Support and Survivorship

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More Americans are surviving cancer than ever before due to advancements in cancer treatment and research. To help survivors lead healthy, active and fulfilling lives, the Center has survivorship programs that address social, emotional and spiritual needs for the rapidly increasing number of cancer survivors.

Upcoming Support Groups And Events

Friday April 26

10:00 am - 11:00 am Baton Rouge – Cancer Support Group

Tuesday April 30

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Gonzales – Support Group

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Covington – Tai Chi Class

Wednesday May 1

11:00 am - 12:00 pm Mindful Chair Yoga

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Covington – Breast Support Group

Thursday May 2

7:30 am - 8:30 am Gonzales – Walking Group

No event found!

Baton Rouge

Breast Cancer Support Group

Support Support group meetings provide a space where patients can share their stories, seek emotional support, find answers to their questions from clinical experts and connect with a community who shares their challenges.

2ND WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH | 6 P.M.
Baton Rouge General – Bluebonnet
Entrance 3, Conference Room 1

Support groups are free of charge. For more information, contact Hailey Armstrong, LMSW at (225) 215-0829 or harmstrong@marybird.com.

Cancer Support Group

If you are currently receiving chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment, please join us for a support group where participants can share questions, concerns and feelings, as well as connect with others going through a similar journey.

EVERY FRIDAY | 10 A.M.
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center – Essen Location
Saurage Conference Room (2nd Floor)

Support groups are free of charge. For more information, contact (225) 215-0829.

Therapeutic Massage

Massage Massage involves gentle manipulation, rubbing, and kneading of the muscles and soft tissue. Massage for cancer patients is used to decrease stress, anxiety, depression, pain and fatigue. Program is free to our patients.

Outpatient Infusion Areas

Mindfulness Meditation Instruction

Mindfulness meditation is the practice of using our breath to help focus our attention. Mindfulness meditation can help reduce stress, enhance immune function and lower blood pressure. Individual and group instruction on how to practice mindfulness meditations, both sitting and walking, is available
upon request.

To Listen To The Guided Imagery And Meditation Scripts At Home, Click Here.

Yoga

Group classes that improve strength, flexibility and stamina. Program is free to the public.

For more information, please call (225) 338-1170 or visit The Red Shoes.

Project Hope

The Red Shoes, a local non profit provides yoga, meditation, book and film studies, creative arts and more.

For more information, please call (225) 338-1170 or visit The Red Shoes.

Healing Arts

People with cancer who engage in creative arts experience less depression and anxiety than those who do not, according to a review of research trials conducted over 23 years. This is the backbone of the Mind-Body Medicine approach, which uses art, meditation, massage and other proven techniques to bring about healing results.

To view our Healing Arts exhibit throughout the Cancer Center click here.

Additional Baton Rouge Resources

Cancer Services: A local and independent nonprofit, Cancer Services serves the tangible needs of people living with cancer in Greater Baton Rouge. The agency helps meet the financial, educational and emotional needs that arise during the cancer journey. All services are free of charge.

Covington

Breast Cancer Support - For African American Women

If you are facing a breast cancer diagnosis, join our Breast Cancer Support Group for a safe place to exchange ideas, improve your well-being and support one another. This private group will be led by Crystal Hooper, LPC-S.

African American women in the state of Louisiana statistically have a higher mortality rate after a cancer diagnosis than the national average. Thanks to our partnership with Gilead Sciences, this support group will help provide enhanced support resources for this community.

2nd & 4th MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH | 6:00 P.M.
Mary Bird Perkins Administration Building – 630 S. Tyler St., Covington

Call Maeghan Jacob at (985) 875-5325 for meeting dates, location and more information.

Breast Cancer Support

Provides support and education to individuals diagnosed with breast cancer. Talking about your cancer experience can really reduce the burden. You may find out ways to deal with your treatment, or meet new friends who know exactly what you are going through.

1st & 3rd WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH | 12:00 P.M.
Mary Bird Perkins Administration Building – 630 S. Tyler St., Covington

Call Maeghan Jacob at (985) 875-5325 for meeting dates, location and more information.

Facing Cancer Together

It is crucial for cancer survivors and caregivers to find social support to help manage the many emotions that accompany a cancer diagnosis, treatments and survivorship. Talking can help so much! This support group offers a place to express ones fears and hopes, and gain strength from others who understand the challenges of living with cancer. The focus of the group is on sharing experiences and discovering new ways to experience quality of life after a cancer diagnosis.

2nd & 4th WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH | 12 P.M.
Mary Bird Perkins Administration Building – 630 S. Tyler St., Covington

Contact Maeghan Jacob at (985) 875-5325 for more information.

Yoga and Meditation

Join us for a calming, stress-relieving yoga class taught by registered yoga teacher, Asiyah DeGruy.

Join Asiyah to stretch and strengthen your body; develop core strength, alignment, and balance; practice breathing techniques and build flexibility. The class will include mindful meditation promoting inner peace, heightened attention, focus and calmness. The class will include mindful meditation promoting inner peace, heightened attention, focus and calmness.

Open to all and free of charge

EVERY THURSDAY | 1:00 P.M.
Mary Bird Perkins Administration Building – 630 S. Tyler St., Covington

Call Maeghan Jacob at (985) 875-5325 for meeting dates, location and more information.

Veterans Combating Cancer

If you are a veteran with a cancer diagnosis, we invite you to join Veterans Combating Cancer, a supportive gathering for those who have served in the armed forces. Openly share questions, express concerns and connect with fellow veterans navigating a similar journey.

1st & 3rd THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH | 9:00 A.M.
Mary Bird Perkins Administration Building – 630 S. Tyler Street, Covington

Call Maeghan Jacob at (985) 875-5325 for meeting dates, location and more information.

Tai Chi

Tai chi is an internal Chinese martial art practiced for self-defense and health. Known for its slow, intentional movements, tai chi has practitioners worldwide and is particularly popular as a form of gentle exercise and moving meditation, with benefits to mental and physical health. Tai chi instructor Shelley Ford will tailor this program to meet different levels of care. We hope to see you all join us for some Zen and movement!

Open to all and free of charge

EVERY TUESDAY | 5:00 P.M.
Mary Bird Perkins Administration Building – 630 S. Tyler St., Covington

For more information or to participate remotely via ZOOM, contact Maeghan Jacob, LCSW at (985) 614-7871.

Image Recovery Room

Support for women who are struggling with the impact of their cancer treatment on their appearance and self-esteem by providing mastectomy products, such as breast forms and bras as well as wigs and wig fittings in a supportive, private setting with trained staff and volunteers.

The Image Recovery room offers wigs, hats, turbans and scarves to patients receiving cancer treatment at no charge in a private fitting area. Make an appointment to come and see our selection or to obtain a listing of additional wig resources. If you have items you no longer need, please consider donating them to the center. Items should be clean and in good condition. If you need a listing of local or online resources for wigs and head coverings, call Maeghan Jacob at (985) 875-5325 or email mjacobs@marybird.com.

Gonzales

THRIVE offers an array of free services for survivors and caregivers with the goal of helping you live a full and meaningful life during and after treatment. This integrative program aims to treat the physical, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of survivorship, combining research-based complimentary therapies with traditional cancer care. We seek to provide options that are respectful of your personal needs and preferences, allowing your values to guide the support services you receive.

These services are provided to Ascension patients at no cost, thanks to the generous support of the Gonzales Area Foundation. Learn more about our partnership with GAF here.

Support Group

Group support to reduce stress, improve self-care and connect with others affected by cancer.

EVERY TUESDAY | 1 P.M.
Haven of Ascension, 12138 W. Main St. Gonzales, LA 70737

To RSVP or for more information, please contact Sarah Carbo (225) 644-1205 or scarbo@marybird.com.

Mindful Yoga

Group classes to improve strength, balance and promote mindfulness.

EVERY WEDNESDAY | 11 A.M.
Haven of Ascension, 12138 W. Main St. Gonzales, LA 70737

To RSVP or for more information, please contact Sarah Carbo (225) 644-1205 or scarbo@marybird.com.

Walking Group

Outdoor walk to improve health, increase energy and connect with others affected by cancer.

EVERY THURSDAY | 7:30 A.M.
Lamar Dixon Walking Path, 9039 South Saint Landry Avenue, Gonzales, LA 70737

To RSVP or for more information, please contact Sarah Carbo (225) 644-1205 or scarbo@marybird.com.

Supportive Counseling

Individual counseling sessions for support in adjusting to life after a cancer diagnosis.

By appointment only. Please contact Sarah Carbo at (225) 644-1205 or scarbo@marybird.com.

Therapeutic Massage

Massage Table massage to improve circulation, relieve tension and promote relaxation.

By appointment only. Please contact Sarah Carbo at (225) 644-1205 or scarbo@marybird.com.

Learning to Thrive

Educational workshop on topics of interest related to cancer survivorship.

OFFERED QUARTERLY

To RSVP or for more information, please contact Sarah Carbo: (225) 644-1205 or scarbo@marybird.com.

Healing Arts

Art workshops to encourage healing and self-expression through the creative process.

OFFERED MONTHLY
Haven of Ascension, 12138 W. Main St. Gonzales, LA 70737

To RSVP or for more information, please contact Sarah Carbo (225) 644-1205 or scarbo@marybird.com.

Dose of the Coast

Dose of the Coast, a local non-profit, provides fishing, sailing and sunset cruises.

For more information, please call (504) 641-4629 or visit www.doseofthecoast.org.

Hammond

Survivors Through Faith – Hammond Area

Provides support, education and resources to breast cancer survivors.

EVERY LAST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH | 4 P.M.

Call (985) 542-9246 or email survivorsthroughfaith@yahoo.com for meeting location and more information.

Cancer Support Group – Hammond Area

Cancer diagnosis and treatment often evokes unexpected emotions and feelings. By attending this cancer support group, you have the opportunity to share your unique experiences, or just listen to others. Our Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Kate Walker, will lead the group discussion and light refreshments will be provided. Together, we can help each other to make the journey a little easier. Together, we are stronger.

3rd THURSDAY OF THE MONTH | 5:30 P.M.
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Hammond

Call (985) 542-5000 or email kwalker@marybird.com for meeting location and more information.

Support Groups to Meet Your Needs

Can’t get to a meeting? Treatment and travel can hinder participation in meetings, or you may need more support than a once-a-month meeting. Cancer Care, a nonprofit organization, offers numerous telephone or online support groups. All groups are free of charge and are led by an oncology social worker.

Call Cancer Care at (800) 813-4673 for more information.

Houma

U-Thrive

U-Thrive is an oncology wellness program to assist cancer patients in managing symptoms to improve their quality of life and overall well-being, and allow them to be proactive and involved in their care.

The U-Thrive Program includes:
1. Nutritional consultations by an Oncology Certified Registered Dietitian
2. Exercise program with a Certified Personal Trainer Wellness Specialist
3. Awareness and treatment for lymphedema with a Certified Lymphedema

The program is FREE of CHARGE
Patients will need to be referred by their physician before beginning the exercise program

For more information, call (985) 850-6214.

Together We Can

Join us for a cancer support group designed for individuals undergoing active chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Any and all diagnoses are welcome! We will discuss and address common topics associated with cancer, while supporting each other along the way. There is no need to endure this journey alone!

Third Wednesday of each month, 12 P.M.

Terrebonne General | Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Events Room (2nd Floor)

For more information, call (985) 857-8093. RSVP here.

Camp Bluebird

An adult cancer camp (no outside camping) that allows participants to enjoy various fun activities with other campers.

Held annually in October.

For more information, call Toni Armstrong at (985) 860-3215.

Patient Navigation

Studies show that newly diagnosed cancer patients rate their quality of care higher and report fewer problems if they receive support from a patient navigator. This is why Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, in conjunction with its hospital partners, offers navigation services for every patient from diagnosis through treatment and survivorship. In addition to easing concerns, answering questions, coordinating care and assisting patients and their families with informed decision-making, patient navigators also schedule consultations with other patient support services. Patient navigation services are made possible by the generosity of the community.

Learn more about Patient Navigation Services.