Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center
Support Groups and Classes
New Patient Appointment or 214-645-8300
We have strong relationships with resources in the community, and if you are not seeing the resource you were looking for, please contact us at SCCCSupport@UTSouthwestern.edu 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.
Classes
Families Connected: Jolly Jamboree
You're invited to our UT Southwestern Families Connected Jolly Jamboree Event! Join the Support Services team for a morning of fun, games, and holiday cheer! We will have two activities for you and your family – a joint art project and family-friendly games – along with a picture station with our four-legged therapy dog friends.
When: Saturday, December 9, 2023
Time: 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Where: Cancer Care Outpatient Building, 3rd floor – Rooms NM3.930 and NM3.936
Parking: Free parking on site – 2nd floor of the parking garage. Enter on Level 2 and take elevators to 3rd floor conference rooms.
RSVP: By December 4 at FamiliesRSVP or call Kim Keely at 214-645-5591 with your registration.
Healthy Eating for Cancer Survivorship
Join us 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 February 13, 2024
Time: Noon – 1:15 p.m.
Where: These classes are held virtually over Zoom. Registration is required.
Writing Through Cancer: An Expressive Writing Course
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 will cover a range of writing techniques and is tailored to meet the unique needs of cancer patients. The goal of this course is to provide a safe and supportive space where participants can find a sense of hope and healing through the power of writing.
Who: Patients, both active and in remission. There is no minimum skill level required to participate.
When: Every other Wednesday, July 19 – November 15, 2023
Time: 2 – 3 p.m.
Where: These events will meet virtually, and new patients will need to be scheduled to attend.
Facilitator: Please RSVP to Samantha Dean, Ph.D., at Samantha.Dean@UTSouthwestern.edu
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: Shelli Hardy, MCN, RD, CSO, LD, at 214-645-5673 or Shelli.Hardy@UTSouthwestern.edu
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: Every Tuesday, October 17 – December 5, 2023 (No class on November 14)
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Where: Cancer Care Outpatient Building, 3rd floor – Room NM3.804
To register, please send your name and email to Marianne Gargour at Marianne.Gargour@UTSouthwestern.edu
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, November 28 – December 19, 2023
Time: 2 – 3 p.m.
Where: Cancer Care Outpatient Building, 3rd floor – Room NM3.936
To register, please send your name and email to Monica Urbaniak, LMFT-S, RYT 200, at SCCCSupport@UTSouthwestern.edu
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 SCCCSupport@UTSouthwestern.edu 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: Anne Stoecklin, LCSW, at 214-645-5589 or Anne.Stoecklin@UTSouthwestern.edu
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: Jennifer Law, LMSW, at 214-648-9183 or Jennifer.Law@UTSouthwestern.edu
Groups
Head and Neck Cancer Support Group
Our Head and Neck Cancer Support Group is a six-week structured and educational forum addressing physical, emotional, and practical issues that can arise during and after treatment.
Who: Current and former cancer patients and caregivers
When: Six consecutive Tuesdays
Time: Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Where: via Zoom
RSVP to Jacquelyn Doenges, LCSW, at 214-645-3662 or Jacquelyn.Doenges@UTSouthwestern.edu to be added to the next class
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: Second Thursday of every month
Time: 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Where: via Zoom. A link will be emailed to you.
RSVP to Dinah Foster, LCSW, at Dinah.Foster@UTSouthwestern.edu.
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: Robert Hernandez at 817-288-9841 or Robert.Hernandez@Moncrief.com
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 every month. Virtual – last Wednesday of each month. **Subject to change
Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Support group meetings will be offered virtually and in person
Facilitator: Please RSVP to Alex Huffman, LCSW, OSW-C, youngadults@UTSouthwestern.edu
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: These events are being held virtually. Contact Sharon Tavenner, LCSW, at Sharon.Tavenner@UTSouthwestern.edu or Sherri Lawson at Sherri.Lawson@utsouthwestern.edu if interested in participating.
Spiritual Support & Community Gathering
Join board-certified chaplains Tammy Wynn, Sylvia Artiles, and Gina Biddle 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. 2023 holiday schedule: groups will shift to November 17 and December 15
Time: 10 – 11 a.m.
Where: These events will meet virtually
Facilitator: These events are held virtually. Please email SimmonsSpiritualSupport@UTSouthwestern.edu if interested in participating. Or RSVP here.