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: In person exercise is held Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m – 5 p.m. Remote/virtual exercise is held Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 9 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
Counseling
Parenting with Cancer Clinic
The mission of the Parenting with Cancer Clinic is to help patients with cancer who have minor children talk with their children openly and honestly about their illness, and to assist with cancer-related legal issues such as advance directives for health care, estate planning and guardianship.
The Parenting with Cancer Clinic is open to any person being treated for cancer at UNC Health who is caring for a child under the age of 18, regardless of prognosis or cancer type.
Parenting with Cancer Clinic website
Support Groups
Breast Cancer Support for Young Women
About: For women ages 18-45 with breast cancer
When: Ongoing / join when you can. Occurs second Thursday of the month from 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual
Contact: Michelle Manning, mmanning@unc.edu
Caregiver Support Group
About: UNC Cancer Caregiver Support Group is a support group for caregivers of individuals affected by cancer. The group is open to any caregivers of UNC Health Cancer patients. The group, facilitated by an Oncology RN, offers caregivers an opportunity to share experiences, receive emotional support, and learn practical strategies for self-care.
When: Ongoing / join when you can. Occurs third Wednesday of the month from 4 – 5 p.m.
Where: Virtual
Contact: Please email jessicca.yarnold@unchealth.unc.edu or call the Patient & Family Resource Center at (984) 971-8100
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: Second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Virtually over Zoom
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. (note: no meetings in June, July and August)
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: Lizette Lopez by email at Lizette_Lopez@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.