Cancer Support Groups

Breast Cancer Support Group

Support group for women who have breast cancer and their significant others. This group meets quarterly on the 4th Tuesday of the month from noon - 1 p.m. in January, March, May, July, September and November. This support group is educational and social, and open to breast cancer survivors and a guest. For more information, call Marchell Benes, Oncology Social Worker at (712) 388-2750.

Prostate Cancer Support Group

Support group for men who have prostate cancer and their significant others. This group typically meets monthly on the 1st Tuesday of every other month (January, March, May, July, September, November) from noon - 1 p.m. This support group combines education, speakers, group discussion, socialization and networking with other prostate cancer patients. For more information, call Donna Wilhelm, Oncology Social Worker at (402) 717-4718 to register for this group or if you would like to be added to the mailing list..

Cancer Related Fatigue Program Series

This support group series is offered twice a year, once a month for four months and typically meets from noon - 1 p.m. Once in the winter/spring and again in the summer/fall. The focus of the support group series is on education/information centering on 4 topics of wellness: exercise, emotional health, sleep health and nutrition as they relate to fatigue for cancer survivors. Group discussion and networking are also part of this program series. For more information,  call Donna Wilhelm, Oncology Social Worker at (402) 717-4718 to register for this group or if you would like to be added to the mailing list.

Tai Chi

Studies have shown that Tai Chi improves quality of life, balance, agility, flexibility and muscle tone in cancer survivors. Data also indicates it can improve sleep and help reduce fatigue, anxiety, depression and stress. Tai Chi classes meet weekly for 5 weeks. For more information, call Donna Wilhelm, Oncology Social Worker at (402) 717-4718 to register for this group or if you would like to be added to the mailing list.

Yoga Program

This Adaptive Yoga for Cancer Survivors series is held at CHI Health Lakeside and CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center - Bergan Mercy Cancer Center from noon - 1 p.m. This class equally focuses on learning relaxation skills to manage the effects stress and anxiety have on the physical body as well as Yoga stretches to improve physical wellness, reduce pain,and increase sleep, energy, strength, balance and flexibility.  Contact Donna Wilhelm, Oncology Social Worker at (402) 717-4718 to register for this group or if you would like to be added to the mailing list. 

If you are interested in any of these cancer support groups, please contact your Oncology Social Worker or the social worker listed for each group.

Cancer Survivorship Program

This program is an educational, recreational and social program that meets on quarterly. Programs are held at local community venues that offer cancer survivors both education and recreation opportunities. The program is open to cancer survivors treated through the CHI Health system along with one guest. The program is free of charge. For more information, call Marchell Benes, Oncology Social Worker at (712) 388-2750 or Donna Wilhelm, Oncology Social Worker at (402) 717-4718. You must register to attend.  You can also call to be added to the mailing list if you are a cancer patient that has been treated at a CHI Health location.

Healing with Art Program

This art therapy program is offered for cancer patients and their families dealing with the stress of a cancer diagnosis. This program utilizes creativity as a means of relieving the stress of living with cancer. The program is open to cancer survivors treated through the CHI Health system. For more information, call Marchell Benes, Oncology Social Worker at (712) 388-2750 or Donna Wilhelm, Oncology Social Worker at (402) 717-4718. You must register to attend.  You can also call to be added to the mailing list if you are a cancer patient that has been treated at a CHI Health location.

Jewelry Making Program

This is a four-week beginner’s class offering instruction in jewelry making. This program is a fun and creative outlet for those who have gone through the cancer experience and want to learn how to make something with beads. You need to have received your cancer treatment within the CHI Health system to attend this program. For more information, call Marchell Benes, Oncology Social Worker at (712) 388-2750.

Therapeutic Gardening Program

The Therapeutic Gardening Program is offered in the spring, summer and fall in cooperation with Kinghorn Gardens at CUMC - Bergan Mercy. Participants are able to learn new gardening ideas along with ways of dealing with their cancer experience. For more information, contact Donna Wilhelm, Oncology Social Worker at (402) 717-4718. You must register to attend.  You can also call to be added to the mailing list if you are a cancer patient that has been treated at a CHI Health location.

Cast to Recovery Retreat

This retreat is offered annually for twelve women with breast cancer who have been treated within the CHI Health system. The retreat combines the principles of fly fishing, group discussion, spiritual connection and relaxation in dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis. The retreat is offered at St Benedict’s Retreat Center in Schuyler, NE. For more information, call Marchell Benes, Oncology Social Worker at (712) 388-2750.

The Good Samaritan Cancer Center offers tobacco cessation programming at no charge. It is designed to assist cancer survivors and families develop the tools to succeed in becoming tobacco-free.

Some call it “chemo fog” or “chemo brain;” some call it a nuisance; others call it incapacitating. This “brain fog” following cancer diagnosis can cause a loss of clarity that is both frustrating and life altering. This class is research based and taught in an informative, fun and interactive way that can help you improve the way you think, feel and function after a cancer diagnosis. Participants meet for 1.5 hours a week for 8 weeks in a group setting. Call (402) 219-7284 for more information.

First Wednesday of every month, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Meets in Cancer Care Center, west side of the hospital.

Our breast cancer support group offers an informal atmosphere to discuss your concerns about breast cancer and your treatment. Meet with other women who share your experience. No RSVP is necessary.

For more information, please call (402) 219-5900.

We have partnered with LUX Center for the Arts to offer cancer survivors the opportunity to explore a creative process of self-expression and reflection to help meet the challenges of diagnosis, treatment and beyond. Register for classes here.

At the St. Elizabeth Breast Care Center, we believe that simply knowing what to expect can eliminate a lot of anxiety and give you a more positive experience. That’s why we offer the only pre-surgery class in the area. During this free hour-and-a-half class, taught by a breast cancer nurse navigator, you will learn:

• What to expect before and after surgery
• Steps you can take to help prevent lymphedema
• Insurance and breast cancer
• Understanding your pathology report
• Resources available through our survivorship program

Meets weekly on Wednesdays. Free and open to patients of St. Elizabeth. Preregistration is required through the CARE office at (402) 219-7123.

Learn effective techniques to help with cravings and develop a plan to make this significant life change. One-on-one counseling sessions are conducted by our Tobacco Treatment Specialist dedicated to help you succeed. Cost is $15.00 per session. For more information call Tiffany at (402) 219-8093.

A Time to Heal is a 12-week holistic rehabilitation program designed to help people regain their physical, emotional, and spiritual health after cancer treatment. People who participate in this program receive helpful information about healing, training in coping skills such as relaxation, and opportunities to ask questions and share insights with facilitators, expert faculty, and other survivors. As a result, they may feel better emotionally and physically. Men and women who have completed surgery and chemotherapy and/or radiation for a first diagnosis of cancer are eligible. People with additional serious health issues may not be eligible. Each participant may bring a family member or friend to participate. The CHI Health Regional Cancer Center also offers A Time to Heal classes that are exclusively for breast cancer survivors. The A Time to Heal program is lead locally by certified facilitators from St. Francis. Please call (308) 398-5442 for upcoming class dates and times.

Some call it “chemo fog” or “chemo brain.” Some call it a nuisance, while others call it incapacitating. This mental fog following cancer diagnosis and/or treatment occurs in as much as 75 percent of patients. Those affected describe a loss of clarity that is both frustrating and life altering.

Based on theories of neuroplasticity, the techniques and strategies taught in this program are designed to help shape the brain to function at maximum capacity. These strategies teach people how to use education and self-awareness to maximize current cognitive performance. The program is taught in an informative, fun, and interactive way that can help you improve the way you think, feel, and function.

Participants meet for 1.5 hours a week for 8 weeks in a group setting. This program is offered at no charge thanks to the generosity of A Time to Heal and St. Francis. Please call (308) 398-5442 for upcoming class dates and times.

This support group is for those diagnosed with multiple myeloma. This group provides support, education, and compassion for patients and their family members. Group members meet the third Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. in the basement of Home Federal Bank, 3311 W. Strolley Park Road, Grand Island. For more information, please contact Dr. Jim Omel at (308) 381-0289.

CHI Health St. Francis is offering “Freedom from Smoking" tobacco cessation class. Jenny Roush, BSE, of the Regional Cancer Center at St. Francis, and Seann Julian, RRT, of St. Francis Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services, will be the instructors for the class. Anyone interested can contact Jenny Roush at (308) 398-8912.