Cancer Support Groups

North Bay Cancer Support Groups

These groups are open to all patients, unless other wise noted.

Sonoma County

Art from the Heart

Dates: Thursdays 2:30 – 4 pm
Meetings are held via Zoom
Sponsoring organization: Providence

Art Therapy is guided by a local artist and cancer survivor, in a step-by-step format that enables and encourages individuals to create their own pathway toward health and wellbeing through the enjoyment of art.

Meetings are FREE of charge for anyone in treatment, having had cancer or living life’s journey with cancer. You do not need to be a patient of St. Joseph Health/Providence to participate, all are welcome.

For more information contact Sharon Doughty at  Sharon.Doughty@Providence.org or (707) 525-6131.

Balance/Strength/Circuit Training

Dates: Starting April 3, 2023, Mondays & Wednesdays 3:30 – 4:15 pm
Sponsoring organization: Parkpoint Health Club with funding from North Bay Cancer Alliance

Location: Parkpoint Healdsburg, Group Exercise Room A
195 Foss Creek Circle, Healdsburg, CA 95448

Cost: $50 for non-Parkpoint members; donations appreciated from Parkpoint members

Parkpoint Health Club is partnering with the North Bay Cancer Alliance to offer Cancer Wellness programming at their Healdsburg location. The program is eight weeks in length. Regular physical activity, including aerobic activity, strength training and stretching, can help reduce fatigue, depression and anxiety while maintaining or improving physical function.

For more information contact Jan Blalock at jan@parkpointhealthclub.com  or (707) 385-2500.

Cancer Wellness Exercise Program

Dates: Ten week class held Mondays and Wednesdays 1:30 – 3 pm
Meetings are held in a private studio at the Airport Health Club, 432 Aviation Blvd., Studio 4, Santa Rosa 95403
Sponsoring organization: Airport Health Club with funding from North Bay Cancer Alliance

The Airport Health Club offers a free exercise program for people recovering from cancer. Our Cancer Wellness Program is for members and non-members with any type of cancer at any stage. This program is 10 weeks in length and free of charge to members and non-members. We meet Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:30 – 3:00 pm in a beautiful private studio.

 

The program is designed to implement the process of improvement in pain management and function so participants can better perform activities of daily living through appropriate exercise. Participants see improvements in posture, breathing, bone strength, endurance, digestion, tolerance to chemotherapy, pain, and fatigue.

For more information contact Lisa Fuller at lisaf@airportclub.com  or (707) 528-2582.

Earlier Stages Support Group (I and II)

Dates: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays 1 – 2:30 pm
Meetings are held virtually
Sponsoring organization: Kaiser
Meetings are for Kaiser patients only
Facilitator: Patty Engh, MSW

For more information contact Arlesia Malone at Arlesia.X.Malone@kp.org or (707) 393-3749.

Early Stage or Newly Diagnosed Cancer Support Group

Dates: Wednesdays 3 – 4 pm
Meetings are held virtually, call (707) 521-7785 for link and dial-in information.
Sponsoring organization: Sutter Health
Meetings are free and you do NOT Need to be a part of Sutter to attend!
Facilitator: Ange Stephens, MA, LMFT

For those who have been newly diagnosed with any type or any stage of cancer, or anyone who has any type of early-stage cancer.

For more information contact Margie Tygerson at TygersM@sutterhealth.org or (707) 521-7785.

Family, Friends & Caregiver Support Group

Dates: Wednesdays 12 noon – 1 pm
Meetings are held virtually, call (707) 521-7785 for link and dial-in information.
Sponsoring organization: Sutter Health
Meetings are free and you do NOT Need to be a part of Sutter to attend!
Facilitator: Ange Stephens, MA, LMFT

For adults who are close to (or are caregivers for) someone with cancer.

For more information contact Margie Tygerson at TygersM@sutterhealth.org or (707) 521-7785.

Family/Caregiver Support Group

Dates: Tuesdays from 4 – 5:30 pm
Meetings are held at 110 Stony Point Road, Suite 110 in Santa Rosa
Sponsoring organization: Sutter Care at Home — Santa Rosa (Hospice)

For adults with loved ones dealing with a life-threatening illness.

For more information call (707) 535-5780

Gentle Yoga and Meditation

Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 – 11:30 am
Meetings are held via Zoom
Sponsoring organization: Providence

This class promotes centering through movement, meditation and relaxation; with time for information sharing and community discussion.

Meetings are FREE of charge for anyone in treatment, having had cancer or living life’s journey with cancer. You do not need to be a patient of St. Joseph Health/Providence to participate, all are welcome.

For more information contact Sharon Doughty at Sharon.Doughty@Providence.org or (707) 525-6131

Journeying Together-Patient Support Group with Carol

Dates: Wednesdays  10 am – 11 am
Meetings are held via Zoom
Sponsoring organization: Providence

A unique cancer patient support group, led by licensed marriage and family therapist and cancer survivor. There is time for sharing thoughts and building community through words, art/doodling and guided meditation.
Meetings are FREE of charge for anyone in treatment, having had cancer or living life’s journey with cancer. You do not need to be a patient of St. Joseph Health/Providence to participate, all are welcome.

For more information contact Sharon Doughty at Sharon.Doughty@Providence.org or (707) 525-6131.

Later Stages Group (III and IV)

Dates: Mondays 10:30 am – 12 noon
Meetings are held virtually
Sponsoring organization: Kaiser
Meetings are for Kaiser patients only.
Facilitator: Avery Figueroa, LCSW
Call (707) 393-2454 before first group.

For more information contact Arlesia Malone at Arlesia.X.Malone@kp.org or (707) 393-3749.

Later Stage Cancer Support Group

Dates: Wednesdays 4:30 – 6 pm
Meetings are held virtually, call (707) 521-7785 for link and dial-in information.
Sponsoring organization: Sutter Health
All groups are free and you do not Need to be a part of Sutter to attend!
Facilitator: Ange Stephens, MA, LMFT

For those who have any type of stage III or IV cancer.

For more information contact Margie Tygerson at TygersM@sutterhealth.org or (707) 521-7785.

Men’s Peer Support

Dates: Monthly classes
Meetings are held via Zoom.
Sponsoring organization: Providence

Peer led

For men supporting loved ones through cancer. Find support and encouragement through shared experiences. All meetings are FREE of charge for anyone in treatment, having had cancer or living life’s journey with cancer. You do not need to be a patient of St. Joseph Health/Providence to participate, all are welcome.

For more information contact Sharon Doughty at Sharon.Doughty@Providence.org or (707) 525-6131.

Mindfulness Meditation Group

Dates: every Wednesday, 10 – 11:00 am
Meetings are held virtually, call (707) 521-7785 for link and dial-in information.
Sponsoring organization: Sutter Health
All groups are free and you do NOT Need to be a part of Sutter to attend!
Facilitator: Ange Stephens, MA, LMFT

This “drop-in: mindfulness meditation hour is available for those who have completed any of our mindfulness class series. A chance practice mindfulness in a supportive group. Join in whenever your schedule allows!

For more information contact Margie Tygerson at TygersM@sutterhealth.org or (707) 521-7785.

Moving On After Cancer Book Club & Support Group

Dates: 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, 5 – 6:30 pm
Meetings are held virtually, call (707) 521-7785 for link and dial-in information.
Sponsoring organization: Sutter Health
All groups are free and you do not Need to be a part of Sutter to attend!
Facilitator: Bob Heit, Peer Counseling Coordinator & Cancer Survivor

For those who have completed, or are completing cancer treatment.

For more information contact Margie Tygerson at TygersM@sutterhealth.org or (707) 521-7785.

Multiple Myeloma Support Group – Myeloma Stompers

Dates: 2nd Friday each month from 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Meetings are held via Zoom, call (707) 836-0913 for link and dial-in information.
Facilitator: Bob Ensten myelomastompers@comcast.net or (707) 836-0913

For patients dealing with multiple myeloma, their caregivers, family, and friends.

For more information contact Bob Ensten at myelomastompers@comcast.net or (707) 836-0913

Music Therapy

Ongoing
Sponsoring organization: Providence

Local musicians perform monthly outside treatment room; specifically for patients receiving treatment that day.

For more information contact Sharon Doughty at Sharon.Doughty@Providence.org or (707) 525-6131.

Nutrition Classes

Coming soon
Meetings are held via Zoom.
Sponsoring organization: Providence

“The Power of Healthy Eating” — pending — days and times to be determined.

All meetings are free of charge for anyone in treatment, having had cancer or living life’s journey with cancer. You
do not need to be a patient of St. Joseph Health/Providence to participate, all are welcome.

For more information contact Sharon Doughty at Sharon.Doughty@Providence.org or (707) 525-6131.

Patient Support Group

Dates: Fridays 11 am – 12:30 pm
Meetings are held via Zoom.
Sponsoring organization: Providence
Patient group support, led by a Providence licensed marriage and family therapist.

There is opportunity to find emotional support and encouragement from others coping with cancer. It is a safe place to share resources, learn new ways to manage fatigue, stress and explore ideas on the art of balancing life with a cancer diagnosis. Classes are free of charge for anyone in treatment, having had cancer or living life’s journey with cancer. You do not need to be a patient of St. Joseph Health/Providence to participate, all are welcome.

For more information contact Sharon Doughty at Sharon.Doughty@Providence.org or (707) 525-6131.

Qigong

Dates: Starting April 3, 2023 Tuesdays 2 – 2:45 pm
Meetings are held via Zoom.
Sponsoring organization: Parkpoint Health Clubs

Cost: $50 for non-Parkpoint members; donations appreciated from Parkpoint members

 

Parkpoint Health Club is partnering with the North Bay Cancer Alliance to offer Cancer Wellness programming at their Healdsburg location. The program is eight weeks in length. Regular physical activity can help reduce fatigue, depression and anxiety while maintaining or improving physical function.

For more information contact Jan Blalock at jan@parkpointhealthclub.com  or (707) 385-2500.

Qigong with Sound Healing and Meditation

Dates: Mondays 10 am – 11:30 am
Meetings are held via Zoom.
Sponsoring organization: Providence

A practice using healing sound, meditative movement to promote a deeper sense of peace, well-being and balance. Classes are free of charge for anyone in treatment, having had cancer or living life’s journey with cancer. You do not need to be a patient of St. Joseph Health/Providence to participate, all are welcome.

For more information contact Sharon Doughty at Sharon.Doughty@Providence.org or (707) 525-6131.

Prostate Cancer Support Group

Dates: 1st Monday of each month, 1 – 3 pm
Meetings are held virtually, call (707) 521-7785 for link and dial-in information.
Sponsoring organization: Sutter Health
All groups are free and you do not need to be a part of Sutter to attend!
Facilitator: Bob Cobb, MSW & Cancer Survivor

Get important information and meet men who are living successfully and well with cancer. Partners welcome.

For more information contact Margie Tygerson at TygersM@sutterhealth.org or (707) 521-7785.

Release and Restore (Healing Movement and Restorative Yoga)

Dates: Fridays 10:30 am – noon
Meetings are held via Zoom.
Sponsoring organization: Providence

A combination practice promoting balance and fun through music and movement; followed by deep relaxation and sound healing through restorative yoga. Classes are free of charge for anyone in treatment, having had cancer or living life’s journey with cancer. You do not need to be a patient of St. Joseph Health/Providence to participate, all are welcome.

For more information contact Sharon Doughty at Sharon.Doughty@Providence.org or (707) 525-6131.

 

Spanish Speaking Women’s Cancer Support Group

Dates: 4th Wednesday of each month (unless otherwise stated), 6 – 7:30 pm

Meetings are held virtually, call (707) 521-7785 for link and dial-in information.
Sponsoring organization: Sutter Health
All groups are free and you do not need to be a part of Sutter to attend!
Facilitators: Marcia Gomez, LCSW, Certified Gottman Therapist & Ale Dinkel, Cancer Survivor

 

For Spanish speaking women with any type and any stage of cancer.

 

For more information contact Margie Tygerson at TygersM@sutterhealth.org or (707) 521-7785.

Grupo de Apoyo Para Mujeres Con Cualquier Tipo de Cáncer (en Español)

Cuarto miércoles de cada mes, 6:00-7:30 pm

El costo de grupos de apoyo es gratis. Todos son bienvenidos: No tiene que pertenecer a Sutter para asistir.

 

Dirigido por Marcia Gomez, LCSW, Terapeuta Certificada de Gottman

Este grupo de apoyo le da la bienvenida a mujeres que han sido diagnosticas con cualquier tipo de cáncer. Le ofrece un ambiente seguro para explorar sus decisiones, pensamientos y emociones. Puede compartir su experiencia, ser escuchada y escuchar la historia de las demás. Así con esto, usted podrá aprender de otras y darse fuerza y comprensión que tanto uno necesita para seguir adelante.
Para asistir llame al (707) 521-7785 puede dejar mensaje en espanol y le regresaremos la llamada para darle la liga de conexion en línea.

Special Wishes

Ongoing
Sponsoring organization: Providence

Special wishes granted at critical points in a patient’s cancer treatment and journey

For more information contact Sharon Doughty at Sharon.Doughty@Providence.org or (707) 525-6131.

Sound Healing and Gentle Yoga

Dates: Fridays 2:30 pm – 4 pm
Meetings are held via Zoom.
Sponsoring organization: Providence

Sound therapy to promote wellness and healing through a sound journey using a variety of instruments, guided meditation and gentle yoga.

Classes are FREE of charge for anyone in treatment, having had cancer or living life’s journey with cancer. You do not need to be a patient of St. Joseph Health/Providence to participate, all are welcome.

For more information contact Sharon Doughty at Sharon.Doughty@Providence.org or (707) 525-6131.

 

Survivorship Speaker Series

Dates: Approximately every month. Call to find out about our next scheduled session.
Meetings are held virtually, call (707) 521-7785 for link and dial-in information.
Sponsoring organization: Sutter Health
All groups are free and you do not need to be a part of Sutter to attend!

Presentations offered approximately every month on a variety of cancer-related topics.

For more information contact Margie Tygerson at TygersM@sutterhealth.org or (707) 521-7785.

Wigs Off: Online Gentle Yoga Class

Dates: Saturdays from 8 – 8:40 am (ending April 8, 2023)
Meetings are held virtually.
Class is taught by Nic Watson
Classes are available to all for free.

WIGS OFF! is a weekly livestream yoga class that allows women to practice from home (no immuno-compromised worries) with  their wigs off (no need to worry about slippage in a downward dog !). Enjoy very light yoga with someone who “gets it” and can cue poses and offer modifications appropriate to post surgery and all that entails, with range of movement and incision healing etc.

Nic Watson has been teaching yoga for over 15 years and also educates people about Ayurveda. She is a certified Polarity Therapy Practitioner.

Three pre-recorded online classes are available for those willing to give their email address and contact information.

For more information contact Nic Watson at nicwatsonyogaforyou@gmail.com or (347) 404-1239.

Young Women’s Cancer Support Group

Dates: 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month, 1 – 2 pm
Meetings are held virtually, call (707) 521-7785 for link and dial-in information.
Sponsoring organization: Sutter Health
All groups are free and you do not need to be a part of Sutter to attend!
Facilitators: Mary Lou Carrington, RN, OCN & Mindy Ricioli, Cancer Survivor

Educational and emotional support for women 45 and under with any type and any stage of cancer.

For more information contact Margie Tygerson at TygersM@sutterhealth.org or (707) 521-7785.

Mendocino County

“Anti-Cancer Living” Client-Led Book Discussion Group

Dates: 2nd and 4th Wednesday, 5 pm
Meetings are held via Zoom
Sponsoring organization: Cancer Resource Center Mendocino
Meetings are open to all, 100% free.
Facilitator: Harvey Baumoel, CRC volunteer

This group is currently discussing the book “Anti-Cancer Living” by Lorenzo Cohen, PhD and Alison Jefferies, MEd.

For more information contact Karen Oslund at info@crcmendocino.org or (707) 467-3828.

 

Men’s Cancer Support Group (in-person)

Dates: 2nd Thursday, 10 am
Call for meeting location.
Sponsoring organization: Cancer Resource Center Mendocino
Meetings are open to all, 100% free.
Facilitator: Glenn Rude, LMFT

A safe, confidential space to discuss concerns and share experiences.

For more information contact Karen Oslund at info@crcmendocino.org or (707) 467-3828.

 

Men’s Cancer Support Group (virtual)

Dates: 1st and 3rd Tuesday, 5 pm
Meetings are held via Zoom
Sponsoring organization: Cancer Resource Center Mendocino
Meetings are open to all, 100% free.
Facilitator: Paul Otto, PhD

 

For men of any age with any type or stage of cancer. A safe, confidential space to discuss concerns and share experiences.

For more information contact Karen Oslund at info@crcmendocino.org or (707) 467-3828.

 

Women’s Cancer Support Group

Dates: 1st and 3rd Monday at 11 am (NEW TIME—changed from noon)
Meetings are held via Zoom
Sponsoring organization: Cancer Resource Center Mendocino
Meetings are open to all, 100% free.
Facilitator: Lynne Bornheim

For women of any age, any type or stage of cancer. A safe, confidential space to discuss concerns and share experiences.

For more information contact Karen Oslund at info@crcmendocino.org or (707) 467-3828.