Support Groups
Support groups provide an opportunity for patients, families and friends to discuss concerns, ask questions, share information about RPCI and community services, and relate experiences coping with cancer.
The support groups listed below can help patients, families, caregivers and friends learn more about cancer. Call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or 716-845-8022 for more information.
Roswell Park’s Support Groups:
BMT (Bone Marrow Transplant) Caregiver Support Group
On hold until further notice
Head and Neck Cancer Support Group
Support and education to patients with oral head and neck cancers.
Every 3rd Wednesday of the month • 4:30-6:00 pm
Roswell Park Cafeteria Meeting Room B
Facilitators: Amy Sumbrum or James Smaldino, Speech Pathology Department, Head and Neck Dental Center 716-845-4947 and Joni Maxick-Jason, LMSW 716-845-8022.
Myeloma Support Group
Support and education for adult patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma, family members, friends, and caregivers. This program partners RPCI's Social Work & Nursing, and with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), of Western and Central NY chapter.
Every 2nd Thursday of the month • 6:30-8:00 pm
Gilda's Club 1140 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209
Facilitators: Suzanne Boehm, LCSW-R and Frank Brown, RN.
For more information or to register please contact LLS patient services manager, Coleen Jones coleen.jones@lls.org 716-834-2578 ext. 4667.
Ostomy Support Group
Education and support to patients and caregivers adjusting to managing an ostomy.
Every 2nd Tuesday of the month • 1:00 to 2:00 pm
Corasanti conference room, 8th floor of the Main Hospital, Room 8505
Facilitators: Kate Grandits, LMSW 716-845-8022 and Melissa Hiscock, RN @ 845-4891.
Gynecology Support Group for Patients with Recurrent or Persistent Cancer
Addresses unique psychosocial needs and networking opportunities for patients diagnosed with gynecologic cancers.
Every 2nd Friday of the month • 1 - 2 p.m.
RPCI, The Nancy Scherrer Conference Room, Room 2128 in the Gynecology Clinic
Facilitators: Chris Sheehan, RN OCN 716-845-3266 and Rachel Korman, LMSW 716-845-8486.
Sarcoma Support Group
Psychological support and education for patients diagnosed with Sarcoma and their families.
Every 4th Tuesday of the month • 4-5:30 pm
Gilda's Club 1140 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209
For more information please call 716-332-5900
Facilitators: Sue Sharcott, LCSW-R 716-845-8022.
WAPC – Woman Against Prostate Cancer
Peer support, education and advocacy for women whose partners have prostate cancer.
Facilitators: Kate Grandits, LMSW 716-845-8554
On hold until further notice.
Young Men's Support Group
Support, encouragement and networking for men (ages 18-35) diagnosed with cancer.
On hold until further notice.
Young Women's Support Group
Facilitates conversation and networking among women (ages 18-30) with any cancer diagnosis.
On hold until further notice.
Additional support groups held in collaboration with Gilda’s Club:
Bereavement Group
People who have lost a family member or friend to cancer.
Every 1st Wednesday of the month • 6-8 pm
Gilda's Club 1140 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209
Facilitator: Mary Lynn Acee-Kielich, LCSW 716-845-8022
For more information please call Gilda’s Club 716-332-5900.
Growing Through Grief
A support group for families who have experienced the loss of a child. Groups for parents, grandparents, and siblings.
Every 2nd Wednesday of the month • 6:30 - 7:30 pm
1st Trinity Lutheran Church, 1570 Niagara Falls Blvd., Tonawanda, NY 14150
Contact Leslie Jordans 716-878-7663
orJaime Del Regno 716-857-6211.
Kidney Cancer Networking Group
Support and education for patients with kidney cancer.
Every 3rd Thursday of the month • 4:30-6:00 pm
Gilda's Club 1140 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209
Facilitator: Glenn Frost, LCSW-R 716-845-8022
For more information please call Gilda’s Club 716-332-5900.
Leukemia/Lymphoma Family Support Group
Support and education for patients, their families and friends. This program partners RPCI's Social Work & Nursing, and with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), Western and Central NY chapter
Every 2nd Thursday of the month • 6:30-8:00 pm
Gilda's Club 1140 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209
Facilitators: Linda Huebert, RN, BSN and Paul Coleman, PhD
For more information or to register please contact LLS patient services manager, Coleen Jones coleen.jones@lls.org 716-834-2578 ext. 4667.
Lung Cancer Networking Group
Support and education for patients diagnosed with lung cancer.
Every 2nd Thursday of the month • 5:45-7:15 pm
Gilda's Club 1140 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209
Facilitator: Mary Lynn Acee-Kielich, LCSW 716-845-8022
For more information please call Gilda’s Club 716-332-5900.
Additional Resources:
Look Good...Feel Better
This group helps cancer patients cope with appearance related effects of their treatment by offering skin, hair and nail care tips, make-up techniques and wig, scarf, hat and turban demonstrations. The program is coordinated by the American Cancer Society, the Cosmetic, Toilet and Fragrance Association and the National Cosmetology Association.
The program is offered monthly.
Call 1-800 ACS-2345 (1-800 227-2345) to register and learn about times.
Metastatic Breast Cancer Networking Group
This group offers an evening of conversation and social networking for women who have experienced metastatic breast cancer. No fee. This group is coordinated with the Life Transitions Center. This group offers an evening of conversation and social networking for anyone diagnosed with metastatic/stage lV breast cancer. Each participant is welcome to bring a guest. This group is sponsored by the WNY Breast Resource Center at Roswell Park.
Every 1st Wednesday of the month • 5:30-7:00 pm
Life Transitions Center, 150 Bennet Road, Cheektowaga, NY 14227
Please call the WNY Breast Resource Center, 716-845-4432 for additional details.
"US TOO" Prostate Cancer Support Groups
For prostate cancer patients, at all stages of treatment, along with family members and friends.
For more information please call 716-834-9200 x5169 or 716-743-7595.
Cheektowaga Central
1st Thursday of month • 7-9:00 pm
Sisters of Charity Hospital-St. Joe's Campus, 2605 Harlem Road, Cheektowaga, NY 14225, 1st floor community room
Eastern Tier
3rd Monday of the month • 7-9:00 pm
United Memorial Medical Center, 127 North St., Batavia NY 14020, Boardroom - 1st floor
Northern Tier
3rd Thursday of the month • 7-9:00 pm
St. Mary's Hospital, 5300 Military Rd., Lewiston NY 14092, 7th floor
Northtowns
1st Tuesday of the month • 7-9:00 pm
VA Medical Center, 3495 Bailey Ave., Buffalo, NY 14215, Room 301
