A cancer diagnosis and the impacts of treatment can be a difficult and stressful time for patients and families. Each person has a unique way of handling the diagnosis, making important decisions about treatment, involving friends and family, and integrating this new diagnosis into their everyday life. Our cancer social workers can help.
2026 Support Group Information
The University of Minnesota Bladder Cancer Support Group provides education, support and advocacy to both patients and their caregivers when facing a diagnosis of bladder cancer. We aim to create a safe, trusting and nurturing place for patients and their loved ones to share their own experiences and learn from others.
Schedule:
The Bladder Cancer Support Group meets via a hybrid format (either in-person or virtually) on the second Wednesday of every month from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm. For more information, contact Lucy Zhou at zhoux764@umn.edu
Our brain tumor support group promotes education and provides emotional and social support to patients, families and caregivers affected by primary brain and central nervous system cancer. It is a safe place to share experiences, ask questions, and support one another. Quarterly, in lieu of the support group, we will host education sessions led by M Health Fairview providers covering a variety of topics. Attendees are welcome to come together or independently.
There is no need to sign up to attend the support group, but if you have questions or would like to be placed on the email distribution list, please contact Kathleen Feyma at Kathleen.Feyma@fairview.org.
We meet virtually on the fourth Monday of every month from 6-7 pm.
Dates for 2026:
- January 26
- February 23
- March 23
- April 27
- May 18 (This is a change due to the Memorial Day holiday is the fourth Monday of May)
- June 22
- July 27
- August 24
- September 28
- October 26
- November 23
- December 28
Facilitators:
Kathleen Feyma, MSW-Inpatient Social Worker
Andrea Hanson, LICSW-Inpatient Social Worker
Kelly Lafell, MSW, LICSW- Clinical Social Worker, Adult Oncology
The BMT program staff recognizes that patients and family members need support in different ways at different times throughout the transplant process. In an effort to meet patients’ and family members’ needs, the BMT social workers offer a group that focuses on providing support and education related to BMT. You will have the opportunity to talk with other people who may be experiencing similar types of issues and concerns. BMT physicians and other health care professionals speak at the group on a regular basis.
The group is held virtually the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month – the 1st Tuesday the group is from 10:00 am – 11:00 am and the 3rd Tuesday the group is held from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
Please contact the BMT Program @ 612-273-2800 Option 1 to speak with one of the BMT social workers if you would like more information.
Ridges Breast Center Support Group is currently a monthly virtual Microsoft Team meeting. Please contact Darla Churness at Darla.Churness@fairview.org to be added to the meeting invite. Meetings are held the 3rd Thursday each month from 5-6 pm.
We recognize that family members, friends and caregivers of our patients need support throughout the cancer journey. This group is an opportunity to share experiences, connect with others and take time for yourself.
WHEN: Our caregiver support group meets virtually on the second Tuesday of the month from 11am-12pm (except for the months of June and September).
Please contact Jessie Palacio @Jessica.Palacio@fairview.org or call her at 651-683-7027 to receive the Microsoft Teams link to join the meeting.
Dates for 2026:
- January 13
- February 10
- March 10
- April 14
- May 12
- June 2
- July 14
- August 11
- September 15
- October 13
- November 10
- December 8
Facilitator:
Jessie Palacio, LICSW Adult Oncology
For patients, families, and caregivers we strive to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where people living with breast cancer, or caring for someone with breast cancer, can find community, information, and support. We hope that you feel this is a safe place to share experiences, ask questions, and support one another.
Each session will begin with 10 minutes of introductions, and will be followed by a 50 minute presentation by one of our local health care professionals. Attendees are welcome to come together or independently. Light food and beverages will be provided.
EDUCATION EVENT DETAILS
When: TBD
Where:
In Person: International Room (Lower Level Southdale Hospital)
Or
Online: Email Ellen.LaFontaine@fairview.org for meeting invitation.
Questions?
There is no need to sign up to attend the education discussion, but if you have questions or would like to be placed on the email distribution list, contact Ellen LaFontaine at Ellen.LaFontaine@fairview.org or 952-405-5702.
The University of Minnesota Prostate Cancer Support Group provides education, support and advocacy to both patients and their caregivers when facing a diagnosis of prostate cancer. We aim to create a safe, trusting and nurturing place for patients and their loved ones to share their own experiences and learn from others.
Schedule:
The Prostate Cancer Support Group meets virtually on the second Thursday of the month from 6-8pm.
For more information, contact Lucy Zhou at zhoux764@umn.edu.
This is an in-person support group that is open to all people living with cancer and their caregivers. Please join us on the 4th Wednesday of every month from 12pm-1pm in the Hull Rust Room (West Entrance) of the Fairview Range Medical Center.
Questions, comments, or topic suggestions can be sent to Amber Benson, LSW at amber.benson@fairview.org, ph: 218-362-6941.
Dates for 2026:
- January 28
- February 25
- March 25
- April 22
- May 27
- June 24
- July 22
- August 26
- September 23
- October 28
- November 25
- December 23
Who: Survivors of breast cancer.
What: A mindfulness-based sexual health group that prioritizes exploring physical and emotional changes to sexuality after cancer.
When: 8-week virtual group Wednesdays 6-8 pm, held in Fall and Spring.
How: Ask a member of your cancer care team to refer you to the group. You will receive a call to set up an initial appointment and to get scheduled.
Minnesota Oncology: Local Support & Education - Minnesota Oncology.
Resources
*For more detailed resources please ask to speak with your clinic social worker.
Emotional support, education, and tools for caregivers, parents, and children
Caregivers:
- Health Library – Caregiver | M Health Fairview
- Negative Space
- Senior Community Services
- ianacare
- Meal Train
- CaringBridge
- Jack's Caregiver Coalition | 612-547-6929
- Imerman Angels
- 4th Angel
Family Support (kids, teens)
*For more detailed resources please ask to speak with your clinic social worker.
Advance Care Planning:
Community Resources & Social Security Disability
- Cancer Legal Care
- Social Security Administration SSA.gov resources (Disability info, checklist, application)
- Disability Hub | 1-866-333-2466
- Disability Specialists | 1-800-642-6393
*For more detailed resources please ask to speak with your clinic social worker.
Peer Connection, Spiritual Wellness, Grief Support, and Cancer-type-specific Orgs.
Community Resources
*For more detailed resources please ask to speak with your clinic social worker.
Short-term Housing, Travel Aid for Appointments, and Shuttle Services.
Lodging Options
- Hope Lodge | American Cancer Society
- 2500 University Ave SE, Minneapolis
- Free lodging with referral (see full guidelines)
- Shuttle service: Wheels of Hope
- M Health Fairview:
Transportation Services
- Road To Recovery | American Cancer Society
- A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation – Transportation
- Metro Mobility
- Help at Your Door – Transportation
The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge
Phone: 612-379-6352
Through the American Cancer Society, free lodging is provided for cancer patients and caregivers traveling far from home for outpatient medical care related to the patient's cancer diagnosis.
All lodging requests must begin with a referral from the treatment facility doctor or social worker. Rooms are available on a first-referred, first-served basis.
Patients staying at a Hope Lodge must be in active cancer treatment and permanently reside more than 40 miles or one hour away from their cancer treatment center, exemptions to distance are sometimes made based on patient's need and lodging availability. Each patient must be accompanied by a caregiver, exceptions to this are sometimes made as well. Please check in with your social worker to discuss if this is possible.
Hope Lodge shuttle service, called "Wheels of Hope," provides free shuttle service for appointments.
Shuttle Operation Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 3:30 pm.
Transportation needs to be determined upon sign-up.
Guidelines for Sign-up and Departure: Sign-up by 5:00 pm the night before your ride. Five (5) minutes before departure time, come to the lobby to meet your driver. Staff will confirm your ride in advance.
M Health Fairview also provides patient shuttle services to/from Hope Lodge to the Clinics & Surgery Center and the University of Minnesota Medical Center Hospitals. Patients/family call 612-790-5398, Monday -Friday, 7:00 am - 7:00 pm.
If you are interested in staying at the Hope Lodge during your cancer-related appointments, please contact your social worker directly to coordinate a reservation for Hope Lodge.
*For more detailed resources please ask to speak with your clinic social worker.
*Please note: Most grants require the recipient to be under active treatment to be eligible to receive funding (active treatment is typically defined as chemo, radiation, or surgery).
Help with Employment Issues and Funding Sources (General and Cancer-type-specific).
Work & Employment:
General Financial Aid
- M Health Fairview Financial Assistance
- Angel Foundation Emergency Assistance
- CancerCare.org Financial Assistance Program
- Minnesota P.E.O. Home Fund
- The 30-Days Foundation
Financial Aid by Cancer Type
- Brain: American Brain Tumor Association
- Blood: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
- Breast:
- Colorectal: Colorectal Cancer Alliance
- Gyn-Onc: Pay It Forward Fund
- Pancreatic: Dawn Hill Fight Foundation
*For more detailed resources please ask to speak with your clinic social worker.
Support for Young Adults, Pregnant Patients, and Age-Specific Resources