You Don’t Have to Face Cancer Alone

Lee Health Cancer Institute Offers Free Support Groups

Following a cancer diagnosis, patients and their loved ones can experience a range of emotions. At the Lee Health Cancer Institute, our teams are committed to supporting their patients and providing the latest oncology treatments and services, including specialized support groups. The Lee Health Cancer Institute is the only provider in Southwest Florida to offer a series of cancer support groups to all patients and their loved ones, regardless of whether they receive care at Lee Health.

Cancer support groups provide a vital social support network and a safe environment to talk about the feelings and experiences of a cancer diagnosis with others facing a similar path. This emotional and psychological support is beneficial for patients and their loved ones.

The support groups offered through the Lee Health Cancer Institute are held at the Regional Cancer Center, but operate in a hybrid model, allowing participants to join in person or virtually. The current groups include:

• Bladder Cancer Support Group
• Blood Cancer Support Group
• Caregiver Support Group
• Colorectal Cancer Support Group
• Gastro Esophageal Cancer Support Group
• Head & Neck Cancer Support Group
• LiveLung National Support Group
• Lung Cancer Support Group – LiveLung
• Men's Cancer Support Group
• Pancreatic / Biliary Cancer Support Group
• Women's Cancer Support Group

Licensed clinical social workers Melissa Sommers, LCSW, OSW-C, and Jonathan Fucella, LCSW, facilitate the support groups. They also have patient advocates or cancer survivors who co-facilitate some groups. Melissa emphasizes the importance of confidentiality and creating a safe space for participants, whether newly diagnosed or long-term survivors, and she encourages anyone dealing with cancer to attend a group session. “A lot of people are hesitant to go, but it can be extremely validating to talk to others going through similar experiences,” she said. “In the beginning, a lot of people don’t think they need this extra layer of support, but later they might have a harder time and wish they attended sooner.”

The Lee Health Cancer Institute is redefining cancer care in Southwest Florida with life-changing technology, personalized treatment options, the latest in clinical trials and more. The support groups add that extra level of care, compassion and connection that can make a huge difference when facing cancer. For more information about the support groups at the Lee Health Cancer Institute, including the dates and times they meet, visit  www.LeeHealth.org and search for “support groups.”