Cancer Support & Resources
Patient Resources
Cancer is Not a Solo Experience
If you or a loved one has cancer, there are places in our community to turn to for additional help. No one understands what you're going through better than cancer survivors and the caregivers who help patients every day. Consider a support group or other organized support program to answer questions and concerns you might have.
We offer:
- Support Groups at VOA
- Other Support Groups
- Community Resources (Local & National)
- Disease-Specific Organizations
- Survivorship Information & Resources
- Social Workers
- Nurse Navigators
- Palliative Care
In addition to the above resources, each office offers a dedicated Patient Benefit Representative who can help you with any financial issues, including reimbursement, drug assistance, and billing issues.
Support Groups at VOA
Western Tidewater Virginia Oncology Associates Support Group
A journey towards healing, hope, and support.
WHEN:
The second Wednesday of every month
TIME:
2:00-3:00 pm
WHERE:
Classes will be held in person at Sentara Obici Hospital in Conference Room A&B. 2800 Godwin Blvd., Suffolk, VA 23434
DETAILS:
Join Kelli Bailey, LCSW, and VOA for an in-person cancer support group. Here, you will find a safe space to share experiences, gain emotional support, and access valuable resources. Whether you are a patient, survivor, or caregiver, our community offers understanding and encouragement every step of the way. Together, we navigate the challenges of cancer with empathy and resilience.
REGISTER:
Call Kelli Bailey to register at 757-942-3222.
Cancer Support Near You
Dealing with cancer is hard for both patients and family members. And in many ways, our practice functions as a very caring support group. But there are other groups outside our office that can provide patients and families with added information, guidance, and an unparalleled understanding of living through cancer.
CaringBridge
The CaringBridge is a site dedicated to your health journey. Your personal CaringBridge website is your place to share health updates, photos, and videos with the people who care about you. The CaringBridge website is designed to rally your family and friends together to offer you support when and how you need it. Learn more about CaringBridge.
Here for the Girls (Beyond Boobs!) Support Group
Not your typical support group and/or more information about Here for the Girls, click here.
Sentara Caregiver Support Group
Caring for a loved one with cancer can be overwhelming and isolating. Caregivers balance multiple roles while navigating a complex medical system and are challenged with maintaining a sense of normalcy while living in a situation that feels far from normal.
For information about Sentara support groups in all cities, CLICK HERE or visit Sentara Cancer Network.
Men's Cancer Support Group at Sentara Brock Cancer Center - Man Up to Cancer
The Men's Support Group at the Brock Cancer Center meets monthly on the second Wednesday from 6:00pm to 8:00pm in the 1st floor conference room.
This informal, drop-in group welcomes any man affected by cancer, whether newly diagnosed, in treatment, a long-term survivor, or caring for someone with cancer. This group is sponsored by the Virginia Chapter of Man Up to Cancer.
Man Up to Cancer is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping men avoid isolation during their cancer journeys. We offer peer-to-peer support, an annual retreat, chemo backpack program, and local chapters — all geared toward improving the quality of life of our members, and changing the way men go through cancer. Initial membership is through our online Facebook group - The Howling Place. After joining the group you can attend one of our zoom meetings, link up with a local chapter, register to attend our annual retreat, and request a chemo backpack if you’re in treatment. We would love to have you join us and our Virginia Chapter.
For more information on the Men's Support Group at the Brock Cancer Center or Man Up to Cancer, contact Kevin Johnson, Virginia Chapter Co-Leader at [email protected] or (757) 477-4147.
Chemo Angels
If you or a loved one are just beginning IV chemotherapy treatment and would appreciate positive support in the form of weekly cards or letters from caring, encouraging people, consider applying for a Chemo Angel. This free program is available to IV chemo patients living in the United States or Canada. For more information or to sign up, please click here.
Pancreatic Cancer Support Group
This online group provides support and information to men and women who have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Spouses, families, and caregivers are welcome. Meetings are informal and include attendee updates and general discussions pertinent to pancreatic cancer.
To be added to the distribution list for the monthly ZOOM meetings, please email John O'Grady at [email protected]. For more information, call John O'Grady at (757) 574-7516.
Findhelp
VOA partners with Findhelp. Findhelp is one of the largest databases of community-based organizations that matches people with the resources they need. FindHelp is the fastest and most reliable way to get help with privacy and dignity.
- Self-Navigation so users can research programs anonymously without fear or shame
- Location-specific searches based on ZIP code
- +500,000 social support programs available nationwide
- Easy access to quickly find and apply for social care
Additional Resources for Patients
Visit our Local and National Resources page for a complete list of community resources for cancer patients of Virginia Oncology Associates.