Support Groups

Please join the monthly Black Women of Ethnicities Group to meet with women who collaborate and empower one another while discussing challenges such as facing gender discrimination, bias within environments, compounding obstacles of racism, and building relationships, all through the impact of cancer diagnosis.

Facilitated by Kassandra Billups, MPC

First Thursday of the month | 10:00 – 11:30 am

Please join this monthly group for a supportive discussion and education regarding living with breast cancer. Those supporting a loved one with breast cancer are welcome. This group is co-facilitated by a licensed mental health practitioner and an oncology nurse navigator.

Facilitated by: Lindsay Tynes, LCSW OSW-C and Patrice Stephens, APRN, MSN, AOCN-BC
Third Wednesday of the month | 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Cancer Survivors Monthly Support Group is a time for those who have completed their cancer treatment to connect and share experiences about life post-treatment. This group is open to those with any cancer diagnosis.

Facilitated by Porcia Seals, LCSW
Second Wednesday of the month | 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

A committed group for those caring for a loved one with cancer. Members join for at least twelve weeks with the option to extend up to eighteen months, depending on their loved one’s treatment. Members must reside within the state of Illinois.

Please join the GI Cancer Monthly Support Group for a supportive discussion and education regarding living with gastrointestinal (colorectal, gastric, liver, pancreas, cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder and other GI-related) cancer. Those supporting a loved one with GI cancer are also welcome. This group is co-facilitated by a licensed mental health practitioner and an oncology nurse navigator.

Facilitated by Mary Ann Andrade-Bekker, Psy.D., LCPC and Nicole Houlihan, RN, BSN, OCN
Second Thursday of the month | 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Please join this monthly group for a supportive discussion and education regarding living with gynecological cancers. This is a time to share information and experiences. Those supporting a loved one with a gynecological cancer are welcome. 

Facilitated by Carolyn Stypka, LCSW
First Tuesday of the month | 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Please join this supportive monthly group for all those who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, pansexual, nonbinary, genderqueer, etc.) and have been impacted by cancer –  including those who are living with cancer, family members and friends.

Facilitated by: Paige Jeffrey, LSW
Fourth Monday of the month | 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

This caring and supportive monthly group is for anyone who has lost a loved one to cancer.

Facilitated by Carolyn Stypka, LCSW (ACMC)
Second Saturday of the month | 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Facilitated by Clint Zavakos, LCSW and Steve Shields (Wells St)
Third Tuesday of the month | 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

A committed group for those living with cancer. Members join for at least twelve weeks with the option to extend up to eighteen months, depending on their treatment. Members must reside within the state of Illinois.

A committed group for those living with ovarian cancer. Members must reside within the state of Illinois.

Facilitated by Fred Calla, LCPC ATR-BC
Second & fourth Tuesdays of the month |  6:00-7:30 p.m.

Please join the Lung Cancer Monthly Support Group for a supportive discussion and education regarding living with lung cancer. Those supporting a loved one with lung cancer are welcome. This group is co-facilitated by a licensed mental health practitioner and an oncology nurse navigator.

Facilitated by Lindsay Tynes, LCSW OSW-C and Diane Murphy, RN, BSN, OCN
Second Wednesday of the month | 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

This men’s only group is for those who are living with cancer or have a loved one living with cancer. Topics may include cancer and wellness, sports and movies and anything in between.

Facilitated by: Ross Alexander, LCSW
Second and Fourth Tuesdays of the month | 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

This group is held in partnership with the Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. An Advanced Practice Provider (APP) from the Cancer Center co-facilitates the 3rd Tuesday of the month.

Facilitated by Fredelyn Calla, LCPC, ATR-BC
First and third Tuesday of the month | 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

This is an opportunity for people who regularly attend programming at Northwestern to touch base with each other via a live Zoom conference.

Please join this monthly group for a supportive discussion regarding living with prostate cancer. Topics discussed may include treatment options, quality of life, incontinence, intimacy concerns, fear of recurrence and more. Those supporting a loved one with prostate cancer are also welcome. This group is held in partnership with the Zero Prostate Cancer Education & Support Network.

Facilitated by: Jim Schraidt and Clint Zavakos, LCPC
Third Thursday of the month | 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Each day, healthcare providers expend a great deal of energy focused on taking care of others. This monthly group has been created to provide a space for professionals living with cancer to dedicate time to taking care of themselves. The group will allow members to talk about personal experiences and journeys. No one will be asked to share medical advice or expertise in this group. Providers from all disciplines are welcome.

Facilitated by: Kathryn West LCSW
4th Wednesday of the month | 7:00—8:30 p.m.

Please join this supportive monthly group for young adults (ages 18-39) who have been impacted by cancer, including those who are living with cancer, family members and friends.

Facilitated by: Paige Jeffrey, LSW
Third Tuesday of the month | 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.