagnosis reaches. It touches the children, spouses, siblings and relatives who show up with rides, meals, encouragement and a hand to hold. Caregivers carry their own fear, exhaustion and grief. They need care and support too.

As I spoke with other patients, survivors and caregivers, I heard a concern again and again: support often becomes harder to find after treatment ends. People are expected to return to normal while still navigating physical changes, emotional challenges and financial strain. Finishing treatment does not mean the need for support is over.

The Thomas-McKeithen Foundation grew from these experiences, from the people I have loved and lost, and from my belief that no one should face cancer feeling alone.

Because of my own journey, some of our first programs may focus on breast cancer. But our mission embraces people affected by every type of cancer. We are building a community that recognizes the needs of patients, survivors, caregivers and families throughout the cancer journey.

My hope is that everyone who finds us feels seen, welcomed and supported. Whether you are facing a new diagnosis, caring for someone you love, adjusting to life after treatment or grieving a loss, your experience matters. You deserve a community that continues to show up.

This work is deeply personal to me. Thank you for helping us turn love, loss and lived experience into meaningful support for others.

With gratitude and purpose,

Natasha Thomas Founder, The Thomas-McKeithen Foundation nthomas@thomasmckeithen.org
Our programs

Help for every stage of the journey

Launching firstBegins as funding grows
Launching first

Care & Comfort Packages

Thoughtful packages for people who are newly diagnosed, in chemotherapy or radiation, preparing for surgery, or recovering.

  • Blankets, journals, water bottles and personal-care items
  • Encouraging notes and helpful information
  • Grocery and gas cards when funding allows
Launching first

Support & Connection

Support groups, workshops and peer conversations, in person and online, with separate sessions for patients, survivors, caregivers and grieving families.

  • Coping with a diagnosis and talking with family
  • Managing caregiver stress and returning to work
  • Adjusting to a new normal after treatment
Launching first

Education & Navigation

Reliable information and connections to transportation, food, housing, insurance, financial assistance, caregiver services and survivorship planning.

Begins as funding grows

Wellness & Community

Gentle movement, walking groups, nutrition and stress-management workshops, survivor celebrations and caregiver-appreciation events.

Begins as funding grows

Scholarships

Educational assistance for students who have lost a parent or guardian to cancer, or whose families have faced hardship because of a diagnosis.

The Foundation does not diagnose medical conditions, recommend or prescribe treatment, or replace professional medical or mental-health care. Our information is educational. When another organization is better able to help, we will refer you to them.

Get support

Request help for yourself or someone you love

You can ask for support directly, or a hospital, oncology practice, social worker, church, caregiver or family member can refer you.

  1. Reach outFill out the support request form below, or email us with your name, the best way to reach you, and the kind of support you're looking for.
  2. Talk with usWe'll follow up to understand your needs and confirm eligibility for our programs.
  3. Receive supportA care package, a place in a support group, connections to local resources, or a referral to an organization that can help.

Contact us

Request support
programs@thomasmckeithen.org

Care packages, support groups and help finding resources.

General questions
info@thomasmckeithen.org
Mailing address

The Thomas-McKeithen Foundation
1572 Hwy 85 N, Suite 619
Fayetteville, GA 30214

Service area

Greater Atlanta and surrounding Georgia communities. Virtual support groups and resource help may be available outside Georgia.

Cost

Our programs are free whenever possible. If an event ever has a small fee, waivers are available. No one is turned away for inability to pay.

Support request form

Tell us how we can help

Fill this out for yourself or for someone you care for. A member of our team will follow up using the contact method you choose. Fields marked * are required.

This request is for *
How can we help? Choose all that apply *
Best way to reach you *

We use this information only to respond to your request.

In a medical emergency, call 911. If you are in emotional crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Scholarships & educational assistance

Keeping education within reach when cancer changes a family

As funding grows, we will offer scholarships to students who have lost a parent or legal guardian to cancer, or whose families have faced significant financial or personal hardship because of a parent's or guardian's diagnosis and treatment.

Opportunities will be announced publicly with written eligibility rules, application steps and deadlines. Selection may consider financial need, how cancer has affected the family, academic history, educational goals, community involvement and a personal statement.

A fair, independent process

  • An independent committee reviews applications and selects recipients.
  • Committee members disclose conflicts of interest and step aside when needed.
  • Directors, officers, major donors, committee members and their families are not eligible.
  • Whenever practical, awards are paid directly to the student's accredited school.

Want to be notified when applications open? Email scholarships@thomasmckeithen.org.

Get involved

Together, we can make the cancer journey feel less isolating

Your time, gifts and partnership help bring comfort, resources and hope to families across Georgia.

Donate

Fund care packages, support programs, educational resources and future scholarships. Gifts can be designated to a specific program.

Make a gift →

Volunteer

Help at outreach events, workshops and fundraisers, or join us to assemble and deliver care packages.

Volunteer with us →

Partner

Hospitals, oncology practices, churches, schools, businesses and nonprofits can refer families, donate products or sponsor programs.

Become a partner →

Shop to support

Every fundraiser shirt, tote and bottle helps fund care packages and support programs. Wear it, and spread the word.

Visit the shop →

Where program dollars go

Our first-year plan puts care packages and support groups at the center, with scholarships and wellness growing as funding allows. Gifts designated to a specific program are tracked and used for that purpose.

Care & comfort · 30% Support & connection · 30% Education & navigation · 15% Scholarships · 15% Wellness · 10%
Community partners

Building a network of care

We are forming relationships across Greater Atlanta so families can find us, and so we can connect them to the right help.

HospitalsCancer treatment centersOncology practicesSocial workersChurchesSurvivor networksSchools & collegesLocal businessesNonprofit organizations
Questions

Frequently asked

Do you only help people with breast cancer?

No. Some early programs may have a breast-cancer focus because of our founder's personal journey, but we support people affected by all types of cancer.

Can family members and caregivers get support?

Yes. Caregivers, spouses, children and relatives are a central part of who we serve, including families coping with grief or loss.

Is there a cost?

Our programs are free whenever possible. If a small fee is ever needed for an event, reduced fees and waivers are available.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

The Thomas-McKeithen Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please consult your tax advisor.

Do you serve people outside Georgia?

Our in-person programs serve Greater Atlanta and surrounding Georgia communities. Virtual support groups, education and resource navigation may be available to people outside Georgia.

Do you give medical advice?

No. We do not diagnose, recommend or prescribe treatment, or replace professional medical or mental-health care. Please talk with your healthcare team about medical decisions.

Shop & give

Every gift brings comfort to a family facing cancer

Make a donation or pick up something from our fundraiser shop. All proceeds support care packages, support groups, resource navigation and future scholarships.

Fundraiser shop

Wear your support

Pickup available at our events in Greater Atlanta. Shipping options are shown at checkout.

Sample item

Compassion Tee

Soft teal tee with the Foundation mark and "Compassion • Support • Community."

$25.00
Buy now
Sample item

Canvas Tote

Sturdy everyday tote, roomy enough for treatment-day essentials.

$20.00
Buy now
Sample item

Insulated Water Bottle

Keeps water cold through long appointments and walking-group mornings.

$22.00
Buy now
Sample item

Wristband Set

Three bands in teal, plum and gold. Easy to share with family and friends.

$10.00
Buy now

About tax deductions. Shop purchases support our charitable programs, but they are not fully tax-deductible. Only the amount you pay above an item's fair market value may be deductible. Donations made through the giving form above are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Events

Gather with us

Support gatherings, volunteer days and fundraisers across Greater Atlanta. Most events are free. When an event has tickets, you can buy them securely online.

About tickets. Tickets are sold through our secure giving platform. If cost is a barrier, email info@thomasmckeithen.org and ask about a reduced or waived fee. For fundraiser tickets, only the amount above the value of meals or benefits you receive may be tax-deductible.