If you or a loved one is dealing with cancer, know that you’re not alone. Emerson Hospital offers an array of groups and services to provide support and connection to others who understand what you’re going through. We also offer classes to help you look and feel your best.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Cancer Support Groups
Where: The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden, Harvard, Mass.
When: Varies (call or check website for details)
The
Virginia Thurston Healing Garden offers several different cancer support groups, each with a specific focus: young women, in treatment, post treatment (day/evening), ovarian, living with metastatic cancer, caregiver, and caregiver and client. All support groups are free and require pre-registration. Please call
978-456-3532, extension 103 for information and registration.
Caregiver Support Group
Where: Online. Please call for info on how to access the virtual meeting.
When: Second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, 6-7 p.m.
A support group for family, friends and caregivers — people whose lives have been affected by cancer. This is an ongoing, twice-a-month support group to discuss common issues, experiences and resources. This support group is facilitated by Eriko Takai Frank, LICSW. Please preregister by calling
978-287-3428.
Look Good, Feel Better
Look Good Feel Better, is a free, non-medical, brand-neutral, national public service program created to help women currently in treatment for cancer to help patients
improve their self-esteem, and thereby manage their treatment and recovery with greater confidence. Look Good Feel Better is a free program sponsored
by The Personal Care Products Council Foundation.
Click here for information on upcoming virtual workshops.
Melanoma Support
The
Melanoma Foundation of New England sponsors free support groups for melanoma patients, survivors and caregivers. Please call
800-557-6352 for more information.
Virtual Breast Cancer Support Group
Where: Online via Zoom
When: First and third Tuesday of the month from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Offered through The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden Cancer Support, our breast cancer support group is for anyone diagnosed with breast cancer within the past six months. We encourage you to join the group to share your experiences and receive support. Licensed social worker Meredith Hobson facilitates the group and covers a variety of topics, including:
- Coping through diagnosis and treatment
- Navigating your care plan
- Learning to ask for help
- Managing relationships
- Increasing coping skills, and more
There is no cost to join. The group is generously funded by Emerson Health. If you are interested in joining, please contact Meredith Hobson at
meredith@HealingGardenSupport.org, or call
978-456-3532.
METASTATIC BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Emerson Hospital hosts "Finding Resilience, Finding Each Other", a monthly drop-in support group for women in treatment for metastatic breast cancer. The group is facilitated by Sharon Arkoff, LICSW. Sharon holds a master's degree in clinical social work with a specialty in health and aging. Her practice goals include support and education after a cancer diagnosis, and helping clients craft a roadmap for negotiating the journey through cancer. For further information about upcoming dates and locations please contact our oncology patient navigator at 978-287-8173.
Oral and Head & Neck Cancer Support
Where: Donaldson Conference Room, 1st floor of the John Cuming Building, Emerson Hospital
When: Currently on hold; please check back or call for updated information.
Are you struggling with your diagnosis? Searching for ways to cope with your disease? Join other patients to learn about resources to help with speech, swallowing, dental and the adjustment issues that may challenge you. Make connections with others with shared experiences. Group work is facilitated by Eriko Takai Frank, LICSW. Please preregister by calling
978-287-3428.
CLASSES & OTHER SERVICES
Nutrition Wise for Cancer Survivorship
Where: Donaldson Conference Room, John Cuming Building, 1st floor, Emerson Hospital, Concord, MA
Current nutrition strategies for preventing cancer recurrence will be discussed in this informal forum. Offered for individuals who have completed treatment and are striving for optimal eating habits. This program is free and led by Emerson Hospital dietitian Ena Sandler, MS, RD, LDN. Please pre-register by calling
978-287-3462.
Cancer Rehabilitation Programs
Where: The
Clough Family Center for Rehabilitative & Sports Therapies, 310 Baker Avenue in Concord; 133 Littleton Road (Route 110), Suite 315 in Westford
When: Ongoing
Physical, occupational, and speech language therapy tailored to individual needs based on comprehensive evaluation. Physician referral required. Please call
978-287-8200 for more information.
