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
Adult Grief Support: Loss of a Loved One Due to Illness
T: 855-774-5100
Where: Donaldson Conference Room, John Cuming Building, 1st floor, Emerson Hospital
When: Please call for dates of next session
This eight-week support group is for any bereaved adult mourning the loss of a loved one due to illness. This group, for adults, will provide participants a safe place to explore and share their grief, make connections with others experiencing similar losses, and foster coping skills along the grief journey. Sessions are led by a seasoned bereavement social worker with
Care Dimensions. This program is free, but space is limited and advance registration is required. Please call the Care Dimensions’ Bertolon Center for Grief & Healing at
855-774-5100.
Cancer Support Groups
T: 978-456-3532
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
T: 978-287-3428
Where: Donaldson Conference Room, John Cuming Building, 1st floor, Emerson Hospital
When: Second and fourth Tuesday 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
T: 978-287-3428
Where: Donaldson Conference Room, John Cuming Building, 1st floor, Emerson Hospital
Look Good, Feel Better is a free, non-medical, brand-neutral national public service program created to help women currently in treatment for cancer improve their self-esteem and thereby manage their treatment and recovery with greater confidence. Cosmetics are supplied at no charge.
Look Good, Feel Better is a free program sponsored by the American Cancer Society and The Personal Care Products Council Foundation. Preregister by calling
978-287-3428 or for more information.
Melanoma Support
T: 1-800-557-6352
The
Melanoma Foundation of New England sponsors free support groups for melanoma patients, survivors and caregivers. Please call for more information.
Oral and Head & Neck Cancer Support
T: 978-287-3428
Where: Donaldson Conference Room, John Cuming Building, 1st floor, Emerson Hospital
When: 3rd Tuesday of every month, 6–7 p.m.
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
T: 978-287-3462
Where: Donaldson Conference Room, John Cuming Building, 1st floor, Emerson Hospital, Concord, MA
2019 Dates: Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. — December 11
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
T: 978-287-8200
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.
Be Strong Cancer Exercise Group
Where: The
Clough Family Center for Rehabilitative & Sports Therapies, 310 Baker Avenue in Concord; 133 Littleton Road (Route 110), Suite 315 in Westford
When: Tuesdays, Thursdays: 12–1 p.m. in Concord
Mondays, Wednesdays: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in Westford
This eight-week class is in collaboration with the Clough Family Center for Rehabilitative and Sports Therapies and the Mass General Cancer Center at Emerson Hospital — Bethke. The class is under the direction of a qualified physical therapist and will help jump-start you on your way to fighting fatigue and improve your general well-being. The session is for eight weeks and has rolling enrollment. Please check with your physician to be sure you are able to participate. $250 for one eight-week session.