Support Opportunities
The Comprehensive Cancer Support Program offers support opportunities for our cancer patients and caregivers.
Read more about our classes and support groups. You can also view a calendar of the upcoming support events.
View calendar of patient support events
Classes
Get Real & Heel
About: An exercise program for anyone affected by cancer. Get Real & Heel offers in-person and online exercise opportunities.
When: Facility open hours are Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m – 1 p.m. Online classes are held Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 8 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
Coping with Cancer
About: For patients undergoing cancer treatment
When: Second and fourth Thursdays 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
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: By email at trianglebcs@gmail.com, or by phone at 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: Justin Yopp by phone at (984) 974-8113 or by email at justin_yopp@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.
When: Ongoing / join when you can. Meets monthly in the evening.
Where: Virtual
Contact: Justin Yopp by phone at (984) 974-8113 or by email at justin_yopp@med.unc.edu
UNC Grief Support Group
About: For those who have lost a loved one. Support from hospice bereavement professionals and volunteers.
When: Afternoon and evening groups occur in the spring, summer and fall. They meet weekly for eight consecutive weeks.
Where: UNC Hospice Home (100 Roundtree Way, Pittsboro, NC 27312)
Contact: Steven Chewning, UNC Hospice Bereavement Coordinator, by email at steven.chewning@unchealth.unc.edu
Learn more about Grief and Bereavement Services at UNC Hospice
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.