Cancer 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 following support groups can help patients, families and friends learn more about cancer. We encourage you to contact us at 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) for more information.

Additional support groups are available free of charge at Gilda's Club, a nonresidential cancer support community where men, women and children living with cancer, and their families and friends, come together for emotional and social support as a supplement to medical care. Gilda's Club WNY is located at 1140 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209 and is supported by donations from individuals, corporations and foundations. For more information or to register for activities, call (716)332-5900. To see a calendar of their events, visit their website (www.gildasclubwny.org) and click on "Our Program" and then "Program Calendar". Some of their monthly events include a new member meeting, wellness and family groups, disease specific support groups, wellness activities including yoga; and groups- co-sponsored with Roswell Park. All activities at Gilda's Club are free, but registration is required.

Roswell Park Support Groups

Brain Tumor Support Group

Every 3rd Tuesday of month 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Dent Tower, 3980 Sheridan Drive, Amherst
(For Further Information, Call 250-2000; contact Maria Caserta)

Grief Support Group

Tuesday November 10th, 2009 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Tuesday February 9th, 2010 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Tuesday April 13th, 2010 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Gilda's Club 1140 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209
Facilitator: Beth Lenegan 845-8051

A support group for adults who have experienced the loss of a spouse, parent, or other love one.

Growing Through Grief

1st Trinity Lutheran Church, 1570 Niagara Falls Blvd.
2nd Wednesday of the month 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Contact: Leslie Jordans 878-7663
Jaime Del Regno 857-6211

A support group for families who have experienced the loss of a child. Groups for parents, grandparents, and siblings.

Head and Neck Cancer Support Group

Every 3rd Tuesday of the month 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm

The Head and Neck Cancer Support Group will be held every third Tuesday of the month from 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. in the Cafeteria Meeting Room C. It will be facilitated by Amy Sumbrum, Speech Pathology Department, Head and Neck Dental Center. The dates we have scheduled thus far are:(Executive Conference Room 8th floor), 11/17/09 (We will be breaking for Dec. and Jan., and then beginning again in February 2010). If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Amy Sumbrum at ext. 4947.

Kidney Cancer Networking Group

Every 3rd Thursday of the month 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Gilda's Club 1140 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209
Facilitator: Glenn Frost 845-8022

Leukemia/Lymphoma Family Support Group

Every 2nd Thursday of the month 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Gilda's Club 1140 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209
Facilitator: Kathy Rogala-Scherer 845-8022
Contact: Coleen Jones 834-2578

For leukemia patients, Hodgkin’s disease and lymphoma patients, their families and friends. This program is coordinated through RPCI's Division of Social Work. The meetings take place on the second Thursday of the month from 6:00-7:30pm at Gilda's Club, 1140 Delaware Avenue. Co-sponsored by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Western New York.

Look Good...Feel Better

This group is designed to help 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.

Lung Cancer Networking Group

Every 2nd Thursday of the month 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Gilda's Club 1140 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209
(For more information please call 716-332-5900)

A monthly networking group is held at Gilda's Club WNY for anyone who has a current or past diagnosis of lung cancer. This group is free of charge and is for anyone interested in talking with others about their cancer experience. Common issues, information, experiences, and emotions related to living with cancer will be discussed. Facilitated by Mary Lynn Acee-Kielich, LCSW 845-8022.

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. Call 716-836-6460 for more information. This group is coordinated with the Life Transitions Center. It generally meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 150 Bennet Road, Cheektowaga.

Myeloma Support Group

Every 2nd Thursday of the month 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
RPCl - Radiation Clinic Waiting Room
Facilitators: Teresa Wiech 845-8022
Frank Brown: 845-8022

For myeloma patients, their families and friends. This program is coordinated through RPCI's Divisions of Social Work and Nursing. The meetings take place at RPCI on the second Thursday of the month from 6:00-7:30pm in the Radiation Clinic Waiting Room on the Ground Floor, Main Hospital. Co-sponsored by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Western New York.

"US TOO" Prostate Cancer Support Groups

Contact (for all locations) Bill Krellner, 836-4761, or call the main Us TOO information line at 743-7595.
Northtowns: 1st Tuesday of the month 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
VA Medical Center (3495 Bailey Ave., 3rd floor, Rm. 301 - Across from elevators "Freedom Hall")
Cheektowaga Central: 1st Thursday of month 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
St. Joseph's Hospital (2605 Harlem Rd.)
Northern Tier: 3rd Thursday of the month 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
St. Mary's Hospital (5300 Military Rd., Lewiston NY, 7th floor)
Eastern Tier: 3rd Monday of the month, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm United Memorial (127 North St., Batavia NY, Boardroom - 1st floor)

For prostate cancer patients at all stages of treatment, family members, and friends. Call for more information and locations.

Women Against Prostate Cancer (WAPC)

Every 3rd Wednesday of the month will be held from 7 - 8:30 pm at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute Amherst Center at 100 College Parkway, Suite 209, Amherst NY 14221. Click here upcoming meetings.

Young Men's Support Group

January 13, 2010 - March 31, 2010
Wednesdays 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
RPCI Ground Floor - Hospitality Room, G550
RSVP to Teresa Johnson at (716) 845-8022

Are you a young man between 18 and 35 with cancer? You are not alone! Meet other people dealing with cancer at our Young Men’s Support Group. Share your experiences and gain from the experiences of others. Click here to view the flyer.