Support groups provide an opportunity for patients, families, and friends to discuss concerns, ask questions, share information about Roswell Park services, and relate experiences coping with cancer.
The support groups listed below can help patients, families, caregivers and friends learn more about cancer. Call 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) for more information or check out the patient calendar for a full list of activities.
View all support group events The 11 Day Power Play Cancer Resource Center
Groups by cancer or treatment
When: *ON HOLD
Location: The 11 Day Power Play Cancer Resource Center
Virtual options are available — participants must contact the facilitator to receive the virtual link.
Are you a breast cancer survivor? Attend this free networking support group and talk with other breast cancer survivors about their experiences.
Group for patients under 50 years old: Third Wednesday of every month, 5-6:30 p.m.
Group for patients over 50 years old: *ON HOLD
Metastatic Group: *ON HOLD
Location: The 11 Day Power Play Cancer Resource Center
RSVP is required - there is no virtual option for this group. Please call Leah Rivas at 716-845-1300 ext.5005 to reserve your spot.
Interested patients, caregivers, family members & friends are encouraged to join us!
When: 4th Wednesday of every month, 6-7:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual Group — a link to join the virtual meeting will be emailed to participants before the meeting.
For more information, please call Sara Siconolfi at 716-845-1300 ext. 6788 or Sara.Siconolfi@RoswellPark.org
Education, support, and community along the continuum of care from treatment to recovery. Both oncology patients and their caregivers are welcome in a comfortable and open discussion environment. Group sessions initiate with guided discussion topics while welcoming questions and thoughts of those in attendance.
This support group is currently on hold. For more information, please contact our Wound Ostomy Nurses at 716-845-1301.
Join other prostate cancer patients and their families for an educational evening, featuring Roswell Park experts discussing topics of diet, exercise, ways to manage symptoms, latest treatment advances and more!
When: 2nd Tuesday — January, April, July, October. 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Location: Gaylord-Cary Conference Room, Ground floor of the Research Studies Center.
For more information, please contact Kaitlin Chidester at 716-845-3159 or Kaitlin.Chidester@RoswellPark.org.
This support group provides emotional and educational support to transplant and cellular therapy patients, survivors, and their caregivers.
When: 3rd Tuesday of every month, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Location: The 11 Day Power Play Cancer Resource Center.
Refreshments will be served and parking passes will be available for attendees.
Please contact Joni Maxick-Jason, LCSW, for more information at 716-845-7132.
Groups by community
When: Every Thursday,10:30-11:30 a.m.
Location: The 11 Day Power Play Cancer Resource Center
Art from the Heart offers support and connection with other cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers.
Please RSVP to Cassandra Jackson at Cassandra.Jackson@RoswellPark.org. *Third Thursdays of every month are subject to change.
Many caregivers face stress from every angle — at times it can feel unbearable. Caregivers are urged to find solace, support and relationship-building with other caregivers. We invite you to our safe space where caregivers will connect, unload their struggles and find support in a relaxed setting.
When: First Thursday of every month, 1-2:30 p.m.
The group will not meet in the months of January, February, July or August.
Location: The 11 Day Power Play Cancer Resource Center
Virtual options are available — participants must contact the facilitator to receive the virtual link.
Facilitator: Roswell Park Spiritual Care Department
This program is for adults who have experienced the loss of a spouse, parent,or other loved one. The purpose is to offer understanding, suggestions for coping, support, friendship, and most of all hope to adults in an in-person setting. This group will meet twice a month, in two different locations — check below for times and corresponding locations.
Christ United Methodist Church
350 Saratoga Road
Amherst, NY 14226
April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9, 2024
6:30-8 p.m.
Windom Community Church
3766 Abbott Road
Orchard Park, NY 14127
April 23, May 28, June 25, July 23, 2024
6:30-8 p.m.
Facilitator: Roswell Park Spiritual Care Department
For more information call 716-845-8051.
This program is for adults who have experienced the loss of a spouse, parent, or other loved one. The purpose is to offer understanding, suggestions for coping, support, friendship, and most of all hope.
When: April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, 2024
This group will not meet in the months of January, February or August.
Location: This is a virtual event — participants must contact the facilitator to receive the link to join.
Facilitator: Roswell Park Spiritual Care Department
For young adults (18-39 years old) with cancer.
When: Once a month, varied based on events.
Location: Community partner locations.
For more information call 716-845-1664, text us at 716-341-3151 or email Ashley.King@RoswellPark.org.
This support group is for young, grieving individuals between the ages of 20-55 years old who have recently suffered the loss of a spouse. This group will meet on the third Tuesday of the month.
When: April 16, May 21, June 18, July 16, 2024 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Christ United Methodist Church
350 Saratoga Road
Amherst, NY 14226
Facilitator: Roswell Park Spiritual Care Department
For more information call 716-845-8051.
Additional resources
Ovarian Cancer Project
The Ovarian Cancer Project provides information and education to the WNY community about gynecologic cancer symptoms and risk factors and offers support and networking opportunities for survivors and their families with gynecologic cancers. Programs include:
- Support groups that are professionally facilitated and peer-led.
- Events hosted for survivors and their families of all gynecologic cancers. To learn more, visit the Ovarian Cancer Project events calendar
- Comfort & Hope Totes, given free to every newly diagnosed patient with a gynecologic cancer at the Roswell Park GYN Center. The totes are filled with helpful items to take to chemotherapy appointments, including a message of hope from people who have been on the journey and are extending a hand of understanding and support.
For more information, please contact Elisabeth Parker, MSW, Patient Navigator and Support Group Program Facilitator at 716-458-0382 or email EParker@OvarianCancerProject.org for more information.
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, locations and contact information.
VA Medical Center
3495 Bailey Ave
Third floor - Room 301 in Freedom Hall, across from the main elevators.
When: First Tuesday of the month, 7-8 p.m.
Contact: Bill Kreliner at 716-836-4761 or 716-834-9200 ext. 25169
Sisters of Charity Hospital — St. Joe's Campus
1st floor Community Room 1310
2605 Harlem Road
Cheektowaga, NY 14225
When: Third Tuesday of every month, 7-9 p.m.
Contact: Bob Raid at 716-400-1713 or 716-675-3294