Support Groups

JustWriteGroup Support groups provide a unique opportunity for patients with specific cancer types to talk and learn more about treatment options, improve quality of life, and make friends.

Emory Winship Cancer Institute hosts cancer-specific and topical support groups throughout each month on the Emory campus. These groups are facilitated by licensed social workers, registered nurses, and other professionals. More information on our support groups appears below. You can also refer to our Month-at-a-Glance calender for a listing of our sessions for the current month.

What are the advantages of participating in a support group? A support group:

Provides a connection in an experience that can feel isolating
Provides support during difficult times
Provides information and coping skills
Makes people feel less helpless about themselves and others because they are able to help others
Offers tips that only cancer survivors can provide
Allows powerful emotions to be shared

A national survey of The Wellness Community support group participants revealed:

88% feel less alone
87% are happier because they are in a group
83% believe they have improved
82% gain hope
75% strengthened their will to live
72% believe the relationship with their loved one(s) was helped

Contact the Emory Winship Social Services Team at (404) 778-5933.

Programs are open to Patients, Caregivers, Family Members & Friends at no charge unless otherwise noted.

New Programs

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
Meets 4th Tuesday of each month.
Location: WCI Building C, Patient Resource Center's Conference Room, C1166B
Facilitator: Pamela Butts, MDiv
(RSVP appreciated to Pam at (404) 778-4691).

Support Groups by Cancer Type

BRAIN TUMOR SUPPORT GROUP
Facilitator: Karen Shires, RN, OCN
Location: Emory Clinic Building B, Conference Room B2200.
Free Parking. Light Lunch will be provided.
RSVP required. Call Maxine Brown at 404-778-3091.

METASTATIC BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Group intended for patient/survivor-only participation for people with metastatic disease.Caregivers will be invited periodically.
Facilitator: Jean Rowe, LCSW.
RSVP appreciated to Jean (404) 778-1202.

BREAST CANCER EDUCATION CLASS
Meetings are monthly throughout the year.
Please call for date, time, and location.
Education and information for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.
Facilitator: Christine McCarthy, MS, APRN-BC, BHS.
RSVP appreciated to Mary Brookhart (404)-778-2577.

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP FOR YOUNG WOMEN
Intended for patient/survivor-only participation. Caregivers are invited quarterly.
Facilitator: Jean Rowe, LCSW.
RSVP appreciated to Jean Rowe (404)-778-1202.

HEAD AND NECK - SPOHNC ATLANTA
(Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer)
A patient directed self -help organization dedicated to meeting the emotional, physical and humanistic needs of oral and head and neck cancer patients and their caregivers.
Facilitator: Arlene Kehir, RN.
For more information, please contact Arlene Kehir, RN, (404)778-2369 or arlene.kehir@emoryhealthcare.org.

LUNG CANCER SUPPORT GROUP.
Facilitator: Rebecca Sizemore, LCSW.
RSVP appreciated to Rebecca at (404)-778-5926.

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Facilitator: Jim Hankins, MSW, LCSW
For more information, call William at 404-778-5933.

SARCOMA SUPPORT GROUP.
Location: Emory's Midtown Campus
Designed for fellowship between patients, survivors, and caregivers, and all affected by a Sarcoma diagnosis to share experiences and receive guidance and understanding.
Facilitators: Valerie Henderson, MSW and Ned Crystal, Sarcoma Survivor.
RSVP appreciated to Valerie Henderson at (404)-686-7880.

Transplant Support

BONE MARROW/STEM CELL TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP.
Group is open to all patients and caregivers.
Facilitator: Alice Mullins, LMSW.
RSVP appreciated to Alice Mullins (404)-778-5559.

General Support and Resources

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP.
A support group designed to provide guidance and understanding for those who take on the privilege of supporting the patient.
Facilitators: Jim Hankins, MSW, LCSW
For meeting location, RSVP to William (404)-778-5933.

JUST WRITE
This is an expressive, therapeutic writing support group.
Facilitator: Jean Rowe, LCSW.
Call Jean to register at 404-778-1202.

LOOK GOOD...FEEL BETTER.
In a comfortable setting, learn about skincare and the use of cosmetics.
Facilitator: Tiffany Hope.
RSVP appreciated to Shanna Lee (404)-582-6123.

NUTRITION SUPPORT GROUP
A group for developing good eating habits for Cancer patients.
Facilitator: Tiffany Barrett, MS, RD, LD.
For more details, call Tiffany at (404)778-5646.

SMOKING CESSATION
Smoking Cessation assistance is offered through the Emory Faculty Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) at a minimal cost. These classes are provided for our employees, but patients and the community are welcome to participate. Classes meet at both our main campus on Clifton Road and at our midtown Emory Hospital Midtown. More Information.

SURVIVOR SCRAPBOOKING
A restorative arts form of scrapbooking.Facilitator: Hilary Cohen, LCSW
Please call Hilary to RSVP at 404-778-5535

Especially for Children

CLIMB (Children's Lives Include Moments of Bravery)
Meets for 6 consecutive weeks.
The group is for children, ages 6-11, which have a parent or grandparent with cancer. Separate group for parents, meets at the same time.
Facilitator: Rebecca Sizemore, LCSW.
To reserve a space for the next session, call Rebecca at (404)778-5926)