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 with Holly
Dates: Thursdays 2:30 – 4:00 pm
Meetings are held via Zoom.
Sponsoring organization: Providence
Art Therapy is guided by Holly, 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 well-being 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.
Dates: Starting September 23, 2024, Mondays & Wednesdays 4:15 – 5:00 pm
Sponsoring organization: Parkpoint Health Club with funding from North Bay Cancer Alliance
Location: Parkpoint Healdsburg, 195 Foss Creek Circle, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Cost: $50 for the six week program
Parkpoint Health Club is partnering with the North Bay Cancer Alliance to offer Cancer Wellness programming at their Healdsburg location. The program is six 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.
Beginning Art from the Heart with Holly
Dates: First and third Tuesdays of each month from 2:30 – 4:00 pm
Sponsoring organization: Providence
Introductory Art Therapy guided by Holly, 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 well-being 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.
Dates: Ten week class held Mondays and Wednesdays 1:30 – 3:00 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.
Digging Deeper
Dates: Last Friday of each month 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Meetings are held via Zoom.
Sponsoring organization: Providence
Facilitator: Carol
Digging Deeper creates a safe place to talk about taboo topics and strong emotions that may be difficult to discuss with others. In our culture, cancer, spirituality, death and end-of-life issues are topics that are often avoided. Loved ones may want cancer patients to focus solely on living or getting well and may find it difficult to talk about complex or messy subjects, even when patients want to talk about them.
We will write, converse, laugh, draw, share and meditate. The group is led by a licensed marriage and family therapist and cancer survivor.
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.
Earlier Stages Support Group (I and II)
Dates: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays 1:00 – 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 3:00 – 4:00 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.
Expandance Gentle Movement/Music
Dates: Fridays 10:30 am – 12 noon
Meetings are held via Zoom.
Sponsoring organization: Providence
Facilitator: Rachel
This practice teaches you how to get more comfortable in your body, how to listen to your body, and how to connect with your inner wisdom and creativity using the expandance® technique, a somatic movement practice.
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.
Family, Friends & Caregiver Support Group
Dates: Wednesdays 12 noon – 1:00 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.
Gentle Yoga
Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:30 am – 12 noon
Meetings are held via Zoom
Sponsoring organization: Providence
Facilitator: Nancy
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.
Journeying Together
Dates: Wednesdays 10:30 am – 12 noon
Meetings are held via Zoom
Sponsoring organization: Providence
Facilitator: Carol
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.
Later Stage Cancer Support Group
Dates: Wednesdays 4:30 – 6:00 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.
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.
Men’s Peer Support
Dates: On-going support via Zoom and phone
Sponsoring organization: Providence
Peer led
Peer led support for men walking with 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.
Mindfulness Meditation Group
Dates: every Wednesday, 10:00 – 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, 5:00 – 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.
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
Nutrition Classes
Dates: last Friday of each month from 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Meetings are held via Zoom.
Sponsoring organization: Providence
Facilitator: Jeannine
“The Power of Healthy Eating” led by Jeannine, registered nutritionist/dietician.
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.
Outdoor Music Therapy
Dates: once a month, typically on a Friday, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: St. Joseph Health/Providence Cancer Care, 3555 Round Barn Cir #100, Santa Rosa
Sponsoring organization: Providence
Hannah Jern-Miller performs for patients and staff at the Round Barn Circle cancer treatment facility monthly. Hannah Jern-Miller is a guitar/harmonica player, singer, and artist from Petaluma, CA. She has been bringing her smooth blend of folk, blues, bluegrass, and vintage rock music to the world for over 15 years. Born into a musical family, singing came naturally, and Jern-Miller flourished in Petaluma’s country setting. It was with her father’s old Yamaha guitar that she felt instant comfort, and was inspired to write songs and adapt cover tunes to her own style. Hannah plays in honor of her father who passed from cancer.
Patient Support Group
Dates: Fridays 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Meetings are held via Zoom.
Sponsoring organization: Providence
Patient group support, led by a Providence licensed marriage and family therapist, Tonia.
Prostate Cancer Support Group
Dates: 1st Monday of each month, 1:00 – 3:00 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.
Qigong
Dates: Fridays 12:00 – 12:45 pm
Sponsoring organization: Parkpoint Health Clubs
Location: Parkpoint Healdsburg, 195 Foss Creek Circle, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Facilitator: Janet Seaforth
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 Ilka
Dates: Mondays 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Meetings are held via Zoom.
Sponsoring organization: Providence
Spanish Speaking Women’s Cancer Support Group
Dates: 4th Wednesday of each month (unless otherwise stated), 6:00 – 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
Special Wishes
Ongoing
Sponsoring organization: Providence
Special wishes granted for patients at a difficult point in cancer journey.
Sound Healing and Meditation with Sarah and David
Dates: Fridays from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Meetings are held via Zoom.
Sponsoring organization: Providence
Find peace and relaxation through sound with local musicians, Sarah Jenness and David Sloves.
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.
Travel the World from Home
Periodical meetings are held via Zoom.
Sponsoring organization: Providence
Wellness Walks
Dates: Tuesdays starting just before 9:00 am
Location: Lucchesi Park in Petaluma, meet in the back left area, under the red arch, by the children’s play ground
Walk is lead by Dr. Sara Keck and Ronda, medical assistant
Sponsoring organization: Providence
Walks are free for anyone in treatment, having had cancer or living life’s journey with cancer.
You are welcome to join Dr. Keck and other cancer survivors for physical activity and a sense of community in weekly walks. Dr. Keck joins the walk for the first half hour and then heads to her office. The hope is that the group will continue walking and then enjoy the Petaluma Farmers’ Market .
Lucchesi Park location was picked because of the easy walking paths and the because the market takes place Tuesdays, 10:00 am – 1:30 pm — more opportunity to visit, eat, shop and gather together in community.
Sara Keck, MD believes that regular physical activity is the foundation for health and wellness. There are various ways to exercise, and for many people walking is feasible and accessible. She believes a sense of community and human connection is crucial, so come join us as we connect the two through walking.
No walk if raining and no pets please.
Please call or email Ronda so we know to expect you ronda.bunker@providence.org or (707) 790-8061.
Wigs Off: Online Gentle Yoga Class
Dates: Saturdays from 8:00 – 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.
Yoga for Cancer: Level One Breathe & Flow
Dates: Beginning August 15, 2023, Thursdays 9:15 – 10:30 am and Saturdays 11:00 – 12:15 am
Heart and Soul Yoga, 1575 Mountain View Ave. Petaluma, CA 94952
Cost: suggested amount for each class is $15, but please pay what you can. Some pay less and some pay more, all are welcome. Any contribution over $15 will go directly to sustaining our Yoga 4 Cancer classes by helping to subsidize other patients and survivors in need.
Pre-registration is required – no drops ins
Level One Breathe & Flow is enriched with breath and movement. With the use of blocks, props, and modifications this class typically begins seated on the floor, moves to an active standing flow before returning to the floor for a restorative and relaxing wind-down. No previous experience is needed. All are welcome
With a deeper knowledge and understanding of the holistic impacts of cancer, Heart and Soul Oncology yoga classes are thoughtfully designed to support the physical and emotional needs of patients and survivors and are offered as a complimentary and integrative therapy to your current medical treatment. Classes are enriched with breath and mindful movement to reduce stress and anxiety and set off a relaxation response in the body. And while classes have gentle and restorative elements they are also an active practice, where in each person is encouraged to work within their energy and ability level. Classes are designed with the intention of helping you increase your energy, build back lost muscle and bone strength, move lymphatic fluid through the body and boost your immune system and much much more!
For more information go to heartandsoulyogapetaluma.com or contact Susan O’Toole at (415) 572-0077.
Yoga for Cancer: Level Two Rise and Shine
Dates: Beginning August 15, 2023, Tuesdays 9:15 – 10:30 am
Heart and Soul Yoga, 1575 Mountain View Ave. Petaluma, CA 94952
Cost: suggested amount for each class is $15, but please pay what you can. Some pay less and some pay more, all are welcome. Any contribution over $15 will go directly to sustaining our Yoga 4 Cancer classes by helping to subsidize other patients and survivors in need.
Pre-registration is required – no drops ins
Level Two Rise and Shine is designed to offer all the same benefits of the Breathe and Flow class, but incorporating the comfort and stability of a chair, with the option to move to standing poses, before flowing back to the chair for a relaxing and restorative conclusion. No previous experience is needed. All are welcome.
With a deeper knowledge and understanding of the holistic impacts of cancer, Heart and Soul Oncology yoga classes are thoughtfully designed to support the physical and emotional needs of patients and survivors and are offered as a complimentary and integrative therapy to your current medical treatment. Classes are enriched with breath and mindful movement to reduce stress and anxiety and set off a relaxation response in the body. And while classes have gentle and restorative elements they are also an active practice, where in each person is encouraged to work within their energy and ability level. Classes are designed with the intention of helping you increase your energy, build back lost muscle and bone strength, move lymphatic fluid through the body and boost your immune system and much much more!
Young Adults Navigating Cancer — Support Group
Dates: Thursdays from 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Sponsoring organization: Providence
Facilitator: Jacqueline, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Bring your lunch and join others on Zoom for some lunchtime support. This group is primarily for patients 50 and younger.
- Share tips on balancing work and relationships as you navigate cancer
- Explore ways to manage and support children though your cancer diagnosis
- Reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety and distress
- Learn new ways of coping with complex feelings and conditions
- Increase feelings of hope and empowerment
- Share resources and insights
Young Women’s Cancer Support Group
Dates: 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month, 1:00 – 2:00 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
Dates: 1st and 3rd Thursday, 4:00 to 5:30 pm
Call 707 467-3838 for Zoom link
Sponsoring organization: Cancer Resource Center Mendocino
Meetings are open to all, 100% free.
Facilitator: Jill Longcrier
For more information contact Anya Jindrich at info@crcmendocino.org or (707) 467-3828.
Dates: 2nd and 4th Wednesday, 5:00 pm
Meetings are held via Zoom
Sponsoring organization: Cancer Resource Center Mendocino
Meetings are open to all, 100% free.
Facilitator: Harvey Baumoel, CRC volunteer
Our client-led book discussion Zoom group meets twice a month and is open to all. The group is currently discussing “Radical Hope” facilitated by CRC volunteer Daniel Pollesel.
For more information contact Anya Jindrich at info@crcmendocino.org or (707) 467-3828.
Dates: 1st and 3rd Tuesday, 5:00 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 Anya Jindrich at info@crcmendocino.org or (707) 467-3828.
Women’s Cancer Support Group (Zoom)
Dates: 1st and 3rd Monday at 11:00 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: Tara Benoist, LFMT
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 Anya Jindrich at info@crcmendocino.org or (707) 467-3828.
Women’s In-person Support Group in Spanish at our Ukiah Office
Dates: 1st Wednesday at 10:00 am and 3rd Monday at 2:00 pm
Cancer Resource Center, 275 W Gobbi St, Ukiah, CA 95482
Sponsoring organization: Cancer Resource Center Mendocino
Meetings are open to all, 100% free.
Facilitators: Marie McCurry and CRC’s Bilingual Patient Navigators
Led by Marie McCurry and CRC’s Bilingual Patient Navigators, our group provides a safe and confidential space for women of any age, with any type or stage of cancer to share their concerns and experiences. We meet twice monthly on the first Wednesday at 10 am and the third Monday at 2 pm. Refreshments are provided.
For more information contact Anya Jindrich at info@crcmendocino.org or (707) 467-3828.