New Support Groups Offered at Baystate Mary Lane

WARE — Facing a major illness or stressful life change can be a daunting prospect. Support groups bring together people facing similar issues and can help them to cope better and feel less isolated by making connections with others facing similar challenges.

Camille St. Onge, oncology social worker at Baystate Mary Lane Hospital, has announced the following new support groups that have formed to support patients, family members, caregivers, and friends experiencing a cancer diagnosis:

General Cancer Support Group: Open to all cancer diagnoses. Meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Expressive Writing Through Cancer: A 10-week, guided topic-driven group for those experiencing cancer. Open to all cancer diagnoses. Meetings are held the third Wednesday of every month, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Breast Cancer Support Group: Open to all women with breast cancer regardless of stage of treatment. Meeting are held the fourth Wednesday of every month, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Partners in Caregiving: An early-evening support group for caregivers of people with cancer. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of the month, 5 to 6:30 pm.

Circle of Angels, a Quilting Support Group for People Who Have Been Touched by Cancer: The group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Look Good, Feel Better Program: This two-hour program is held every three months for women who are undergoing cancer treatment currently or within the last 12 months. The program focuses on skin- and nail-care tips, scarf and wig tips, and makeup tips during the challenges associated with cancer treatments.

For more information or to attend any of these support groups contact St. Onge at the Baystate Regional Cancer Program at Baystate Mary Lane Hospital; (413) 967-2245.