Survivor Journeys™: provides cancer survivor and caregiver support
Survivor Journeys™ is a community-based support network of professionals from diverse clinical and community backgrounds who provide cancer survivors, caregivers, and loved ones unique survivorship services in western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut.
Our services are built on collaboration with local provider and cancer survivors, along with regional and nationally recognized cancer organizations. Our programs include:
- Cancer-specific support groups
- Survivor and caregiver peer mentoring program
- Educational scholarships and programs
- Survivor subsidies
- Community outreach programs
- Community-based referrals meeting the unique needs of cancer survivors and their loved ones
- Pet therapy
- Professional development workshops and presentations
All support groups are confidential and free of charge.
Latest News
February, 18th 2020
A recent study addressed the need for attention to breast cancer survivors after surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation to shed light on…
January, 9th 2020
I feel funny saying anything negative about the cancer center where I was treated. After all, thanks to the care I received, I’m still here…
December, 6th 2019
How can patients manage insomnia during cancer treatment? Clare Sullivan, MPH, BSN, OCN, joined Dana-Farber for a live chat on sleep…
Upcoming Events
Apr 15
Head and Neck Cancer Support Group
Dates & Times
Starts:
04/15/2020 @ 6:00 pm
Ends: 04/15/2020 @ 7:30 pm
Ends: 04/15/2020 @ 7:30 pm
Location
Ear, Nose & Throat Surgeons of Western New England, 100 Wason Avenue, Suite 100, Springfield, MA
Summary
Survivor Journeys™ will be holding a monthly support group meeting for head and neck cancer survivors at Ear, Nose & Throat Surgeons of Western New England beginning Wednesday, October 17, 2018. This is an open dialogue, drop-in meeting where all head and neck cancer survivors are welcome. Scheduled follow up meetings include Tuesday, November 20, 2018 and Wednesday, December 19, 2018, and will subsequently be held the 3rd Wednesday of each month.
The mission of Survivor Journeys™ is to provide social, emotional and educational support services to cancer survivors, their families and caregivers. Support groups help people cope with the emotional aspects of cancer by providing a safe place to share feelings and challenges. They also allow people to learn from others facing similar situations.
Support group members often discuss practical information. This may include what to expect during treatment, how to manage pain, side effects of treatment, and communicating with health care providers and family members. Exchanging information and advice can provide a sense of control and reduce feelings of helplessness.
Survivor Journeys™ is a community-based, not-for-profit support network of professionals from diverse clinical and community backgrounds including physicians, nurses, behavioral health specialists, cancer survivors, and community advocates dedicated to providing free services in western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut.
The Head and Neck Cancer Survivors support group is a new collaboration with the physicians at Ear, Nose & Throat Surgeons of Western New England. More information about Survivor Journeys™ and all of their programs and services can be obtained by going to their website at survivorjourneys.org, by emailing the group at survivorshipprogram@gmail.com or by contacting them at 413-276-6100.
Apr 23
The Caregiver Group
Dates & Times
Starts:
04/23/2020 @ 6:00 pm
Ends: 04/23/2020 @ 7:30 pm
Ends: 04/23/2020 @ 7:30 pm
Location
Agawam Senior Center, 954 Main Street (Route 159), Agawam, MA 01001
Summary
Cindy Lawlor, LICSW and Louise Sawyer (both experienced caregivers) facilitate a monthly support group for caregivers of cancer survivors.
Come and share your caregiving story of challenges and hope. All are welcome.
If you are interested in participating remotely from home, please register online and indicate in your message that you would like to participate remotely.
This group meets every fourth Thursday of the month.
May 5
Breast Cancer Support Group
Dates & Times
Starts:
05/05/2020 @ 6:00 pm
Ends: 05/05/2020 @ 7:30 pm
Ends: 05/05/2020 @ 7:30 pm
Location
Meeting Online Until Further Notice
Summary
This support group meets every first Tuesday of the month.
Co-facilitated by Lucy Giuggio Carvalho, MSN, RSN-BC, Breast cancer survivor and Founder, Rays of Hope, and Cindy Sheridan Murphy, Breast cancer survivor and Women's Empowerment Coach.
NEW Breast Cancer Support Group attendees will need to register by emailing survivorshipprogram@gmail.com or by calling 413-276-6100 to attend the meeting ONLINE
May 7
Blood Cancer Support Group (Enfield, CT)
Dates & Times
Starts:
05/07/2020 @ 6:00 pm
Ends: 05/07/2020 @ 7:30 pm
Ends: 05/07/2020 @ 7:30 pm
Location
Enfield Senior Center, 299 Elm Street, Enfield, CT 06082
Summary
This support group meets every first Thursday of the month.
The facilitators are Kara Sawyer RN, BSN and Jay Burton, DO.
Sponsored by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
May 13
Any Cancer Support Group
Dates & Times
Starts:
05/13/2020 @ 6:00 pm
Ends: 05/13/2020 @ 7:30 pm
Ends: 05/13/2020 @ 7:30 pm
Location
Meeting Online Until Further Notice
Summary
This support group meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month.
May 20
Head and Neck Cancer Support Group
Dates & Times
Starts:
05/20/2020 @ 6:00 pm
Ends: 05/20/2020 @ 7:30 pm
Ends: 05/20/2020 @ 7:30 pm
Location
Ear, Nose & Throat Surgeons of Western New England, 100 Wason Avenue, Suite 100, Springfield, MA
Summary
Survivor Journeys™ will be holding a monthly support group meeting for head and neck cancer survivors at Ear, Nose & Throat Surgeons of Western New England beginning Wednesday, October 17, 2018. This is an open dialogue, drop-in meeting where all head and neck cancer survivors are welcome. Scheduled follow up meetings include Tuesday, November 20, 2018 and Wednesday, December 19, 2018, and will subsequently be held the 3rd Wednesday of each month.
The mission of Survivor Journeys™ is to provide social, emotional and educational support services to cancer survivors, their families and caregivers. Support groups help people cope with the emotional aspects of cancer by providing a safe place to share feelings and challenges. They also allow people to learn from others facing similar situations.
Support group members often discuss practical information. This may include what to expect during treatment, how to manage pain, side effects of treatment, and communicating with health care providers and family members. Exchanging information and advice can provide a sense of control and reduce feelings of helplessness.
Survivor Journeys™ is a community-based, not-for-profit support network of professionals from diverse clinical and community backgrounds including physicians, nurses, behavioral health specialists, cancer survivors, and community advocates dedicated to providing free services in western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut.
The Head and Neck Cancer Survivors support group is a new collaboration with the physicians at Ear, Nose & Throat Surgeons of Western New England. More information about Survivor Journeys™ and all of their programs and services can be obtained by going to their website at survivorjourneys.org, by emailing the group at survivorshipprogram@gmail.com or by contacting them at 413-276-6100.
May 28
The Caregiver Group
Dates & Times
Starts:
05/28/2020 @ 6:00 pm
Ends: 05/28/2020 @ 7:30 pm
Ends: 05/28/2020 @ 7:30 pm
Location
Agawam Senior Center, 954 Main Street (Route 159), Agawam, MA 01001
Summary
Cindy Lawlor, LICSW and Louise Sawyer (both experienced caregivers) facilitate a monthly support group for caregivers of cancer survivors.
Come and share your caregiving story of challenges and hope. All are welcome.
If you are interested in participating remotely from home, please register online and indicate in your message that you would like to participate remotely.
This group meets every fourth Thursday of the month.
Jun 2
Breast Cancer Support Group
Dates & Times
Starts:
06/02/2020 @ 6:00 pm
Ends: 06/02/2020 @ 7:30 pm
Ends: 06/02/2020 @ 7:30 pm
Location
Meeting Online Until Further Notice
Summary
This support group meets every first Tuesday of the month.
Co-facilitated by Lucy Giuggio Carvalho, MSN, RSN-BC, Breast cancer survivor and Founder, Rays of Hope, and Cindy Sheridan Murphy, Breast cancer survivor and Women's Empowerment Coach.
NEW Breast Cancer Support Group attendees will need to register by emailing survivorshipprogram@gmail.com or by calling 413-276-6100 to attend the meeting ONLINE