Support Groups

We urge our patients and their loved ones to consider joining a support group. All of the groups and programs below are free and open to the public. Please call for current meeting times and locations. If you do not see what you need here, please ask our Social Workers. We would be happy to make a referral for you.

 

HOA Sponsored Support Groups

 

Young Women's Breast Cancer Support Group

T: (315) 472-7504 ext 1068

This group meets in-person on the first and third Wednesday of every month, from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. at Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY (5008 Brittonfield Parkway, East Syracuse, NY) on the 3rd floor, in the boardroom. It is for women in their 20s, 30s and 40s with a diagnosis of breast cancer. The group is a self-help, open support group that addresses the unique challenges of these patients. If you plan to attend, RSVP to 315-472-7504 ext. 1068 or pcoffey@hoacny.com

 

 

Local Groups/Programs

 

13thirty

13thirty has become an internationally known and respected leader in the field of adolescent and young adult cancer because of their strong passion, clear vision, and steadfast commitment to a singular focus – teens and young adults with cancer.

T: (315) 883-1862

 

American Cancer Society

T: (800) 227-2345 (connects to local services)

Call the ACS Patient Service Center 24/7, 365 days at (800) 227-2345 or visit cancer.org. The American Cancer Society has free programs and services to help people with cancer and their loved ones understand cancer, manage their lives through treatment and recovery, and find the emotional support they need. Groups and Resources include:

  • Free wigs
  • Online Communities and Support
  • Patient Lodging Programs
  • Road to Recovery (Rides to Treatment)
  • Reach to Recovery (Breast Cancer Support)
  • TLC Catalog

 

Camp Good Days and Special Times

T: (315) 434-9477

Every summer, Camp Good Days welcomes over 1,500 children, adults and families touched by cancer and other life challenges to its summer camping program at its recreational facility on the shores of Keuka Lake. It also operates The 'Cuse Kids Club is for children ages 4-17 who have been affected by cancer or sickle-cell anemia diagnosis, or a homicide, and The Sassy Survivors, for women ages 18+ who have dealt with any cancer diagnosis, from recent diagnosis to remission.

 

Camp Kesem

T: (315) 308-0578 (local)

facebook.com/campkesemsu

Provides free summer camps for Central New York children during and beyond a parent’s cancer care.

 

Cancer Connects

T:(315) 634-5004

Cancer Connects aims to ease the cancer journey for patients in Central New York. Programs and services are provided to cancer patients regardless of their medical practice or hospital affiliation. 

 

Patient Mentor Program/ Caregiving Mentoring Program

Connects cancer patients in the Central New York community with a cancer survivor (a mentor) who has had a similar cancer diagnosis, providing one-on-one support. 

Complementary Therapy Voucher Award Program

Provides funding to cancer patients or several visits of a complementary therapy modality of their choosing.

 

Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) – American Cancer Society

T: (800) 227-2345

The CSN discussion boards and chatrooms are excellent ways to meet your CSN "neighbors" and develop friendships, exchange practical information, and support one another. The CSN community is full of knowledgeable, kind, and caring people.

 

Head and Neck Cancer Support Group of CNY

T: (315) 464-59819

The Head and Neck Cancer Support Group of CNY meets the third Wednesday of each month. It provides community education and support for patients, survivors and caregivers coping with head and neck cancer. The monthly meetings focus on self-help and group support. The free monthly meetings are organized where speakers and participants learn and share information about head and neck cancer, treatment, side effects, and how to cope with head and neck cancer and its treatment. Meetings take place from 5:30-6:3 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month at the Upstate Cancer Center in Conference Room 1076 (750 East Adams St., Syracuse, NY). Patients from all area hospitals are welcome.

 

Laurie's Hope Breast Cancer Support Program – YMCA of Greater Syracuse

T: (315) 303-5966 ext 232

This free program includes a one year YMCA membership and provides direct support to survivors by enveloping them (and their families, as appropriate) in the full strength and community of the YMCA. Laurie’s Hope helps breast cancer survivors thrive by helping them maintain physical fitness and strength; helping them improve their diet; and helping them make connections with other breast cancer survivors. As a result, survivors have less fatigue and stress, they feel more confidence in themselves and their ability to advocate for their health and they learn how to navigate the healthcare system.

 

Leukemia and Lymphoma (LLS) Society Support Group

T: (800) 955-4572

LLS is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services. The society offers in person support group and online/telephone peer to peer support for patients and their loved ones.

 

Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC)

T: (610) 645-4567

LBBC mission includes offering specialized programs and services for the newly diagnosed, young women, women with advanced breast cancer, women at high risk for developing the disease, and African-American and Latina women. LBBC offers programs for caregivers and healthcare professionals to help them better meet the needs of women affected by breast cancer. They work with leading healthcare, wellness, legal and financial professionals to provide you with trusted information regarding your medical, emotional, practical and lifestyle concerns. LBBC offers programs and services in different formats so you can access them when and how you need them.

 

Look Good Feel Better Program

Look Good Feel Better Cosmetology professional will help you with make-up application, dry skin, nail discoloration, choice and care of a wig, scarves, turbans, and hats. Please contact them to register for a session in Syracuse, Cayuga, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, and St. Lawrence Counties.

 

Maureen’s Hope - Cancer

T: (315) 243-6918                

The mission of Maureen's Hope is to offer practical support and assistance to people facing the challenges of a cancer diagnosis or other life altering disease.

 

Men to Men Prostate Cancer Support Group

This group helps men cope with prostate cancer by offering community-based education and support for patients and their family members. A core component of the program is the self-help and/or group support. Free monthly meetings are organized where speakers and participants learn and share information about prostate cancer, treatment, side effects, and how to cope with prostate cancer and its treatment. Meetings are held at 5 p.m. on the last Thursday of every month at OASIS/HEALTHLINK (One Telergy Parkway/6333 State Route 298 East Syracuse, NY 13057). This group is affiliated with Upstate University Hospital. Patients from all area hospitals are welcome.

 

Ostomy Support Group – Crouse Health

T: (315) 470-7300

The Crouse Health Ostomy Support Group provides practical and emotional support to ostomy patients and their families. The group meets monthly at Crouse Hospital, at 6:30 p.m., in Room 327 of the Marley Education Center (765 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, NY). Call for more information and meeting dates.

 

Pink Therapy Breast Cancer Support Group – Crouse Health

T: (315) 470-8053

Crouse Health's Pink Therapy Breast Cancer Support Group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Room 219 of the Marley Education Center (765 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, NY). The group brings women together who have gone through the breast cancer experience and gives them the chance to stay active and informed to improve their health. Sessions often include topics recommended by group members such as, treatment and staying healthy and active, including participating in local events as a group. Guests/practitioners are sometimes part of meetings, including experts in massage therapy, acupuncture, Reiki, Tai-Chi, and yoga. To learn more and register, please call (315) 470-8053 or visit crouse.org/pinktherapy.

 

Reach To Recovery - American Cancer Society - New York

T: (800) 227-2345

Reach to Recovery helps individuals cope with breast cancer through one-on-one peer support. It is offered at all points along the cancer continuum, from pre-diagnosis through the entire period when breast cancer remains a personal concern. The program pairs a breast cancer survivor with a recently diagnosed patient who has similar issues. Each volunteer is specially trained to help the patient express their feelings, verbalize her fears and concerns, and be an impartial sounding board for questions and matters that may be affecting them. Contact may be either a personal visit, a phone call, or online based on location. All volunteers are trained and certified by Reach to Recovery standards.

 

Shades of Inspiration – Breast Cancer Support Group

T: (315) 863-3155

A team of “Overcomers of Breast Cancer,” the group’s purpose is to inspire, encourage and uplift individuals battling all stages and types of breast cancer. The group meets monthly in Syracuse and can also provide various forms of direct support for patients. For more information and dates of meetings, call (315)-863-3155 or email contactus@shadesofinspiration.org.

 

Sisters in Strength – Female Cancer Survivors

Sisters in Strength monthly sessions support women during and beyond cancer treatments. Suvivorship sessions address topics pertinent to women living with cancer. Sessions are facilitated by Dr. Susan Segreti, Advanced Oncology Practitioner. Women meet in a safe and confidential setting on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Maplewood Extended Stay and Suites on 7th North Street in Liverpool. This group is open to all female cancer survivors.

 

Thyroid Cancer Association

Local support is provided by phone and email. Contact Michelle Dougan at Syracuse-ny@thyca.org.

 

 

National Groups/Programs

 

American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA)

T: (800) 886-2282

ABTA CommYOUnity™ Connect pairs brain tumor patients, survivors, and caregivers with Mentors who have been through a similar situation. Connecting with a Mentor provides the ability to ask personal questions and receive support from someone who is uniquely familiar with the experience you are going through. Our trained volunteer Mentors provide broad insight and support that ranges from a single phone call to lasting friendships. Mentors also help patients and caregivers take full advantage of all the resources the ABTA has to offer.

 

Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN)

T: (888) 901-2226

BCAN offers online support and discussion for persons with bladder cancer, as well as an in-person support group in Rochester, NY.

 

Cancer Care – Online and Telephone Support Groups

T: (800) 813‑HOPE (4673)

Cancercare.org provides telephone, online and face-to-face counseling, support groups, education, publications and financial and co-payment assistance to people struggling with cancer and their families.  

 

Kidney Cancer Association

T: (800) 850-9132

The Kidney Cancer Association provides information for patients, including information on living with kidney cancer, patient empowerment, financial assistance, emotional well-being, events and additional support, including an online discussion community. 

 

Lung Cancer Survivors – American Lung Association

T: (212) 315-8700

In this online support community, members actively engage in discussions around lung cancer, including personal survival stories, helpful resources and information, as well as peer-to-peer support for those affected by lung cancer.

 

MyLifeLine.org

The mission of MyLifeLine.org is to empower cancer patients and caregivers to build an online support community of family and friends to foster connection, inspiration, and healing through free, personalized websites. This program helps reduce the stress of communication and end isolation by building a community and take control of your cancer journey.

 

National Cancer Information Center (NCIC)

T: (800) 227-2345

Provides information and support to those facing cancer 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Trained cancer information specialists are available via phone, email or live chat providing accurate, up to date cancer information to patients, family members and caregivers and connections them with valuable services and resources in their communities.

 

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN)

T: (877) 272-6226

Information and telephone support at  (877) 573-9971 Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST or email patientcentral@pancan.org.

 

The Sarcoma Alliance

T: (415) 381-7236

Join a Virtual Support Group at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) on the third Wednesday of each month from 12-1 p.m. EST. This is a live, online support group for people affected by soft-tissue and bone sarcoma. The group is designed to create a space for sarcoma patients to share valuable information and gather support as they face unique challenges from diagnosis to treatment. They also offer periodic speakers. It is open to MSKCC patients as well as non-MSKCC patients. To learn more or to register for a session, email virtualgroups@mskcc.org.