What is Kraftur?

Kraftur is an organization that supports young adults diagnosed with cancer between the age of 18 and 40 years old and relatives from 18 years old. Kraftur offers a variety of services, such as financial support, consultation, peer support, and coaching. Below you can see what support Kraftur offers. The services provided by Kraftur are generally free for members. There is, however, an annual membership fee of 4.500 kronur.

Support interviews – Have you or a loved one recently been diagnosed with cancer?

Kraftur offers support interviews for those adjusting to a new reality after a diagnosis. The interview will cover all the support and services available to newly diagnosed individuals and their families, along with things to consider after a diagnosis.

Support and consultation

In collaboration with The Icelandic Cancer Society (ICS), Kraftur provides support and consultation to cancer patients and their families. Free psychological and social work consultations are available to our members.

Additionally, the Icelandic Cancer Society employs social workers who assist patients with social resources and rights, such as illness rights, sickness benefit funds, health insurance, etc. They assist cancer patients and their families to cope with financial and social changes following a diagnosis.

Financial support

Kraftur supports its members with financial aid.

• Kraftur’s Support Fund. The support fund is intended to support young people diagnosed with cancer and experiencing financial hardship as a result of their illness. It is intended to cover medical and pharmaceutical costs, along with any additional expenses incurred as a result of the illness.
• Subsidy for medication purchases. Medication costs are considerably high for those diagnosed with cancer and despite Icelandic Health Insurances’ (I: Sjúkratryggingar Íslands) participation in medication costs. In accordance with regulations, many cancer patients require medications that are not covered by Sjúkratryggingar Íslands. As a joint project between Kraftur and Apótekarinn Pharmacy, Kraftur’s members can apply for subsidies to purchase medications related to their illnesses at all Apótekarinn Pharmacies.
• Memorial Fund. In the event that one of our members dies as a result of their illness or its consequences, the memorial fund is intended to sponsor or support family members to cover funeral expenses.
• Kraftur’s Wishing Well.  Kraftur’s Wishing Well is designed to ease the lives of those who are hospitalized for treatment or the consequences of illness or are receiving palliative care at home.

Peer support/The Support Network

In Kraftur, we place a lot of emphasis on creating a platform that gives young cancer patients and their families a chance to share their experiences and support one another. Kraftur and The Icelandic Cancer Society operate The Support Network, which has over 100 experienced individuals of all ages who understand what you are going through. We call these people support representatives – people who have been diagnosed with cancer themselves or have a relative who has. They are all ready to listen, share, and support you. The support representatives are located across the country and are of various nationalities. It can be helpful to meet someone who has gone through similar experiences.

Advocacy and patients rights

In Kraftur, we protect members’ interests and assist them with issues related to their rights.

Support Groups

Kraftur operates support groups for cancer patients and relatives. Meeting others who are in similar situations and sharing your experiences with others who can relate can be extremely helpful.

• StelpuKraftur is a support group for young women between the ages of 18 and 40 who have been diagnosed with cancer.
• StrákaKraftur is a support group for young men between the ages of 18 and 40 who have been diagnosed with cancer.  
• AðstandendaKraftur is a support group for relatives whose loved one has been diagnosed with cancer.

Coaching

At Kraftur, you can book an appointment with a qualified coach. Through conversations, coaching brings out the best in individuals. You can improve both your personal and professional lives through coaching.

Career and student counseling

Kraftur has a career counselor who can assist in taking the next steps in returning to school or work after illness. In the aftermath of illness, people may want to change their path, so it is important to get good advice and see what can be done.

FítonsKraftur – Exercise and outdoor activities

FítonsKraftur is a platform for members, cancer patients and relatives who want to exercise and engage in outdoor activities, which can contribute to improved health and well-being. FítonsKraftur operates in the form of seminars, events, online personal training, outdoor activities as well as a hiking group Að klífa brattann, which on average goes on hikes once a month in the Reykjavík area.

Support and services for people living in the countryside

• Kraftur operates NorðanKraftur, a support group for young people aged 18-40 who have been diagnosed with cancer and relatives of all ages. NorðanKraftur meets 4-6 times in a year in collaboration with The Cancer Society of Akureyri.
• The Icelandic Cancer Society has eight apartments meant for patients and relatives coming from the countryside to Reykjavík to receive cancer treatment. The apartments are located on Rauðarárstígur 33 in downtown Reykjavík. Landspítalinn (e. National University Hospital of Iceland) manages the operation and allocation of the apartments.  
• Sjúkrahótel Landspítala (e. hospital patient’s hotel) provides accommodation for hospital patients and their families when they are away from home for medical treatment.
• The Icelandic Cancer Society operates service offices around the countryside where they provide information and support for people diagnosed with cancer and relatives. The services are free of charge. Service offices are locateion in: Ísafjörður, Akureyri, Skagafirði, Reyðarfirði, Árnessýslu og Reykjanesi. In addition, there are 22 regional associations across the country and seven support groups.

Register at Kraftur

Anyone that is diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 18 and 40, and relatives of those who have been diagnosed with cancer, can register as a member of Kraftur.
Generally, Kraftur’s services are free for members. Annual membership fees are however 4.500 kronur.

If you would like to become a Kraftur member, please fill out the register form.

Further information

For further information, you can contact us via email kraftur@kraftur.orgor by phone at 866-9600.