CURRENT PROGRAMS

The Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor offers free virtual programs via Zoom and hybrid programs.  Hybrid programs include the option to join either in-person or via Zoom. We hope that you will explore some of our free programs, and please don’t hesitate to give us a call if we can help support you. You can reach Program Director Taylor Fischman, LMSW, or Associate Program Director Trevor Brooks, LMSW at 734-975-2500.

 

PLANNING TO JOIN US IN PERSON? WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

– Masks are encouraged, but not required.

– Up-to-date vaccines, as defined by the CDC, are recommended but not required.

– An enhanced ventilation system is in place.

– As even before the pandemic, we ask that you do not attend in-person programs if you are experiencing any symptoms of infectious illness.

NEW HERE? BECOME A MEMBER OF THE CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY

Never been to the CSC before? No problem! New members are very welcome anytime. Click the link below to get started and a member of our clinical staff will be in touch with you soon.

OPEN TO OPTIONS

Do you have questions about your cancer treatment, but don't know where to start? Our Open to Options interactive tool can help you organize your thoughts and develop a list of questions for your care team. Register below and receive a follow-up email with information on how to get started.

ALL CURRENT CANCER SUPPORT PROGRAMS

Click to expand the sections below to learn more and register.

VIDEO CONFERENCE SUPPORT GROUPS

Professionally-facilitated support groups are available for patients, survivors, and loved ones. Wondering which group might be the right fit for you? Call our program staff, Taylor Fischman, LMSW, Program Director or Trevor Brooks, LMSW, Associate Program Director at 734-975-2500.

WEEKLY GROUPS

WEEKLY LIVING WITH CANCER GROUPS 

For patients and survivors in active treatment or up to about a year post-treatment. Three different groups meet weekly:
Mondays 11 am – 1 pm – Hybrid 

Tuesdays 11 am – 1 pm – Virtual 
Tuesdays 6 – 8 pm – Hybrid 

WEEKLY FAMILY AND FRIENDS GROUP – VIRTUAL

For loved ones of those diagnosed with cancer.
Tuesdays 6 – 8 pm

BI-WEEKLY AND MONTHLY GROUPS

AFRICAN AMERICAN FELLOWSHIP – VIRTUAL

For patients, survivors, and loved ones identifying as Black or African American.
Monthly, Second Thursday 6 – 8 pm

ART AS AS REFLECTIVE PRATICE – VIRTUAL

Join other patients, survivors, and loved ones in a supportive space where you are guided in creative exercises as a tool for expression and discovery. This group aims to foster understanding and connection as we observe, discuss, create and reflect. The emphasis is not on technical art instruction or skill, but rather will focus on exploration and personal expression. No art experience necessary, just a willingness to explore and express. Facilitated by board-certified art therapist Kathleen Buday, ATR-BC.

Monthly, First Thursday, 11 am – 12:15 pm

BLOOD CANCER SUPPORT GROUP – VIRTUAL

For patients and survivors.

Monthly, Third Thursday 6 – 7:30 pm

BRAIN TUMOR SUPPORT GROUP – VIRTUAL

For brain tumor patients, survivors, and caregivers.
Monthly, Second Thursday  6 – 7:30 pm

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP – VIRTUAL

For patients and survivors.
Monthly, First Wednesday 6 – 7:30 pm

HEAD & NECK CANCER GROUP  – HYBRID

For patients, survivors, and loved ones

Monthly, First Wednesday 5:30 – 7 pm

HEREDITARY COLORECTAL CANCER PEER GROUP – VIRTUAL

For survivors, pre-vivors, and loved ones. Peer-led.
Monthly, Third Thursday 6:30 – 8:30 pm

LIFE BEYOND CANCER SURVIVORSHIP GROUP – VIRTUAL

For survivors finished with primary treatment.
Monthly, First Monday 6 – 7:30 pm

LIVING WITH LOSS – VIRTUAL

For all those who have lost a loved one to cancer.

Monthly, Second Wednesday 6 – 7:30 pm

LUNG CANCER SUPPORT GROUP – VIRTUAL

For patients and survivors.
Monthly, Second Thursday 11 am – 12:30 pm

METASTATIC CANCER SUPPORT GROUP – VIRTUAL

For those living with metastatic cancer.
Bi-weekly, Second & Fourth Wednesday 10 am – 12 pm

OSTOMY SUPPORT GROUP – HYBRID

This group welcomes anyone who has or will have an ostomy, as well as their loved ones.
Monthly, First Wednesday 5:30-7 pm 

PATIENTS AND LOVED ONES – BRIGHTON – HYBRID 

For patients and survivors, this group meets in  Room 214A/214B at Trinity Health Cancer Center – Brighton ( 7575 Grand River Ave., Brighton, MI 48114).
Monthly, Third Wednesday 6 – 7:30 pm

PATIENTS AND LOVED ONES – CANTON – HYBRID

For patients, survivors, and loved ones, this group meets in the lobby of Trinity Health Cancer Center – Canton (1600 S. Canton Center Rd., Canton, MI 48188).
Monthly, Second Thursday, 5:30 – 7 pm

PATIENTS AND LOVED ONES – CHELSEA – HYBRID

For patients, survivors, and loved ones. For patients, survivors, and loved ones. Located in the conference room at Trinity Health Cancer Center – Chelsea (775 S. Main St., Chelsea, MI 48118).
Monthly, Second Tuesday, 3 – 4:30 pm 

PATIENTS AND LOVED ONES – LIVONIA -IN PERSON

For patients, survivors, and loved ones, this group meets in the Cancer Center Conference Room at Trinity Health Cancer Center – Livonia Hospital (36475 Five Mile Rd, Livonia, Michigan 48154).
Monthly, Third Wednesday, 6 – 7:30 pm

PRIDE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (LGBTQ+) – HYBRID

For patients, survivors, and loved ones identifying as bisexual, gay, lesbian, queer, transgender, two-spirit, and all other sexual and gender minorities.
Monthly, Third Thursday 6 – 7:30 pm 

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP – VIRTUAL

For patients, survivors, and partners.

Monthly, First Wednesday 6 – 7:30 pm

SELF-CARE ART THERAPY GROUP – IN PERSON 

Self-care art therapy combines creativity with psychosocial support to promote emotional healing, especially to those coping with cancer. Working with a licensed art therapist, individuals explore feelings related to self-esteem, grief, and the challenges of illness through artistic expression. This group is open to patients, survivors, and their loved ones.

Monthly, Second and Fourth Tuesday, 2-3:30 pm at the CSC; Beginning October 22

YOUNG ADULT CANCER SUPPORT GROUP – VIRTUAL

For patients and survivors ages 18-40ish.

Monthly, Fourth Monday 6 – 7:30 pm 

VIDEO CONFERENCE SUPPORT GROUPS

Professionally-facilitated support groups are available for patients, survivors, and loved ones. Wondering which group might be the right fit for you? Call our program staff, Taylor Fischman, LMSW, Program Director or Trevor Brooks, LMSW, Associate Program Director at 734-975-2500.

SERIES GROUPS

CANCER 101: SUPPORT FOR RECENTLY DIAGNOSED PATIENTS

If you were diagnosed with cancer in the last six months, join us for this six-week series to connect with others, gain support, and ease the adjustment to living with cancer. We schedule this series based on interest and availability, so sign up today and we’ll be in touch soon about scheduling.

KID SUPPORT, TEEN TIME, AND PARENTING SUPPORT

This four-week series on Zoom brings together families impacted by cancer to share support. After starting all together, separate groups will break out for parents, kids, and teens. Age-appropriate activities using art and play help kids express their feelings, while parents and teens have their own spaces to talk with others who truly understand. We schedule this series based on interest and availability, so sign up today and we’ll be in touch soon about scheduling.

FOCUS: FACING CANCER TOGETHER

Five-week series for couples and care partners focusing on communication and coping as a team. We schedule this series based on interest and availability, so sign up today and we’ll be in touch soon about scheduling.

SURVIVORSHIP TRANSITIONS

Five-week series for survivors finished with primary treatment. Find your new normal, mind, body, and spirit in this program that combines emotional support, exercise coaching, and education. We schedule this series based on interest and availability, so sign up today and we’ll be in touch soon about scheduling.

INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT

COUNSELING 

CSC counselors offer professional support and guidance to help navigate the emotional and psychological challenges associated with cancer and its treatment. To schedule an appointment, email jeff@cancersupportannarbor.org or call 734-975-2500.

ONE-ON-ONE SUPPORT

Our clinical social work staff is here to offer one-on-one emotional support over the phone or videoconference. Click the link below to request an appointment and we’ll be in touch soon to get you scheduled.

LIVE EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS

Join us on Zoom to hear from expert speakers on hot topics in oncology, offered live at least once a month.

MINDFULNESS AND SELF-COMPASSION SERIES: PROMOTING RESILIENCE AND WELL-BEING IN THE CANCER EXPERIENCE – IN PERSON

Marcy Plunkett, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Compassion practices, both for self and others, can lead to more resilience and better communication in the cancer experience. This special series, facilitated by clinical psychologist and mindfulness teacher Marcy Plunkett, PhD, welcomes patients, survivors, family and friends to explore the practice of self-compassion through educational presentation, guided meditations and facilitated discussion on topics including compassionate breathing, stress management through self-compassion breaks, caregiver experiences, and more.

Mondays, September 16, 23, 30, 6-7:30 pm

MANAGING NEUROPATHY – VIRTUAL

Sean Smith, MD, Michigan Medicine

Peripheral neuropathy is a challenging side-effect for many people both during and after cancer treatment. Dr. Sean Smith, Director of Cancer Rehabilitation at Michigan Medicine, will discuss the science of neuropathy and its causes, as well as strategies for coping with it.

Monday, October 7, 6-7:30 pm

LIVING WITH UNCERTAINTY – VIRTUAL

Jennifer Griggs, MD, MPH, Director of the Michigan Oncology Quality Consortium

Join us for a free workshop focusing on the intersection of mental health and cancer. We’ll address common concerns and offer practical advice on managing both known and unknown aspects of cancer. As always, we will leave plenty of time for discussion and questions.

Wednesday, October 30, 6-7:30 pm

BREAST DENSITY: ENHANCING DETECTION AND RISK STRATIFICATION – VIRTUAL

Shoshana Hallowell, MD, McLaren Health

Join us for an insightful workshop designed to deepen your understanding of breast density and its role in patient risk. Dr. Shoshana Hallowell will discuss the types of breast density and their implications for breast cancer detection, as well as the tools used to determine risk factors. As always, we will allow plenty of time for Q&A.

Wednesday, November 13, 6-7:30 pm

FRANKLY SPEAKING ABOUT IMMUNOTHERAPY – VIRTUAL

Abeer Alrafaj, MD, Trinity Health IHA Medical Group

This workshop is designed to provide cancer patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals with essential information about immunotherapy as a cancer treatment. This workshop covers how immunotherapy works, the types of cancers it can treat, potential side effects, and what to expect during treatment. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the science behind immunotherapy, its benefits, and its challenges, helping them make informed decisions about their care. The session encourages open discussion, offering participants the opportunity to ask questions and share experiences.

Monday, November 18, 6-7:30 pm

ESTATE PLANNING – VIRTUAL

Michael Crowley, JD, Conlin, McKenney & Philbrick

Estate planning is documenting wishes for your finances, assets, and personal care in case you become unable to manage them on your own. Join Estate Planning Attorney Michael Crowley to explore the process, what to consider as you make these decisions, plus discussion and questions.

Wednesday, December 4, 12-1 pm

UNDERSTANDING YOUR BLOODWORK – VIRTUAL

Bernard Marini, PharmD, BCOP, Michigan Medicine 

Looking at a bloodwork report in your patient portal may leave you with more questions than answers. Dr. Marini will walk us through the most common bloodwork reports in cancer care (CBC and CMP) point-by-point, including the meaning of each value, what it might indicate if a value is high or low, what’s normal and what’s not, with plenty of time for questions.

Thursday, December 12, 12-1 pm

LIVE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CLASSES

Professionally-instructed healthy lifestyle and stress management classes meet via Zoom. Those with all levels of ability and experience are welcome.

COOKING FOR WELLNESS – HYBRID

Join us for this monthly cooking and nutrition class that features cooking instruction of healthy recipes, plenty of time for questions, and a recipe packet shared via email at each class. Register once and you’ll get a reminder for each monthly session. We hope to see you there!

Monthly, Second Wednesday, 4 – 6 pm

EVENING GENTLE YOGA – HYBRID

Engaging in gentle exercise can help boost immune function, reduce stress, and keep your body strong.

Mondays 5:45 – 6:45 pm

GENTLE YOGA 

Engaging in gentle exercise can help boost immune function, reduce stress, and keep your body strong.

Mondays and Fridays 11 am – 12 pm – VIRTUAL

Wednesdays 11 am – 12 pm – HYBRID

GENTLE YOGA – TRINITY HEALTH CANCER CENTER CHELSEA – IN PERSON

Engaging in gentle exercise can help boost immune function, reduce stress, and keep your body strong. Located in the cafeteria at Trinity Health Cancer Center – Chelsea (775 S. Main St., Chelsea, MI 48118).

Mondays 3:30-4:30 pm

GENTLE YOGA – TRINITY HEALTH CANCER CENTER CANTON – IN PERSON

Engaging in gentle exercise can help boost immune function, reduce stress, and keep your body strong. Located in the Community Room at Trinity Health Cancer Center – Canton (1600 S Canton Center Rd, Canton, Michigan 48188).

Mondays 5-6 pm

GENTLE YOGA – TRINITY HEALTH CANCER CENTER BRIGHTON – HYBRID 

Engaging in gentle exercise can help boost immune function, reduce stress, and keep your body strong. Located in the community room 214A/214B at Trinity Health Cancer Center – Brighton (7575 Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI 48114).

Wednesdays 5 – 6 pm

GENTLE YOGA – TRINITY HEALTH CANCER CENTER LIVONIA – IN PERSON

Engaging in gentle exercise can help boost immune function, reduce stress, and keep your body strong. Located in the Wellness Room at Trinity Health Cancer Center – Livonia (36475 Five Mile Rd, Livonia, Michigan 48154

Thursdays 5:30 – 6:30 pm

GUIDED MEDITATION – VIRTUAL

Meditation has been shown to decrease anxiety, improve sleep, and help manage symptoms and side effects. Join us for a guided mindful meditation weekly.

Tuesdays 1 – 2 pm

GUIDED MEDITATION AT TRINITY HEALTH CANCER CENTER BRIGHTON – IN PERSON 

Meditation has been shown to decrease anxiety, improve sleep, and help manage symptoms and side effects. Join us for a guided mindful meditation weekly. Located in Community Room 214A/214B  at Trinity Health Cancer Center – Brighton.

Thursdays, 4 – 5 pm

PILATES WITH MOVE WELLNESS – VIRTUAL 

Strengthen your body and increase your range of motion in this popular low-impact workout.

Tuesdays 10 – 10:30 am 

REIKI FOR RELAXATION – IN PERSON AT CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY

Join us for free individual Reiki sessions. Our Reiki master will provide an energy technique by hovering their palms just above your body, moving them into a series of positions to help promote relaxation and reduce stress. Participants will remain fully clothed, with the option to remain in a seated position or by lying flat on a massage table.

 

Sessions are available to patients, survivors, and loved ones.

 

Mondays 4 – 7 pm and Thursdays from 12 – 3 pm, by appointment

REIKI FOR RELAXATION – IN PERSON AT TRINITY HEALTH CANCER CENTER BRIGHTON

Join us for free individual Reiki sessions at Trinity Health—Brighton in partnership with the Cancer Support Community. Our Reiki master will provide an energy technique by hovering their palms just above your body, moving them into a series of positions to help promote relaxation and reduce stress. Participants will remain fully clothed, with the option to remain in a seated position or by lying flat on a massage table.

 

Sessions are available to patients, survivors, and loved ones. Reiki will be held in Community Room 214A/214B at Trinity Health Cancer Center –Brighton, 7575 Grand River Ave., Brighton, MI 48114.

 

Thursdays from 5 – 8 pm, by appointment

TAI CHI- HYBRID

Practicing Tai Chi can increase energy, improve balance, and promote relaxation.

Select Mondays, 10 – 11 am

ZUMBA GOLD – VIRTUAL

This gentle version of Zumba provides a fun workout set to music.

Thursdays,10 -11 am

Can’t make it to our live classes? Visit cancersupportannarbor.org/ondemand to access our library of prerecorded exercise and stress management classes.

SOCIAL PROGRAMS

Our online social programs are designed to help you stay connected with others. Whether in person, by phone, or on Zoom, staying connected with others is so important when cancer is a part of life.

COFFEE & CONVERSATION – VIRTUAL

This weekly video conference gathering is a chance to come together (virtually) with others, chat and see some friendly faces.
Fridays 10 – 11 am

COMMUNITY & CREATIVITY – VIRTUAL

Explore your creativity and connect with others in this art class. Our instructor will lead a creative expression project using supplies you have at home; a pen and paper is enough! No art experience is required.

Select Wednesdays, 2:30 – 4 pm – Sign up to be notified for upcoming classes.

NOOGIE NIGHTS – IN PERSON

Kids affected by cancer come together to connect and have fun with games, arts & crafts, and more.

Tuesdays 6 – 8 pm

WATERCOLORS – IN PERSON

Tap in to your inner artist and join us for a watercolors class at the CSC. We will take you step by step through the process of creating your own masterpiece. All skill levels are welcome, and supplies will be provided.

Monday, October 14, 6-7 pm    

PUMPKIN CRAVING – IN PERSON

Celebrate the season outdoors with your friends from CSC! All supplies and food provided.

Sunday, October 20, 1-3  pm

PAINT N’ PARTY – IN PERSON

Unlock your creativity at CSC’s Paint N’ Party, where we guide you step-by-step to create your own masterpiece! All supplies will be provided.

Wednesday, November 6, 2-4 pm

FALL DINNER – IN PERSON

Celebrate the season over dinner and good company. Dinner provided by CSC

Tuesday, November 12,  5:30-7:30 pm

HEALING THROUGH WRITING – VIRTUAL

Please join us for an evening of discovery and self-healing through writing. Members of the Elephants and Tea team, a magazine dedicated to sharing the stories of cancer survivors in their own words, will guide a session on journaling about the cancer experience through prompts and open discussion with peers in a relaxed, safe environment. No previous writing experience is necessary.

Thursday, December 5,  7-8:30 pm

HOLIDAY COOKIE DECORATING – IN PERSON

Join us for a festive Holiday Cookie Decorating Party! Have fun decorating cookies with icing and sprinkles, and enjoy a sweet time filled with holiday cheer. All ages are welcome — bring your creativity and leave with delicious, festive cookies!

Tuesday, December 10,  5:30 -7:30 pm

SUPPORT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Professionally-instructed healthy lifestyle and stress management classes meet via Zoom, our HIPAA-compliant videoconferencing platform. Those with all levels of ability and experience are welcome.

NOOGIE NIGHTS – IN PERSON

Kids affected by cancer come together to connect and have fun with games, arts & crafts, and more.

Tuesdays 6 – 8 pm

KID SUPPORT, TEEN TIME, AND PARENTING SUPPORT

This four-week series on Zoom brings together families impacted by cancer to share support. After starting all together, separate groups will break out for parents, kids, and teens. Age-appropriate activities using art and play help kids express their feelings, while parents and teens have their own spaces to talk with others who truly understand. We schedule this series based on interest and availability, so sign up today and we’ll be in touch soon about scheduling.

A wide variety of recorded exercise, meditation, and educational programs are available to watch on-demand. Click the link below to explore dozens of options on your own time.

Do you need someone to talk with about your cancer experience? Are you feeling overwhelmed with questions about how to cope with your cancer?

We are here to help you by offering free, personalized navigation by phone and online.  

 

888-793-9355
Monday–Thursday: 11 a.m. –  8 p.m. ET
Friday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. ET

Our Cancer Support Helpline is staffed by community navigators and resource specialists who have extensive experience in helping people affected by cancer. We provide guidance, resources, and support to cancer patients or their loved ones with a variety of needs — from getting information about cancer, identifying a local support group, or just finding someone who is willing to listen.

Our services include:

– Connecting callers to local or national resources, counseling, support groups, treatment lodging & transportation services, and other programs

– Live web chat option for those who prefer not to call

– Specialized information and navigation in finances & treatment costs, clinical trials, pediatric oncology, CAR T cell therapy, and genetics/genomics

– Treatment decision-making education

– Access to an online distress screening program, CancerSupportSource®

– Guidance on the full scope of resources at the Cancer Support Community

– Live, bilingual Spanish navigation services

– Over-the-phone translation support in over 200 languages

HOW TO JOIN VIRTUAL PROGRAMS

Support groups, healthy lifestyle classes, social programs, and more are available in real-time using our HIPAA-compliant videoconferencing platform, Zoom. In order to help protect your privacy, registration is required for all live programs. Once you register, we’ll send you the information you need to log on. Click below for instructions to access Zoom from your computer, tablet, or smartphone. If you don’t have a device that can connect to Zoom, you are also welcome to call in from a telephone. We’ll send out phone numbers and access codes along with the Zoom meeting links. If you are having trouble joining a program, please call Erin at 734-489-1631 for immediate assistance.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND SAFETY

By participating in the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor’s virtual programs, you are agreeing to adhere to our policies regarding the confidentiality and safety of our members.

Visit cancersupportannarbor.org/ondemand to access our library of prerecorded educational workshops.