Cancer Support Groups, Classes, & Resources

Get Dates & Locations
Phone Number
Call 434.297.4870

Learn more about our in-person and virtual cancer support groups, programs, and resources to help you through your journey. All programming is free of charge for patients & caregivers.

Contact Cindy Glaize at 434.924.4542 or mks8gp@uvahealth.org for more information, unless otherwise noted.

Mindful Mondays: Guided Meditation

Meditation for patients, caregivers and staff.

Meditation can help with stress management, reduce negative emotions and promote wellbeing. Invite a few moments of calm into your busy day by joining our chaplain for guided meditation. Stay for as little or as long as you like.

Caregiver Support: Caregiver Connection

Are you supporting a friend or loved one through their cancer diagnosis? Are you looking for connection, community, resources, and an opportunity for self-care? Join us for a virtual meeting.

Supportive Care Arts Group

For patients and caregivers. Creative experiences help reset the brain and support our best well-being, especially when in a healthcare crisis.

Drop in for an easy art project with our art volunteers. You can watch, do, or take home to do at your leisure. You don't need to be an artist - all you need is the desire to have some relaxing fun and 20 minutes of free time. All supplies provided.

Nia – Moving to Heal

Nia is a joyful, mindful, holistic movement practice. It combines dance, martial arts, and healing arts. It is adaptable to individual needs and connects the body, mind, emotions, and spirit. These virtual classes are taught by Susan Tate, Licensed Black Belt Nia Instructor.

This meeting offered both online and in person. For more information and to access Zoom link, contact Susan Tate at susan@susantate.org. In-person, the group meets at University Baptist Church, 1223 W. Main Street, Charlottesville, in Room 120. Free parking is available.

Introduction to Support Services 

This virtual informational session provides an opportunity to learn about the various resources and care available to patients and families. It will be hosted by our oncology social workers who will be available to answer your questions and connect you with the individual support you need.

Breast Cancer Support Group

Online support group for UVA Health patients currently being treated for breast cancer and would like to have support in a group setting. This group meets virtually the first and third Mondays each month, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Hope Matters: Caregiver Support Group

This virtual group is led by our oncology social workers. The goal is to create a safe space for peers to discuss the journey of caring for a patient with high-grade glioma.

Gastrointestinal Cancer Support Group

This in-person support group will connect you with others who have shared or similar experiences with gastrointestinal cancer. It will provide space for sharing personal experiences and discussing facilitated topics. No medical advice will be provided.

The group meets at University Baptist Church, 1223 W. Main Street, Charlottesville, in Room 120. Free parking is available.

Lung Cancer Support Group

This virtual support group will connect you with others who have shared experiences with lung cancer. It will provide space for open discussion and sharing. No medical advice will be provided.

Prostate Cancer Support Group

Are you currently diagnosed with prostate cancer or are you a survivor? UVA Cancer Center offers a 3-month virtual support group.

The group is led by our oncology social workers, who aim to create a safe environment for patients to support one another. Also, you'll have an opportunity to talk with healthcare providers about resources regarding prostate cancer. The goals of the group include:

  • Reduce loneliness, anxiety, and distress
  • Increase feelings of hope and empowerment
  • Promote better communication with your medical team and loved ones
  • Give you practical information about treatment and resources

Provide your email address when registering and we'll send you a video link.

Sickle Cell Warriors

Living with sickle cell disease (SCD) means thriving and not just surviving. Building a foundation of healthy habits and a SCD community can help you live a full life. Join this virtual support group to connect with others who have SCD, learn how to cope with stress, and develop a self-care toolkit.

Second Wind: Head, Neck, & Oral Cancer Patient & Caregiver Support Group (Hybrid Model)

The group is led by our cancer social workers. The goal is to create a safe space for peers to get information about community resources while improving the overall well-being of both patients and caregivers.

For more information: Contact Carol A. Schenck, LCSW at 434.243.5858 or uhu7uq@uvahealth.org. The group meets at University Baptist Church, 1223 W. Main Street, Charlottesville, in Room 120. Free parking is available.

Sacred Journeys: The Journey Begins

Are you interested in participating in a cancer support group for patients beginning their journey with cancer (1 year or less from diagnosis)? This group includes non-religious spiritual elements, such as mindfulness.

There will be opportunities for connection as well as sharing one’s journey, wisdom and experience. All are welcome. For more information, please contact Ann Marie Smith, MDiv, BCC at 323.924.2477 or ams5av@uvahealth.org.

Cancer Peer Support Program: We're Here for You

Ongoing, Phone-Based

We’re here for you. This program connects you with a cancer survivor or caregiver. They understand what you’re going through. You can talk with them about the challenges of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Peer partners cannot offer medical advice. But they can share their own experiences and offer encouragement and insight to help you cope.

To get connected to a peer support person: email CancerPeerSupport@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu

Find out more about our cancer peer support program.

Patient Resource Table

Stop by and meet members of the supportive care staff, have a little treat, and help yourself to any educational and spiritual resource materials you may need. 

Need Help Quitting Tobacco? 

If it’s your first time trying to quit your tobacco of choice or your 5th attempt, get tips and tricks to help you quit for good. Learn about combination therapy and ways to live a healthy tobacco-free life. 1-hour virtual session for patients, caregivers and staff.

Or get a custom plan to quit and/or reduce. Let us help you manage withdrawal and develop new coping skills for stress and anxiety. Learn more about our tobacco treatment program.

Online Community

Engage and connect with others. Find your own cancer support community.

Reach Out

For support group dates, locations and more, contact Cindy Glaize at 434.924.4542 or mks8gp@uvahealth.org.