Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center
Support Groups and Classes
New Patient Appointment or 214-645-4673
Families Connected: Winter Event
Our Supportive Care team is excited to welcome oncology patients and their school-aged children or grandchildren to an exciting day of exploration at the Perot Museum of Science and Nature together! Join us to make some fossils in the Learning Lab, meet other families as we enjoy lunch together, and use your ticket to roam the museum for the afternoon. Parking is included and registration is required by December 2, 2024.
Who: Oncology patients and their children (ages 4 and above) or grandchildren affiliated with our Families Connected Program
When: Saturday, December 7, 2024
Time: 10:30 a.m. – noon
Where: Perot Museum of Nature and Science, 2201 N. Field Street, Dallas, TX 75201
Thank you for your interest in this event! Our capacity has been reached for this year. Please check back quarterly for new events each season in 2025!
Classes
2024 Mindfulness Meditation Monthly
Simmons Spiritual Support invites you to participate in 2024 Mindfulness Meditation Monthly. Take a pause, breathe deep, and gather together in a quiet reflection as we lead you through various guided meditations.
Who: Patients and loved ones
When: Second Friday of the month starting January 12, 2024
Time: 10 – 10:30 a.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom (invite link will be sent out the day of the event)
Facilitator: RSVP to Paul Yu-Angel, or fill out this form.
Healthy Eating for Cancer Survivorship
Join us via Zoom for a virtual class on healthy eating that meets every Tuesday for four weeks. Improve your diet and learn how healthy eating can be stress-free and facilitate weight management. Topics include reducing cancer recurrence and cancer risk with diet, portion control and label reading, plant-based meals, dining out, meal planning, a grocery store tour, nutrition facts versus fiction, and so much more. You can also view our side effect management resources and nutrition guidelines anytime.
Who: Patients. The class has an emphasis on long-term survivorship and weight maintenance.
When: Tuesdays, starting September 10, 2024, from noon – 1:15 p.m.
Where: These classes are held virtually over Zoom. Registration is required.
Pancreatic Pre-Surgery Class
This class covers commonly asked questions around pancreatic surgery and includes nutrition and exercise recommendations as well as spiritual and emotional support available. Members of the supportive services team including a social worker, chaplain, dietitian, and a cancer exercise trainer will be available during this virtual class. Your surgical team will refer you to this class.
Who: Patients with a scheduled pancreatic surgery
When: Every second and fourth Wednesday of the month
Time: 11 a.m. – noon
Where: These events will meet virtually, and patients need to be scheduled to attend.
Facilitator: RSVP to Shelli Hardy, MCN, RD, CSO, LD, or at 214-645-5673
Reclaim Your Career After Cancer
Getting back to work after cancer treatment can feel daunting. This monthly workshop helps you regain solid career footing. Each session covers concrete strategies while fostering a community to discuss fears, celebrate triumphs, and reinforce self-assurance during your transition back to the workforce.
Who: Those needing support while navigating reentering the job market after cancer
Where: Individual sessions can be scheduled to meet via Zoom
Facilitator: RSVP to Samantha Dean, Ph.D.
Writing Through Cancer
This course provides a supportive environment where patients can explore their thoughts and emotions through writing. Through a guided process, participants are encouraged to put their experiences into words, express their feelings, and make sense of their journey. The class covers a range of writing techniques and is tailored to meet the unique needs of cancer patients. The goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where participants can find a sense of hope and healing through the power of writing.
Who: All cancer patients, both active and in remission. There is no minimum skill level required to participate.
When: Future sessions to be scheduled.
Time: 7 – 8 p.m.
Where: This class will meet virtually, and new patients need to register.
Facilitator: RSVP to Samantha Dean, Ph.D.
Orientations
New Patient Connections Class for Breast Cancer
This orientation class serves to introduce newly diagnosed breast cancer patients to the comprehensive care of SCCC’s Supportive Care and Integrative Oncology team. Patients are educated on how each member may be helpful during treatment as well as what to expect in the first few weeks or month of care. Patients are referred to this orientation by their nurse navigator.
Who: Patients who are newly diagnosed with breast cancer or new to breast cancer care at SCCC
When: Twice monthly, date and time varies.
Time: TBA
Where: These events will meet virtually, and new patients will need to be registered to attend.
For more information or to register, please contact SCCC Support or your nurse navigator.
Pancreatic Orientation
This orientation serves to introduce newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer patients to the comprehensive care of SCCC’s Supportive Care team. Patients are educated on how each service – such as social work, dietician, chaplain, music therapy, and exercise training – may be helpful during treatment. Patients are referred to this orientation by their nurse navigator.
Who: Patients who are newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer or who have come to clinic for a second opinion
When: Every Thursday
Time: Noon – 1 p.m.
Where: Cancer Care Outpatient Building
Facilitator: RSVP to Anne Stoecklin, LCSW, or at 214-645-5589.
GU New Patient Orientation
This orientation serves to introduce new UTSW patients with genitourinary cancer(s) to the comprehensive care of SCCC's Supportive Care team. Patients are educated on how each service – such as social work, dietician, chaplain, and music therapy – may be helpful during their medical journey with UTSW. Patients are referred to this orientation by the social worker.
Who: Patients who are newly diagnosed with a genitourinary cancer or patients who are new to SCCC
When: Second Thursday of every month
Time: 11 a.m. – noon
Where: These events will meet virtually, and new patients will need to register to attend.
Facilitator: RSVP to Jennifer Law, LMSW, or at 214-648-9183.
Groups
Breast Cancer Support Group for African American Woman
Join Patricia Branham, RN, OCN, and our team social worker for a sister-to-sister support group experience. This group is for African American women with any stage of breast cancer. We will address physical, emotional, and practical issues that arise during and after treatment.
Who: African American women diagnosed with breast cancer
When: Second Tuesday of every month
Time: 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Where: In person at UT Southwestern Medical Center at RedBird. A link for a virtual option will be sent upon registration.
Facilitator: Supportive Care Department. RSVP is required.
For questions, call 214-645-2016 or 469-852-0270.
DFW Blood Cancer Support Group
This support group for cancer patients and their caregivers will address specific issues related to a cancer diagnosis and will provide an opportunity for patients to discuss concerns, anxieties, and feelings related to illness, treatment and other related issues. The meetings are designed to provide mutual support and education to members by meeting with others whose situations are similar to their own. They are a resource to support coping in conjunction with your medical treatment.
Who: Patients and caregivers affected by cancer
When: One Saturday per month; October 26 and November 16, 2024 (future dates forthcoming)
Time: 10 – 11 a.m.
Where: Cancer Care Outpatient Building, third floor - Thompson Family Conference Center. This is an in-person opportunity; no virtual option is provided.
Facilitator: Samantha Harris or call 972-996-5905. RSVP requested
Oncology Caregiver Support Group
Who: Exclusively for caregivers of UT Southwestern oncology patients. A caregiver is any adult who is caring for a person who has been diagnosed with cancer.
When: November 14 and December 12, 2024 (future dates forthcoming)
Time: 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom. A link will be emailed to you.
Facilitator: RSVP to Dinah Foster, LCSW.
Prostate Cancer Support Group
Please feel free to join this group of men discussing the impact of prostate cancer in a supportive environment. This monthly group is led by a registered nurse from the community and includes guest speakers and open sharing amongst the group.
Who: Current and former cancer patients
When: Third Monday of every month
Time: 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Where: Moncrief Cancer Institute, first floor – Education Classroom
Facilitator: RSVP to Robert Hernandez or at 817-288-9841.
Young Adult Support
Who: Social and supportive meetup for young adult cancer survivors ages 18-39
When: Last Tuesday of every month
Next support group: In-person – last Tuesday of every month
Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Facilitator: RSVP to Alex Huffman, LCSW, OSW-C.
Life After Transplant
Come together to share your journey and learn from others as you navigate survivorship.
Who: Autologous, allogeneic, and CAR-T transplant patients
When: Third Friday of every month
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where: These events will meet virtually.
Facilitator: RSVP to Sharon Tavenner, LCSW, or Sherri Lawson.
Spiritual Support and Community Gathering
Join board-certified chaplains Tammy Wynn, Gina Biddle, and Paul Yu-Angel for casual conversation and community support. Persons of all faiths – and no faith – are welcome. We encourage open sharing and do not endorse any specific faith, institution, or cause.
Who: Patients and caregivers
When: Fourth Friday of most months
Time: 10 – 11 a.m.
Where: These events will meet virtually.
Facilitator: RSVP to Simmons Spiritual Support or online.