Support Opportunities
The Comprehensive Cancer Support Program offers support opportunities for our patients and caregivers. Our classes and support groups are listed below.
Keeping COVID-19 precautions in mind, most services and groups are still being offered and some are held virtually. Please contact the program coordinator if you are interested in participating.
Classes
Finding Wellness After Cancer Workshop
About: Finding Wellness After Cancer is a free wellness workshop for adult cancer survivors and their caregivers after treatment
When: Sessions are offered monthly. You only need to attend one workshop.
Where: Virtual
Contact: Register for the virtual workshop. Please call the Patient & Family Resource Center at (984) 974-8100 with any questions.
Finding Wellness After Cancer page
Get Real & Heel
About: A 12-week exercise program for anyone affected by cancer. Get Real & Heel offers in-person and online exercise opportunities.
When: Facility open hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m – 3 p.m.; Wednesday hours are 12 – 6 p.m. Online classes are held Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12:30 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday at 8:30 a.m.
Where: UNC-Chapel Hill campus at the Get Real and Heel facility: 110-A Country Club Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Contact: Gabrielle Brennan by phone at (919) 962-1222 or by email at gabrielle_brennan@med.unc.edu
Support Groups
Breast Cancer Support for Young Women
About: For women ages 18-45 with breast cancer
When: Ongoing / join when you can. Occurs first Tuesday of the month from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Guglhupf Bakery in Durham (in upstairs meeting room or outdoors if weather permits)
Contact: Ashley Rankin Collins, ashleylr@email.unc.edu or Michelle Manning, mmanning@unc.edu
Circle of Support
About: For those who have lost a loved one. Support from hospice staff and volunteers
When: Ongoing / join when you can. Occurs second Monday of the month from 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Where: SECU Jim and Betsy Bryan Hospice Home
Coping with Cancer
About: For patients undergoing first-time cancer treatment
When: First and third Tuesdays of the month from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual, held via WebEx (group coordinator will send info)
Contact: Please register online to attend Coping with Cancer or call the social work line at (984) 974-5181 to register
Grief Support
About: Join us for a hybrid of psychoeducation and group discussion/peer support for spouses who have lost a loved one to cancer
When: Meets on the third Thursday of each month, 2:30 – 4 p.m.
Where: All sessions are virtual
Contact: Please contact Justin Yopp by email at justin_yopp@med.unc.edu or by phone at (984) 974-8113 for more information or to make a referral
Sharing Hope
About: For patients with recurrent or metastatic cancer
When: Drop-in format; sessions held second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual, held via WebEx (group coordinator will send info)
Contact: Please register online to attend Sharing Hope or call the social work line at (984) 974-5181 to register
Stronger Together: A Wellness Community for Those Affected by Cancer
About: A monthly group to discuss how cancer and its treatment has affected your health and well-being, receive support, and make some friends along the way. For any person who has received a diagnosis of cancer.
When: Third Thursdays of the month, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Either virtually over Zoom or in-person at the Get Real and Heel Facility on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus (free parking available)
Contact: Carly Bailey by phone at (919) 445-4255 or by email at carly_bailey@med.unc.edu
Triangle Bladder Cancer Support
About: For patients and caregivers affected by bladder cancer
When: Second Tuesday of the month, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Ronald McDonald House, Chapel Hill
Contact: Ritchie Briggs, (919) 493-0551
Widowed Parent Support Groups
Mother’s Group
About: There is no cost for attending. You do not have to be a UNC patient to attend.
When: Ongoing / join when you can. First Thursday of every month, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual
Contact: Lisa Stewart, lisa_stewart@med.unc.edu
Father’s Group
About: There is no cost for attending. You and your family do not have to be patients at UNC or affiliated with UNC in any way. You are welcome to bring your children! They will be supervised in a separate room and given dinner, drinks, and activities. Dinner will also be provided for you.
When: Ongoing / join when you can. Meets monthly.
Where: SECU Family House, 123 Old Mason Farm Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Contact: Justin Yopp by phone at (984) 974-8113 or by email at justin_yopp@med.unc.edu
Other Support Groups
See our Resources for other local area support programs and peer support programs that connects anyone touched by any type of cancer with another person whose experiences with cancer are similar.