Support Groups

WEEKLY SUPPORT GROUPS
Gilda’s Club Cancer Support Groups are facilitated by licensed professionals (LMFTs, LCSWs, etc.) who have received further specialized training in the emotional stresses that occur when an individual is diagnosed with cancer.

It is important to remember that the people around the “patient”….spouses, relatives, children, friends, are also impacted, and these caregivers and loved ones need support too, as well as help feeling secure that they are doing a good job supporting and assisting the patient.

Our support groups provide a safe environment to explore deeper individual and shared thoughts, feelings and experiences related to the impact of cancer. Groups are either 1 ½ or 2 hours long and there are generally around 6 to 12 members in a group. Patients, caregivers and children have specific groups so that each can be with others who most truly understand their experiences.

During the New Member Meeting, you and a staff member will discuss which group will be best suited to your needs and a date will be set for you to begin.

Newly Diagnosed Support Group
For people recently diagnosed with cancer for the first time
Held every Wednesday from 9:30am-11:30am
Facilitator is Deborah Meints, LMFT

Living with Cancer Support Group
For people who are 1 year (approx.) post treatment, in remission, or are living with a chronic cancer
Held every Wednesday, from 9:30am-11:30am
Facilitator is Gail Bardin, LMFT

Friends & Family (Caregivers) Support Group
For loved ones of the person with cancer
Held every Wednesday from 9:30am-11:30am
Facilitator is Bonnie Lipton, LMFT

Living with Loss Support Group
For people who have lost a loved one to cancer within the past year
Held every Wednesdays, from 1:15pm-2:45pm
Facilitator Deborah Meints, LMFT

People with Cancer (Newly Diagnosed and Longer Term)
For people with cancer, from diagnosis through survivorship
Held everyThursdays, from 6:00pm-7:30pm
Facilitator is Robert Koyle, LMFT

Friends & Family (Caregivers) Support Group
For loved ones of the person with cancer
Held everyThursdays, from 6:00pm-7:30pm
Facilitator is Litsa Mitchell, LMFT

NoogieNights (Children’s Group)
For children ages 5 – 13 who have a parent or close relative with cancer
Held everyThursdays, from 6:00pm-7:30pm
Facilitator is Vicky Pulido, LCSW