Virtual Support Groups Offered for Patients and Families Facing Cancer

PALMER — During a cancer journey, patients and their families often benefit from the support of others. Baystate Wing Hospital is offering virtual support groups through 2025 with Camille St. Onge, oncology social worker.

For many years, people had to travel to a predetermined location to attend cancer support-group meetings. As a result of restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual support groups began meeting entirely online, with participants joining through videoconferencing platforms like Zoom. Today, many people prefer this method because it offers flexibility and convenience and allows them to access support from where they are without needing to physically travel to a meeting location.

“Sharing concerns with a support group can be a beneficial way for people facing cancer to get the help they need to cope with the physical and emotional concerns that arise during and after a cancer diagnosis,” St. Onge said. While support and self-help groups can vary greatly, groups share one thing in common: they are a place where people can share personal stories, express emotions, and be heard in an atmosphere of acceptance, understanding, and encouragement.”

The support groups are designed to help patients, families, and caregivers cope with the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. They include:

• General Cancer Support Group: first Wednesday of each month, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.;

• Partners in Caregiving: second Wednesday of each month, 5 to 6:30 p.m.;

• Expressive Writing Through Cancer, third Wednesday of each month, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and

• Breast Cancer Support Group, fourth Wednesday of each month, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

All meetings are currently held virtually and are made possible by funds raised by the Walk of Champions. For more information, contact St. Onge at (413) 239-7239 or cstomagin@gmail.com.