Learn more about our in-person and virtual cancer support groups, programs, and resources to help you through your journey. All programming is free for patients & caregivers.
Mindful Mondays: Guided Meditation
Meditation can help with stress management, reduce negative emotions and promote wellbeing. Come learn and practice meditation techniques in community with others. In-person meditation is available for patients, caregivers and staff. Virtual meditation followed by a supportive check-in is available for patients.
In-person for Patients, Caregivers & Staff: Mondays from 7:30-7:50 a.m. in the Meditation Room, 1st Floor Cancer Center
Virtual for Patients Only: 1st and 3rd Mondays from 1-2 p.m
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.
Writing Workshops for Cancer Patients
Feel empowered through your cancer journey by writing about your experiences and sharing with others.
This writing workshop for cancer patients is run by an award-winning published author who had her own cancer journey as a young mother.
You'll learn how to develop and maintain a journaling or writing practice on your own. Come together with other cancer patients to write, share, and celebrate stories about finding one's strengths in the face of illness and struggle.
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.
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA
Cancer is a disease that takes a tremendous physical and emotional toll on those affected. The Y and LiveSTRONG have joined together to create a FREE 12-week evidence-based physical activity and well-being program. It's designed to help adult cancer survivors reclaim their total health.
Classes are held twice a week and directed by exercise professionals trained to work with cancer survivors. Learn more
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 Fellowship Hall. 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.
Brain Tumor Support Group
This support group, facilitated by oncology social workers, is for people living with a low grade brain tumor. The group meets virtually on the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
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 Monday of each month, 6:30-7:30 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.
Gynecologic Cancer Support Group
Meet with others experiencing gynecologic cancer. Share your experiences, participate in topical discussion, and receive support throughout your cancer experience.
For those who are currently in treatment or have completed treatment for gynecologic cancers, including cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancers.
When: 1st Thursday of each month (starting Oct. 3, 2024)
Contact: Chris Popish 434.243.5855; Jennifer Lee 434.982.3937
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 head and neck social worker. The goal is to create a safe space for peers to learn about community resources and improve the overall well-being of both patients and caregivers.
The group meets both in person and online by WebEx on the 4th Thursday of every month, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Contact us for more information and to get a link for the meeting. In-person meetings happen at University Baptist Church, 1223 W. Main Street, Charlottesville. 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.
Survivorship Wellness Webinar
The Survivorship Wellness webinar is a free, 5-week survivorship education webinar series for patients transitioning out of active treatment. We'll discuss how to create personalized solutions that help support and improve your health and quality of life.
When: TBD
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.