Support Groups

Head and Neck Cancer Support Group

The Head and Neck Cancer Support Group is a monthly meeting for patients diagnosed with head & neck cancer who are going through radiation, chemotherapy or have had extensive surgery. The group is a forum for patient’s to share their feelings regarding their illness with purpose of offering each other support, information and education. Group focuses primarily on patient’s depression regarding their cancer.

Facilitator: Anna Polys (312) 413-0355
When: Contact Anna for meeting information
Where: Eye & Ear Infirmary, 1855 W. Taylor 1st floor classroom

Inpatient Cancer Support Group

This support group is for inpatient cancer patients.

Facilitator(s): Wendy Jaffe, RN (312/996-7947) and Ricky Phillips, MSW (312/996-1430)
When: Contact Wendy or Ricky for meeting information
Where: University of Illinois Medical Center, 1740 W. Taylor, room 830 West

Pediatric Oncology Support Group

This support group is for families who have children that have been diagnosed with cancer (inpatient and outpatient). There are volunteers for youth family members who accompany the parents to this support group. The primary purpose of this support group is for parents to provide support to each other. Each month there are new topics, which come from suggestions taken from the parents.

Facilitator(s): Bernice Woods (312/413-0662) and Lucy Romez (312/996-4210)
When: Last Wednesday of every month - 6:00-8:00 pm
Where: University of Illinois Medical Center, 1740 W. Taylor, 5 West

Music Therapy Group for Pediatric Parents

This support group is for parents who have children that have been diagnosed with cancer (inpatient and outpatient). This therapeutic group uses various music modalities that will provide an opportunity for individuals to express themselves trough verbal and non-verbal communication, and to interact with other parents to distress and relax while in the comfort of a non-traditional environment.

Facilitator(s): Bernice Woods (312) 413-0662
When: Contact Bernice for meeting information
Where: University of Illinois Medical Center, 1740 W. Taylor, 5 West

Reach Out and Read Program

Audience: Patient (pediatric)

The Division of Pediatric Oncology, in conjunction with Young Professionals of the American Cancer Society, coordinates the Reach Out and Read Program for pediatric patients diagnosed with cancer. Every Monday during clinic hours (9:30 am -12:00 pm) at 1800 W. Taylor (2 East), pediatric cancer patients are given a new book donated by the American Cancer Society. For more information, contact Bernice Woods at 312/413-0662.

Smoking Cessation Clinic

Audience: Patients and Public

The Smoking Cessation Clinic offers both individual and group sessions to assist the participant with behavioral modifications, selection of appropriate smoking cessation medication and relapse prevention.

Facilitator: Lori Wilken (312/996-5980)
When: Monday (1:00-5:00) & Wednesday (9:00-1:00)
Where: Nutrition & Wellness Center, 1801 W. Taylor 1st floor

Tobacco Cessation Program (East Side)

Audience: Students, Faculty & Staff

The Tobacco Cessation assists individuals with behavioral modifications and selection of appropriate smoking cessation options.

Facilitator: Katye Miller (312/413-1158)
When: By appointment
Where: Wellness Center, B19-Chicago Circle Center (CCC), 1750 S. Halsted