Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center

Support Groups and Classes

Appointment New Patient Appointment or 214-645-8300

We have strong relationships with resources in the community, and if you're not seeing the resource you're 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.

Families Connected: Spring into Fun Event

Save the date for our Families Connected event. This is open to any parent or grandparent in oncology treatment at UT Southwestern Simmons Cancer Center and children in the household. Our support services team will host a round table discussion with the adults on how to support your children while in treatment and discuss resources. Children who are registered for the event will be invited to create a spring craft and enjoy a fun morning together.

When: March 23, 2024 from 10-11:30 a.m.

Where: UT Southwestern Radiation Oncology Building, 2280 Inwood Rd, Dallas, TX | Room EC3.100A (3rd floor)

RSVP: Kim Keely at Kim.Keely@UTSouthwestern.edu

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)

RSVP: Email Spiritual Care Professional, Paul Yu-Angel, at Paul.Yu-Angel@UTSouthwestern.edu 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, March 19 – May 7, 2024

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

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: All cancer patients, both active and in remission. There is no minimum skill level required to participate.

When: Every other Wednesday, starting January 24 through April 3, 2024

Time: 2 – 3 p.m.

Where: These events will meet virtually, and new patients will need to be scheduled to attend.

Facilitator: 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, January 30 - March 12, 2024

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

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

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.

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 of every month.

Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m.

Facilitator: 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 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. 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 online.