Support Group Launched for People Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer

NORTHAMPTON — A new, monthly support group for individuals living with metastatic breast cancer is being offered at Cancer Connection. This will be the first support group specifically designed for people living with metastatic breast cancer in this region. Cancer Connection has eight additional support groups that meet in Northampton and Amherst.

Interest in creating the group emerged out of the day-long retreat on metastatic breast cancer that Cancer Connection hosted in April, said Elizabeth Cahn, Cancer Connection program coordinator. “We know that more people are living with metastatic breast cancer, and they are living longer. It is important to Cancer Connection to provide additional supports in Western Massachusetts for all those affected by metastatic breast cancer.”

The group will be led by Vivien Weiss, who has extensive experience facilitating support groups for people living with cancer. She also facilitates a group for people living with ovarian and gynecological cancer, a group for families and caregivers, and intermittent bereavement groups. In 2009, she was honored as a ‘Top 100’ by Massachusetts General Hospital for her contributions to the lives of people living with cancer throughout the Pioneer Valley.

The group will be held monthly, on Thursday afternoons, at Cancer Connection in Northampton. Pre-registration is required by calling (413) 586-1642. There is no charge.