Support Group at Holzer Center for Cancer Care

What Takes Place at a Support Group?

The answer is “laughter, tears, fellowship, sharing, friends, support, and much more than words could ever describe”. The question is, “What takes place at a cancer support group?”

The local Cancer Support Group at Holzer Medical Center has helped provide these much needed emotions for cancer survivors and their loved ones since May 2004. Since that time, the Group has grown and its members have become like family, sharing with each other the many emotions that accompany the cancer experience. The group is opened to all cancer survivors, their family and friends.

Initially organized by Alice Dachowski, MD, General Surgeon at Holzer Medical Center and Holzer Clinic, Bonnie McFarland, RN, BSN, Director of Community Health and Wellness at Holzer Medical Center, Jenni Dovyak, Director of Community Relations at Holzer Medical Center, and Beth Krouse, Health Promotion Coordinator, American Cancer Society South Central Ohio Office, the group is sponsored by the Holzer Center for Cancer Care, the American Cancer Society and Holzer Medical Center.

About the Meetings

The Group, that meets the third Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm at the Holzer Medical Center Education & Conference Center, enjoys a meal together and is always joined by a speaker who has been pre-selected for the month. Topics have covered specific cancer sites, caregiver support, yoga, tai chi, American Cancer Society, and much more. New topics set for the remainder of the year include art therapy, the latest treatments and side effects in medicine and holiday coping. Also taking place is a special dinner during the Holiday season. The topics have been chosen by Support Group participants in order to address their specific concerns and questions.

See our Calendar and Support Group Pages.

From Our Members

Jeanne Fisher, a three year cancer survivor, simply states, “I love this group!! I have met so many friends that let me know I do not have to face this journey alone. I honestly can not wait to meet each month because the time together is so uplifting.”

The Group has a variety of participants, from those who have been newly diagnosed, like Anita Sims of Gallipolis, to those who have been survivors just a number of years to many years.

“The Support Group has such a friendly and supportive atmosphere,” Sims said. “We give each other support and it’s helpful to receive advice from those who have also gone through the cancer experience. It gives you hope.”

Mona Sprague, of Bidwell, a four-year cancer survivor, wishes that the Group existed when she went through the cancer experience. “The support you receive from others in the Group is such a blessing. I am so glad to be here and happy to help others going through similar experiences. I really appreciate our time together and cherish the Group very much.”

Many in the group expressed that when they are unable to attend a meeting, they really miss it. “I look forward to the Group each and every month,” one of the participants shared. “We support each other and we are here for each other. All of us receive so much love and support when we are here; that means the world to each and every one of us.”

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