Group is open to adults living with Oral and Head and Neck cancer at any stage of treatment or recovery. Family members welcome. Meet, connect and share with other Oral, Head and Neck cancer patients.
To register or learn more, please contact Courtney at Courtney.Bresler-Nowak@pennmedicine.upenn.edu or 215-605-5304.
Once registered, attendees will receive the meeting link.
- Date/Time: First Thursday of each month (except August), 11 am to noon
- Location: Virtual
- Led by: Tracy Lautenbach-Hynes, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C and Courtney Bresler- Nowak, MSW, LSW
Do you sometimes find that words are not enough to process your experiences? Are you looking for new or alternate ways to cope with stress during this time? Are you looking to find connection with others who have similar experiences? In these virtual support groups, participants will use traditional and non-traditional art materials commonly found at home to engage in creative processes for self-expression, relaxation, and relating to others. Previous art experience is not required. Materials needed for the group are minimal and will be shared when registering.
To register, please visit the online calendar at PennMedicine.org/CancerSupportGroups.
For assistance, please contact Patient and Family Services of the Abramson Cancer Center at 215-615-0534./p>
- Date/Time: Second and fourth Thursday of every month from noon to 1 pm
- Location: Virtual
- Led by: Groups will be facilitated by a registered art therapist
The Bladder Cancer Discussion group welcomes all patients, families and friends affected by bladder cancer. The group is led by top experts in the field, with the support of an oncology nurse navigator and social worker. We look to encourage one another, share resources and provide support.
To register, please visit the online calendar at PennMedicine.org/CancerSupportGroups.
For more information, please contact Courtney Bresler- Nowak, MSW, LSW at 215-605-5304.
- Date/Time: Quarterly, please check the online calendar for dates and times
- Location: Virtual
- Led By: Sue Sweeney, MS, BSN, RN, CRN and Courtney Bresler- Nowak, MSW, LSW
This group provides an opportunity for brain tumor patients, caregivers, and families to support, share and educate each other.
To register, please call 215-615-5240 or 215-349-5426.
- Date/Time: Second Wednesday of the month from 6 to 7:30 pm
- Location: BlueJeans (virtual)
- Led by: Arbena Merolli, MSW
This virtual group welcomes caregivers, family members and friends (age 18+) to join at any time. Oncology social workers will facilitate discussion, support and resources.
To register, please visit the online calendar at PennMedicine.org/CancerSupportGroups.
For more information, contact Sandy Blackburn, LSW, at 215-360-0580.
- Date/Time: First and third Thursday of each month, 12 to 1 pm
- Location: Virtual
- Led by: Oncology social workers
Chemo companions are trained volunteer cancer survivors who offer in-person companionship, support, and conversation to patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment at the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine. Patients can be matched with a companion by asking the chemotherapy nurse to request a companion come to the infusion suite. The companions are available on a limited basis.
Talking with someone who has lived with cancer can often be comforting and can reduce the sense of anxiety and isolation. The Chemo Companion volunteers provide compassion, understanding, and practical advice to those who are diagnosed with cancer or facing new decisions about their cancer. For more information or if interested in volunteering, please call 215-615-0534.
A group for family and friends of those with a brain tumor for connection, understanding and resources in a supportive environment. This group is co-facilitated by neuro-oncology social workers in Neurosurgery, Radiation Oncology and Medical Oncology.
To register, please visit the online calendar at PennMedicine.org/CancerSupportGroups.
For more information, please contact Arbena Merolli Trettin at 215-349-5426.
- Date/Time: Fourth Wednesday of each month, 11 am to noon
- Location: Virtual
- Led by: Social workers
For patients and caregivers who have undergone an esophagectomy, this group was created by the nurses of the thoracic surgery department with the mission to be a source of information and support for patients and their families as they navigate the recovery process.
For more information or to register, please email ThoracicNursing@uphs.upenn.edu or call 215-662-3878.
- Date/Time: This group meets quarterly. Next meeting date is TBA.
- Location: BlueJeans (virtual)
- Led by: Guest Speakers and nursing staff
Physical changes, weight gain and side effects after
cancer treatment can affect your health, recurrence risk and
quality of life. The Supportive Care Team is here to give
guidance and advice on how to take an active role
in your health through exercise and nutrition.
To view dates, topics and register, please visit the online calendar at PennMedicine.org/CancerSupportGroups.
- Date/Time: Please check the online calendar for dates and times
- Location: Virtual
- Led by: Supportive Care Team
The Lymphedema Support Group at Good Shepherd Penn Partners provides a safe place for anyone dealing with lymphedema as the result of impaired lymph system from birth or from an injury or illness. The group is run by certified lymphedema therapists who understand the challenges limb swelling can present. During monthly meetings, we'll discuss ways to minimize symptoms and enjoy life to the fullest extent possible. Participants have the opportunity to ask questions and learn from each other's experiences.
To register, please email GSPPLymphSupportGroup@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.
- Date/Time: Third Tuesday of the month, 5 to 6:30 pm
- Location: Virtual
- Led by: Donald Thomas, DPT, CLT-LANA, CWT and Tia Gray PTA, CLT, CWT
The Abramson Cancer Center is proud to offer a monthly support group for LGBTQIA+ folks with a cancer diagnosis or who are cancer survivors.
Join us virtually the 2nd Tuesday of each month, from 6 to 7pm. Please contact Johanna Weller-Fahy: johanna.weller-fahy@pennmedicine.upenn.edu to register.
This is a virtual group for patients and caregivers of Abramson Cancer Center who have completed an allogeneic stem cell transplant. Meet with others who share your experience and can understand. This is a safe and supportive space to discuss insights and challenges about life after transplant.
To register, please visit the online calendar at PennMedicine.org/CancerSupportGroups.
For more information please contact Tiffany Raroha, LCSW at 215-360-0585.
- Date/Time:
Patients exclusively: First Wednesday of each month from 11 am to noon
Patients and/or their caregivers: Third Wednesday of the month from 11 am to noon
- Location: BlueJeans (virtual)
- Led By: Tiffany Raroha, LCSW
The Abramson Cancer Center is proud to offer Life After Loss, a supportive group for patients and caregivers navigating grief and bereavement. Offered twice monthly, this hour and a half-long group meets virtually.
To register, please visit the online calendar at PennMedicine.org/CancerSupportGroups.
For more information, please contact Lauren Rhodewalt at
Lauren.Rhodewalt@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.
- Date/Time: Second and fourth Wednesday of the month, noon to 1:30 pm
- Location: Virtual
- Led by: Lauren Rhodewalt, MPH, MSW, LSW and Elizabeth Walmsley, MSS, LSW
This virtual group is open to all individuals with a breast cancer diagnosis and will serve as a supportive gathering space for patients to share their experiences and connect with others navigating life with breast cancer. This group will be led by oncology social workers and will serve to provide practical support, resources, and encouragement for coping with diagnosis and treatment.
To register, please visit the online calendar at PennMedicine.org/CancerSupportGroups.
For more information, please contact Lauren via email at Rhodewalt@Pennmedicine.upenn.edu
- Date/Time: Second Tuesday of each month, noon to 1 pm
- Location: BlueJeans (virtual)
- Led by: Lauren Rhodewalt, MPH, MSW, LSW
Live, interactive video chat allows a licensed beauty professional to guide a group of participants through skin care and cosmetic application and how to manage hair loss, including use of wigs, hats and scarf tying.
Visit https://lookgoodfeelbetter.org/alliance-partner-virtual-workshops/ to learn more and to register.
Free to Penn patients.
This support group offers a positive space for patients with a Mesothelioma diagnosis and their loved ones. Meeting via a secure telecommunication platform, this group is a safe space for patients to congregate and provide and receive support. Topics range from family and relationships issues, coping with the disease and symptoms, resources, work/life balance, and more.
To register, please visit the online calendar at PennMedicine.org/CancerSupportGroups.
- Date/Time: Second Tuesday of every month, 11 am
- Location: BlueJeans (virtual)
- Led By: Kayla Hilliard, LSW
Have you ever noticed how music can just make you feel better? How are you already using music to cope? How can music be utilized to promote well-being in mind and body? In this virtual support group, participants will engage in music experiences that may sound like guided relaxation to music, making music through facilitated song-writing, or sharing and listening to meaningful songs to craft an intentional playlist. We will explore shared emotions and experiences along the way. No musical experience is required.
To register, please visit the online calendar at PennMedicine.org/CancerSupportGroups.
For assistance, please contact Patient and Family Services of the Abramson Cancer Center at 215-615-0534.
- Dates/Times: First and third Thursday of every month, noon to 1 pm
- Location: Virtual
- Led by: Groups will be facilitated by a board-certified music therapist
This is a virtual group open to any person that has been diagnosed with a Neuroendocrine Tumor and their adult caregivers. This group generally runs two hours, offering a 1-hour educational presentation followed by a 1-hour networking session. Education topics are chosen by the group participants and members of the Neuroendocrine Multidisciplinary Care Team provide the educational presentation, followed by a brief Q&A session. The networking session is led by an oncology social worker and participants are free to share their experiences with others. Other leaders of the group are an oncology dietitian and nurse navigator who are available to provide support from their areas of expertise.
To register, please visit the online calendar at PennMedicine.org/CancerSupportGroups.
For more information please contact Diann Boyd BSN, RN, OCN at 215-614-1863.
- Date/Time: Fourth Thursday of every month, 1 to 3 pm.
- Location: Virtual
- Led by: Diann Boyd BSN, RN, OCN
This virtual group will offer patients who are within six months of diagnosis a safe, supportive space to connect and share on the changes and adjustments they are experiencing related to diagnosis and treatment. The group will be led by oncology social workers to provide emotional and practical support.
To register, please visit the online calendar at PennMedicine.org/CancerSupportGroups.
For more information, please contact Amy at 267-253-1411
- Date/Time: Fourth Thursday of every month, 11 am to noon
- Location: BlueJeans (virtual)
- Led by: Oncology social workers
This group meets monthly to help motivate and inspire breast cancer survivors to move. This group meets monthly on the fourth Monday of the month at 7 pm, offering space to support participants to become more active by setting realistic and achievable physical activity goals.
A medical waiver will be required for this group
For more information and to register, contact Doris Piccinin MS, RD, CDE, LDN at Doris.Piccinin@pennmedicine.upenn.edu or 215-360-0581.
- Date/Time: Second Tuesday of the month at 7 pm
- Location: BlueJeans (virtual)
- Led By: Doris Piccinin MS, RD, CDE, LDN
Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine is proud to offer the Post-Treatment Transitions Cancer Support Group, a supportive, confidential space for any cancer patient who has completed treatment.
- Date/Time: First and third Tuesdays of every month, 2 to 3 pm
- Location: Virtual
This support group is open to all patients and their caregivers. All aspects of prostate cancer, both pre and post treatment, are discussed.
To register, please visit the online calendar at PennMedicine.org/CancerSupportGroups.
For more information, please contact Neal Niznan, MSW, LCSW at 215-349-8183.
- Date/Time: Third Thursday of every month, 4:30 to 6 pm
- Location: BlueJeans (virtual)
- Led by: Neal Niznan, MSW, LCSW
Are you Reiki Curious?
Join us for Reiki meditation and Reiki self-practice. The meditation is a traditional Japanese, Reiki meditation that will help you connect to (Rei) Ki. Think qi, chi or prana, all words to describe universal life force energy already present in you. Come and connect with your breath, regulate your nervous system, tap into a deep sense of calm and just be. No Reiki experience necessary; just dress comfortably.
Meets Tuesdays 10 to 11 am
To register, please visit the online calendar at PennMedicine.org/CancerSupportGroups.
For more information, please contact Danica Arizola at Danica.Arizola@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.
- Date/Time: Tuesdays at 10 to 11am
- Location: Virtual
- Led by: Danica Arizola
We invite those diagnosed with advanced cancer (metastatic cancer, recurrence or disease progression), to a supportive group focused on meaning.
Have you wondered, “How can I find meaning in this?” The need to find meaning is a defining human characteristic. We use Meaning-Centered psychotherapy to explore the concept and sources of meaning for each individual, through reflective exercises and open discussion. Sessions to run 6 weeks.
To register, please visit the online calendar at PennMedicine.org/CancerSupportGroups.
For more information, please contact Megan Melick, MSW at 215-459-4728.
- Date/Time: Varies, please visit online calendar
- Location: BlueJeans (virtual)
- Led by: Oncology social workers
This virtual group is "for women only." It will offer women patients with any diagnosis of cancer a safe, supportive space to connect and share the experience of having cancer. We will also be able to talk about treatment, side effects, and the effects on children, family, and friends. We will talk about how cancer affects important relationships in your life. This group will be led by oncology social workers to provide emotional and practical support and guidance.
To register, please visit the online calendar at PennMedicine.org/CancerSupportGroups.
For more information, please contact Courtney Bresler-Nowak, LSW at 215-605-5304.
- Date/Time: First Monday of each month, 11 am
- Location: BlueJeans (virtual)
- Led by: Oncology social workers
Talking with someone who has lived with gynecologic cancer can often be comforting and can reduce the sense of anxiety and isolation. Penn Medicine is proud to offer Woman to Woman, a free peer support program available to all patients diagnosed with gynecologic cancers, including:
- Cervical cancer
- Fallopian tube cancer
- Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) including choriocarcinoma
- Ovarian cancer
- Uterine and endometrial cancer
- Vaginal cancer
- Vulvar cancer
What to expect from the Woman to Woman peer support program
Through the Woman to Woman program, you will be paired with a trained peer mentor who will provide one-on-one emotional support and shared experiences. Woman to Woman also promotes education and self-advocacy for those in treatment.
Woman to Woman peer mentors have helped hundreds of patients cope with a gynecologic cancer diagnosis and treatment. You will be carefully matched with a mentor who’s a good fit for you — your cancer type, age, language culture, and any preferences you have will be taken into account when finding a match.
Woman to Woman peer mentors:
-
listen, discuss concerns, provide support, can even hold your hand.
- give hope and insights that can come only from someone who also has had a gynecologic cancer experience.
- is with you from diagnosis through treatment and recovery. They stay with you for as long as you would like to be matched.
You may choose to meet your peer mentor in-person at the hospital, but how, when, and where you connect is up to you and your mentor. If you are unable to connect with a local peer mentor, Woman to Woman’s national program has support across the country and can match you with a peer via phone or email.
Learn more about Woman to Woman on the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) website, email the national program at womantowoman@ocrahope.org or email Penn Medicine Woman to Woman Program Coordinator Laura Quilley at Laura.Quilley@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.
Woman to Woman is supported in part by grants from AstraZeneca, Gail Baird Foundation, Genentech, and GSK.
Finding out you have cancer at a young age is hard. You are not alone. Please join our young adults with cancer networking virtual group to meet other young adults, ages 18 to 45 who are coping with advanced stage cancer. This group meets twice a month and is led by oncology social workers. It provides a safe space to network with others, to exchange support, and to learn practical information and helpful resources.
To register, please visit the online calendar at PennMedicine.org/CancerSupportGroups.
For more information, please contact Courtney Bresler-Nowak, LSW at 215-605-5304.
- Date/Time: Second Tuesday of each month, 5:30 to 7:00 pm
- Location: BlueJeans (virtual)
- Led by: Courtney Bresler-Nowak, LSW and Megan Melick, MSW