Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center

Support Groups and Classes

Appointment New Patient Appointment or 214-645-4673

We have strong relationships with resources in the community, and if you're not seeing the resource you're looking for, please contact SCCC Support to ensure we connect you to trusted programs in your area or online. Prior registration is required for all support groups and classes. To sign up, please email the listed group or class facilitator.

Families Connected Back to School Event 2024

Join Support Services to kick off the new school year ahead! Festivities include carnival games, a school supply station, a family photo booth and a special furry guest. The event is offered to UT Southwestern oncology patients and their school-age children or grandchildren.

When: Saturday, July 27, 2024 from 10 - 11:30 a.m. Must register by July 19.

Where: Cancer Care Outpatient Building, 6202 Harry Hines Blvd. Dallas, TX 75235

Please contact Anne Stoecklin or call 469-852-0270 with any questions.

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: Zoom (invite link will be sent out the day of the event)

Facilitator: RSVP to Paul Yu-Angel, or fill out this form.

Mindful Movement Yoga Class

This program helps strengthen mind-body connection using yoga and movement, breathing techniques, and mindfulness practices. Mind-body interventions can be helpful in reducing anxiety and stress, improving mood and sleep, and increasing your ability to maintain balance in both physical and mental health. Wear something you feel comfortable moving in, and bring water and a mat if you have one. Mats and equipment will be available to use.

Who: Patients and caregivers

When: Every Tuesday, June 18 – July 23, 2024

Time: 1 – 2 p.m.

Where: Virtual via Zoom

Facilitator: RSVP to Monica Urbaniak, LMFT-S, RYT 200.

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

When: Third Thursday of every month starting May 2024

Time: 7 p.m.

Where: Virtual via Zoom

Facilitator: RSVP to Samantha Dean, Ph.D.

Surviving to Thriving Through Art

Surviving to Thriving Through Art is a seven-week art and conversation workshop for cancer patients at SCCC, led by Marianne Gargour, founder of MG Coaching & Creativity. Make art and friends while you relieve stress and relax. Bring an open mind, curiosity, and a readiness to explore. Come alone, with a friend, or your caregiver! It will be fun for everyone. No art skills are required. Miss a class? No problem, video footage of the class can be made available.

Who: Patients and caregivers

When: Tuesdays, July 9, 16, 23, 30; August 6, 13; September 3

Time: 10 a.m. – noon

Where: Cancer Care Outpatient Building, 3rd floor – Room NM3.804

Facilitator: RSVP to Marianne Gargour.

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: Every other Wednesday, starting June 5 – August 14, 2024

Time: 2 – 3 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 Services 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 Support Services 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 Services 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

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: (2024) January 11, February 8, March 14, April 11, May 9, June 13, July 11, August 8, September 12, October 10, November 14, December 12

Time: 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Where: 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, 1st 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.