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: 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.
NOTE: Due to COVID-19, all
in-person programs have been cancelled through December 2020.
Click here for information on virtual workshops.
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.
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 and to register for the group, please contact Kerin Malley, oncology patient navigator, at 978-287-8173.
- Where: Online via Zoom for the fall of 2020
- When: First Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m.
Oral and Head & Neck Cancer Support
T: 978-287-3428
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
T: 978-287-3462
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
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.