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About Support Groups
Facing Cancer Together...Finding Strength in Community!
“Emotional wellness and camaraderie are the therapies I receive from
my support group at The Wellness Community, and I would not feel
as positive about my future without the help of my group.”
Christine, multiple myeloma survivor
Why join a support group?
A cancer diagnosis brings change to a person’s life and to the family’s life. Immediately families are immersed in tests and doctor visits, a strange medical vocabulary, and uncertainty about the future. Through diagnosis and treatment the challenge is to accommodate a range of emotions, to manage changes in the body, and to make adjustment to the work routine and home life. Even at the end of treatment, the recovery stage presents more questions: How can I get my strength and energy back? What will I do with my life now? How will I know if the cancer has come back? What can I do to minimize my risk? Will our family ever get back to “normal”?
“When I talk with my support group. I know that I am with
people who have gone through what I am experiencing.”
Carol, recurrent cervical cancer survivor
A support group can be an important complement to cancer treatment and recovery. There is tremendous value in being able to share experiences with others who understand. Even when family and friends are thoroughly supportive, being with others who speak the same language can offer a different learning opportunity as well as the chance to offer help to others.
“Many studies have shown that support groups can help people with
cancer feel less depressed and anxious and more hopeful. Although
support groups are not for everyone, people who benefit from support
groups may find themselves better able to handle their symptoms and fears.”
(from People Living with Cancer www.plwc.org)
 Groups at The Wellness Community
The Wellness Community believes that participation in a support group can be a meaningful part of the physical, emotional, and spiritual recovery from cancer, regardless of the stage or extent of illness, or whether you are a patient or a caregiver. The Patient Active Concept includes actions, attitudes, and behaviors that empower people with cancer to become partners with their health care team in making treatment decisions, and to be in charge of how they will live with cancer and hopefully recover. The Wellness Community support groups emphasize this learning and provide a safe place of connection where people with cancer and their loved ones feel less alone. As people participate in learning and sharing, they also gather strength for their journey through cancer, affirming life, and sustaining hope.
“My weekly support group continues to be a
source of solace, healing, and peace for me.”
Eileen, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor
Research has suggested that Wellness Community support groups empower people to:
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Develop a new attitude towards the illness
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Make changes in their lives that they think are important
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Partner with their physician
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Access resources
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Make active choices in their recovery
“The Wellness Community support group has been very helpful.
It has helped me through a very difficult and emotional time.”
Dennis, colon cancer survivor
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