Support groups are offered at many University Hospitals Ireland Cancer Center now University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center locations throughout Northeast Ohio. Below is a list of our current support groups. Please call the numbers listed below for exact meeting dates and times. All programs are free.

If you would like information about any of the UH Seidman Cancer Center's free education programs, please call our Office of Patient and Public Education at 216-844-5432 or 800-641-2422 or visit the Healing & Hope Educational and Support Programs page for more details.

Bouncing Back – Support Group for Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) Patients

  • UH Seidman Cancer Center nurses and a licensed social worker provide support and education for BMT patients and their care partners.
  • Contact Jaime Foyle, LISW at 216-844-7760

Living Daily: Coping with a Brain Tumor

  • Discussion and support group for patients with brain tumors and their care partners.
  • Led by an UH Seidman Cancer Center nurse and licensed social worker
  • Contact Jaime Foyle, LISW at 216-844-7760

Hope for Tomorrow – A Support Group for Women with Gynecologic Cancers

  • Support group for women with gynecological cancer; partners welcome.
  • 3rd Wednesday of the month
  • Led by a licensed social worker
  • Location: UH Chagrin Highlands Seidman Cancer Center – Suite 1100
  • Contact Cathy Witt, LISW at 216-844-7042

Celebration of Life: Survivors of Oral, Head & Neck Cancer

  • Open to all survivors of oral, head and neck cancers
  • Support group and educational talks by guest speakers
  • Led by an UH Seidman Cancer Center licensed social worker
  • Contact Nancy Tamburro, LISW at 216-844-3385

Life After the Whipple – Support Group for Pancreas Patients

  • Support group for pancreas patients and their families
  • Each meeting also offers an educational talk by a guest speaker
  • Led by a licensed Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Contact Barbara Lombardo, RN, MSN, PMH CNS-BC at 216-844-3582

Look Good…Feel Better®

  • Open to women undergoing cancer therapy
  • Learn techniques and tips about hair, nails, and skin care to help restore appearance and self confidence
  • This American Cancer Society service provides a free make-up kit for participants
  • A cancer nurse is also available to answer questions
  • Program Locations:
    UH Chagrin Highlands – contact Beth Westbrook, RN at 216-896-1750
    UH Geauga Medical Center – call 440-285-6310
    UH Westlake Health Center – call 440-250-2001
    Lake/UH Seidman Cancer Center – call 440-205-5464
    Southwest General Health Center UH Seidman Cancer Center – call 440-816-6051

Partners in Coping with a Cancer Diagnosis

  • Open to couples dealing with any cancer diagnosis
  • They can meet alone with a licensed oncology social worker for four sessions. Topics of discussion include physical, emotional and spiritual challenges that may arise, family members and children, changes in roles, sexuality, and other concerns
  • Contact Kim Day, MSSA, LISW, OSW-C at 216-896-1758

Firelands Regional Medical Center UH Seidman Cancer Center Support Groups meeting in Sandusky

Living with Illness

  • An uplifting group for individuals facing common challenges with long or short term illnesses
  • 1st Monday of the month in the Atrium at 701 Tyler Street
  • Call Deanie Kehres, MSN, AOCNS at 419-557-6959

Lake/UH Seidman Cancer Center Support Groups

Caring and Sharing Cancer Support Groups

  • A group effort from the American Cancer Society and Lake/UH Seidman Cancer Center
  • Open to patients with any cancer diagnosis
  • Includes a different educational topic every month, as well as time to share thoughts and experiences
  • Last Monday of the month; offered at Lake/UH Seidman Cancer Center
  • Call 440-205-5867 for more information

Man to Man Prostate Support Group

  • Guest speakers talk about topics of interest to men with prostate cancer
  • Monthly meetings offered at Lake/UH Seidman Cancer Center
  • Call 440-205-5464 for more information

Southwest General Health Center UH Seidman Cancer Center Support Groups

Southwest Area Caregivers Support Group

  • This series of programs offers caregivers practical information, support and understanding
  • 3rd Thursday of the month
  • Contact Chris Cameron at 440-816-5000 or Community Health Resources Office at 440-816-8450

Other Local Support Group Resources

Below is a list of other organizations that also offer support group resources. Please call their offices or visit their websites for more information.

American Cancer Society

The Gathering Place

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Minority Women with Breast Cancer Uniting, Inc.

  • Call Geri Blair at 216-291-0962

Stewart’s Caring Place