Support groups provide an opportunity for patients, families, and friends to discuss concerns, ask questions, share information about Roswell Park Cancer Institute (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.
Gynecology Support Group for Patients with Recurrent or Persistent Cancer
Addresses unique psychosocial needs and networking opportunities for patients diagnosed with gynecologic cancers
When:
Every 2nd Friday of the month • 1-2 p.m.
Location:
Jacobs Conf Room (H1-1320)
Facilitators:
Rachel Korman, LMSW
716-845-8486
Chris Sheehan, RN, OCN
716-845-3266
Head and Neck Cancer Support Group
Support and education to patients with oral, head, and neck cancers
When:
Every 3rd Wednesday of the month • 4:30-6 p.m.
Location:
Roswell Park Cafeteria, Meeting Room B
Facilitators:
Amy Sumbrum or James Smaldino
Speech Pathology Department
Head and Neck Dental Center
716-845-4947
Ostomy Support Group
Education and support to patients and caregivers adjusting to managing an ostomy
When:
Every 2nd Tuesday of the month • 1-2 p.m.
Location:
Main Hospital
Corasanti Conference Room (Room 8505)
Facilitators:
Kate Grandits, LMSW
716-845-8022
Melissa Hiscock, RN
716-845-4891
Additional support groups held in collaboration with the Life Transitions Center
Bereavement Group
For people who have lost a family member or friend to cancer
When:
Every 1st Wednesday of the month • 6-8 p.m.
Location:
Life Transitions Center
1140 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14209
For more information, please call the Life Transitions Center at 716-332-5900.
Growing Through Grief
A support group for families who have experienced the loss of a child. Groups are available for parents, grandparents and siblings.
When:
Every 2nd Wednesday of the month • 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Location:
First Trinity Lutheran Church
1570 Niagara Falls Blvd.
Tonawanda, NY 14150
Facilitators:
Jaime Del Regno
716-857-6211
Leslie Jordans
716-878-7663
Kidney Cancer Networking Group
Support and education for patients with kidney cancer
When:
Every 3rd Thursday of the month • 4:30-6 p.m.
Location:
Life Transitions Center
1140 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14209
Facilitator:
Glenn Frost, LCSW-R
716-845-8022
For more information, please call the Life Transitions Center at 716-332-5900.
Leukemia/Lymphoma & Myeloma Family Support Group
This group offers support and education to patients, their families, and friends. This program partners RPCI's Psychosocial Oncology and Nursing departments with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) of Western and Central NY Chapter.
When:
Every 2nd Thursday of the month • 6-7:30 p.m.
Location:
Life Transitions Center
1140 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14209
Facilitator:
Linda Huebert, RN, BSN
For more information, or to register, please contact LLS patient services manager, Coleen Jones (coleen.jones@lls.org, 716-834-2578, ext. 4667).
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, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association; and the National Cosmetology Association.
When:
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/stage lV breast cancer. Each participant is welcome to bring a guest. This group is coordinated with the Life Transitions Center and is sponsored by the WNY Breast Resource Center at Roswell Park. There is no fee to attend.
When:
Every 1st Wednesday of the month • 5:30-7 p.m.
Location:
Life Transitions Center
150 Bennet Road
Cheektowaga, NY 14227
Please call the WNY Breast Resource Center at 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. See below for groups and locations. For more information, please call 716-834-9200, x5169 or 716-743-7595.
Cheektowaga Central
When:
Every 1st Thursday of the month • 7-9 p.m.
Location:
Sisters of Charity Hospital-St. Joe's Campus (1st floor community room)
2605 Harlem Road
Cheektowaga, NY 14225
Eastern Tier
When:
Every 3rd Monday of the month • 7-9 p.m.
Location:
United Memorial Medical Center (1st floor boardroom)
127 North St.
Batavia, NY 14020
Northern Tier
When:
Every 3rd Thursday of the month • 7-9 p.m.
Location:
St. Mary's Hospital (7th floor)
5300 Military Rd.
Lewiston, NY 14092
Northtowns
When:
Every 1st Tuesday of the month • 7-9 p.m.
Location:
VA Medical Center (Room 301)
3495 Bailey Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14215