Support Groups

Educational and supportive groups

Bereavement Support Groups

If you have lost a loved one to cancer, we invite you to participate in one of our weekly virtual bereavement support groups. These groups provide a supportive environment for discussions, educational insights, and community connections. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost.

When joining a weekly support group, members are asked to commit to at least twelve weeks with the option to extend up to fourteen months. Members must reside within the state of Illinois.

Bereavement Support Group Offerings:

  • Tuesdays | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Virtual
    Facilitated by Mary-Ann Andrade-Bekker, PsyD, LCPC

  • Wednesdays | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Virtual
    Facilitated by Kathryn West, LCSW

  • Wednesdays | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Virtual
    Facilitated by Porcia Seals, LCSW

  • Fridays | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Virtual
    Facilitated by Kate Kray, LCSW

Gilda’s Club is a place where those whose lives have been impacted by cancer, as well as their families and friends, can feel they are part of a welcoming community. Gilda’s Club Chicago’s weekly and monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Weekly and monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before joining a weekly and/or monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

Black Women of Ethnicities Support Group

1st Thursday of the month | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Virtual

If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, we invite you to participate in our monthly virtual support group. This group provides a safe space 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. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost.

Facilitator:
Kassandra Billups, MPC

Gilda’s Club is a place where those whose lives have been impacted by cancer, as well as their families and friends, can feel they are part of a welcoming community. Gilda’s Club Chicago’s monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Monthly Support Groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is recommended by not required before attending this support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

Breast Cancer Support Group

In partnership with Advocate Christ Medical Center

3rd Wednesday of the month | 6:00 – 7:30 PM | Virtual

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, we invite you to participate in our monthly virtual support group facilitated by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and an Advanced Practiced Provider. This group provides supportive environments for discussions, educational insights, and community connections. Participants are encouraged to include their caregivers. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost. 

Facilitators:
Lindsay Tynes, LCSW OSW-C
Mary Niemiec, RN BSN OCN

Gilda’s Club Chicago’s monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before attending a monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

Cancer Survivors Support Group

3rd Monday of the month | 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM | Virtual

If you have completed treatment for a cancer diagnosis, we invite you to participate in our monthly virtual support group. This group provides a supportive environment for discussions, educational insights, and community connections. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost.

Facilitator:
Ali Vernasco, LCSW

Gilda’s Club Chicago’s monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before attending a monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

Caregiver Support Groups

If you are a caregiver for someone you love who has been diagnosed with cancer, we invite you to participate in one of our weekly virtual caregiver support groups. These groups provide a supportive environment for discussions, educational insights, and community connections. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost.

When joining a weekly support group, members are asked to commit to at least twelve weeks with the option to extend up to eighteen months. Members must reside within the state of Illinois.

Weekly Caregiver Support Group Offerings:

  • Mondays | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Virtual
    Facilitated by Mary-Ann Andrade-Bekker, PsyD, LCPC

  • Tuesdays | 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Virtual
    Facilitated by Michelle Mannino Purkey, LMFT

Monthly Caregiver Support Group Offerings:

  • 3rd Wednesday of the Month | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Virtual
    Facilitated by Kate Kray, LCSW

Additional Caregiver Support Group:

  • Drop-in Weekly Caregiver Support Group for Northwestern patients
    Thursdays | 2:00 – 3:30 PM | Northwestern Medicine Prentice Building, 16th Floor
    Facilitated by Ali Vernasco, LCPC
Gilda’s Club is a place where those whose lives have been impacted by cancer, as well as their families and friends, can feel they are part of a welcoming community. Gilda’s Club Chicago’s weekly and monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Weekly and monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before joining a weekly and/or monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

Gastrointestinal Cancer Support Group

In partnership with Advocate Christ Medical Center

2nd Thursday of the month | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Virtual

If you have been diagnosed with a gastrointestinal cancer, we invite you to participate in our monthly virtual support group. This group provides a supportive environment for discussions, educational insights, and community connections. Participants are encouraged to include their caregivers. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost. This group is co-facilitated by a licensed mental health practitioner and an oncology nurse navigator.

Facilitators:
Mary Ann Andrade-Bekker, Psy.D., LCPC
Nicole Houlihan, RN, BSN, OCN

Gilda’s Club Chicago’s monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before attending a monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

Grupo de Apoyo Mensual

Reunirse con el grupo de apoyo mensual para Latinos impactados por cancer, incluyendo gente viviendo con cancer, familiares y amigos. En el grupo pueden obtener información, compartir recursos y recibir apoyo emocional.

El tercer martes de cada mes | 10:00 – 11:30 | Virtual

Facilitado por Jasmine Carrazco LSW

Gynecological Cancer Support Group

In partnership with Advocate Christ Medical Center

1st Tuesday of the month | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Virtual

If you have been diagnosed with a gynecological cancer, we invite you to participate in our monthly virtual support group. This group provides a supportive environment for discussions, educational insights, and community connections. Participants are encouraged to include their caregivers. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost.

Facilitator:
Carolyn Stypka, LCSW

Gilda’s Club Chicago’s monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before attending a monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

Healthcare Professionals: Living with Cancer and Caregivers Support Group

4th Wednesday of the month | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Virtual

Every day, healthcare professionals dedicate a significant amount of effort to caring for others. If you’re a healthcare professional and either you or someone you know has received a cancer diagnosis, we invite you to join our monthly virtual support group. This group offers a nurturing space for you to take a moment for self-care, share personal journeys and experiences, and foster community connections. It’s important to note that no one will be asked to provide medical advice or expertise in this group. We welcome providers from all disciplines, and all the services provided by Gilda’s Club Chicago, including support groups, are completely free of charge.

Facilitator:
Kathryn West LCSW

Gilda’s Club Chicago’s monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before attending a monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

LGBTQIA+ Support Group

In partnership with Howard Brown Health Center

4th Monday of the month | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Virtual

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.

Facilitator:
Paige Jeffrey (she/her), MSW, LSW

Gilda’s Club Chicago’s monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before attending a monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

Living Beyond Loss Support Group

If you have lost a loved one to cancer, we invite you to participate in our monthly virtual support group. This group provides a supportive environment for discussions, educational insights, and community connections. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost.

Living Beyond Loss Support Group Offerings:

  • 1st Tuesday of the month | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Virtual
    Facilitated by Carolyn Stypka, LCSW
  • 3rd Tuesday of the month | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Virtual
    Facilitated by Clint Zavakos, LCSW and Steve Shields

 

Living with Cancer Support Group

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, we invite you to participate in one of our weekly virtual living with cancer support groups. These groups provide a supportive environment for discussions, educational insights, and community connections. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost.

When joining a weekly support group, members are asked to commit to at least twelve weeks with the option to extend up to eighteen months. Members must reside within the state of Illinois.

Living with Cancer Support Group Offerings:

  • Mondays | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Virtual
    Facilitated by Fredelyn Calla, LCPC, ATR-BC

  • Tuesdays | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Virtual
    Facilitated by Michelle Mannino Purkey, LMFT

  • Wednesdays | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Virtual
    Facilitated by Ross Alexander, LCSW

  • Thursdays | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Virtual
    Facilitated by Clint Zavakos, LCPC
  • Saturdays | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Virtual
    Facilitated by Janet Aminoff, LCSW

Gilda’s Club is a place where those whose lives have been impacted by cancer, as well as their families and friends, can feel they are part of a welcoming community. Gilda’s Club Chicago’s weekly and monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Weekly and monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before joining a weekly and/or monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

Living with Ovarian Cancer Support Group

2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Virtual

If you are living with ovarian cancer, we invite you to participate in one of our bi-monthly virtual support groups. These groups provide a supportive environment for discussions, educational insights, and community connections. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost. Members must reside within the state of Illinois.

Facilitator:
Fredelyn Calla, LCPC, ATR-BC

Gilda’s Club is a place where those whose lives have been impacted by cancer, as well as their families and friends, can feel they are part of a welcoming community. Gilda’s Club Chicago’s weekly and monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Weekly and monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before joining a weekly and/or monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

Lung Cancer Support Group

In partnership with Advocate Christ Medical Center

2nd Wednesday of the month | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Virtual

If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer, we invite you to participate in our monthly virtual support group. This group provides a supportive environment for discussions, educational insights, and community connections. Participants are encouraged to include their caregivers. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost. This group is co-facilitated by a licensed mental health practitioner and an oncology nurse navigator.

Facilitators:
Lindsay Tynes, LCSW OSW-C
Diane Murphy, RN, BSN, OCN

Gilda’s Club Chicago’s monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before attending a monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

Men’s Cancer Support Group

2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Virtual

If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, we invite you to participate in our monthly virtual support group for men. This group provides a supportive environment for discussions on topics ranging from cancer and wellness, sports and movies and anything in between as well as community connections. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost.

Facilitator:
Ross Alexander, LCSW

Gilda’s Club Chicago’s monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before attending a monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group

1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month | 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM | Virtual

If you are living with with metastatic breast cancer, we invite you to participate in our monthly virtual support group. This group provides supportive environments for discussions, educational insights, and community connections. Participants are encouraged to include their caregivers. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost.

Facilitator:
Fredelyn Calla, LCPC, ATR-BC

Gilda’s Club Chicago’s monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before attending a monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

Northwestern Weekly Check-In Group

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

Every Wednesday | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Virtual

Prostate Cancer Support Group

In partnership with the Zero Prostate Cancer Education & Support Network

3rd Thursday of the month | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM | Hybrid (Virtual & Downtown Clubhouse)

If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, we invite you to participate in our monthly hybrid support group held both at the Downtown Clubhouse (537 N. Wells, Chicago) and virtually. This group provides a supportive environment for discussions on topics including treatment options, quality of life, incontinence, intimacy concerns, fear of recurrence and more as well as community connections. Participants are encouraged to include their caregivers. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost.

Facilitators:
Jim Schraidt
Clint Zavakos, LCPC
Jeff Albaugh, PhD, APRN, CUCNS

Gilda’s Club Chicago’s monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before attending a monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

Spanish/English Support Groups

If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, we invite you to participate in our monthly in-person bilingual (English and Spanish) support groups. These group provide a supportive environment for discussions, educational insights and presentations, and community connections. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost. No registration is necessary for this group. 

Facilitator:
Jasmine Carrazco, MSW

Bilingual Support Group Offerings

Viviendo después del duelo y la pérdida

Esté grupos de apoyo mensual esta abierto a aquellos que han perdido un ser querido al cáncer.

El primer jueves de cada mes | 18:00 – 19:30 | Virtual

Facilitado por Jasmine Carrazco LSW

Young Adult Support Group

4th Monday of the month | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Virtual

If you are between the ages of 18 and 39 and you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, we invite you to participate in our monthly virtual support group. This group provides a supportive environment for discussions, educational insights, and community connections. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost.

Facilitator:
Paige Jeffrey (she/her), MSW, LSW

Gilda’s Club Chicago’s monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before attending a monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

Young Women with Breast Cancer Support Group

In partnership with Young Survival Coalition

4th Tuesday of the month | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Virtual

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are between the ages of 18 and 40, we invite you to participate in our monthly virtual support group. This group provides supportive environments for discussions on treatment, nutrition, body image, and relationships, educational insights, and community connections. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost.

Facilitator:
Kathryn West, LCSW
Jane Matthews

Gilda’s Club Chicago’s monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before attending a monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

Our support groups are open to those who have cancer themselves, those supporting a loved one with cancer, and those who have lost a loved one to cancer. Our support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional. Some monthly groups are co-facilitated with a medical professional and/or community partner trained in our supportive framework. Virtual groups are not limited by hospital affiliation. You are welcome to attend all applicable groups. If you are unsure if a group is appropriate for you, please contact a Program Staff Member.

Observation of groups is not allowed. All Gilda’s Club Chicago Support Groups are intended for adults. By registering for a group, you are affirming you are above the age of 18.

For those new to Gilda's Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required, before attending a Monthly Support Group. These take place every week and can be found on the calendar. For those interested in a Weekly Support Group, attending Orientation, and completing a Membership Plan are required.

If you have any questions, please contact a Program Staff member by emailing info@gildasclubchicago.org or calling 312-464-9900.