Support Groups
At Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, we understand that the journey through cancer is filled with many emotions and challenges. Our support groups are more than just meetings; they are heartfelt gatherings of understanding, empathy, and shared experiences. Whether you’re facing cancer yourself, surviving it, grieving a loss, or caring for a loved one, we have a compassionate space for you.
Our Cancer Support Group is a sanctuary for those diagnosed, while our Survivorship Support Group helps you navigate life after treatment. For those who have lost a loved one, our Loss Support Groups offer a gentle hand to hold. Specialized groups for LGBTQ+ individuals, various cancer types, and caregivers ensure that everyone finds a place of connection and empathy. Led by caring professionals, our groups are not just about coping; they’re about thriving, healing, and finding hope together. You’re not alone; we’re here with you, every step of the way.
Please Note: Support Groups are professionally guided by a licensed social worker, while Healing Circles are peer-led and rely on mutual support and shared experiences. All groups meet virtually.
Upcoming Meetings:
Current Support Group Offerings:
*Caregivers also welcome
Black Women with Breast Cancer Support Group
Monthly on the 1st Thursday, 6:30–8p ET
This monthly support group is for Black Women who have been diagnosed with any stage of Breast Cancer and is open to those newly diagnosed, in treatment, or in survivorship.
Breast Cancer Support Group
Monthly on the 1st Tuesday, 6–7pm ET
This monthly virtual group is for Stage 1 – 3 Breast Cancer patients and survivors and is open to those newly diagnosed, in treatment, or in survivorship. Come join others dealing with the issues and impacts of a breast cancer diagnosis.
Cancer Support Group
Bi-Monthly on the 1st & 3rd Monday, 6–7:30pm ET
This bi-monthly support group provides participants with the opportunity to explore their experience with cancer in a safe group setting with a trained social worker and to connect with others who are facing a similar challenge. This group is designed specifically for individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Caregiver Support Group
Bi-Monthly on the 1st & 3rd Monday, 6–7:30pm ET
This group, led by a licensed psychologist, is designed to provide cancer caregivers with the opportunity to meet other caregivers, learn about useful tools for self-care, and explore ways to thrive in the caregiving role.
To be added to the waitlist for this program, please email programs@smithcenter.org.
DC Young Adult Cancer Meet Up & Support Group
Monthly on the 2nd Wednesday, 6:30–7:30pm ET
This monthly gathering is an opportunity to meet other young adult cancer survivors in their 20s, 30s and early 40s. Caregivers of young adult cancer survivors are welcome to join as well.
Gynecologic Cancer Support Group*
Monthly on the 1st Tuesday, 11a–12pm ET
This monthly support group is designed for adult patients/survivors diagnosed with gynecologic cancers (including cervical, endometrial, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar cancers) and their caregivers. The group will incorporate education lectures coupled with emotional support.
Healing Circle for Gay Men with Prostate Cancer
Monthly on the 4th Thursday, 7-8:30pm ET
This peer-led group of gay men diagnosed with or recovering from prostate cancer offers mutual support by sharing experiences and insights in a welcoming community.
Healing Circle for Metastatic Breast Cancer Thrivers 45+
Monthly on the 2nd Wednesday, 5:15-6:45pm ET
This healing circle is for people who are 45 and older who are living and thriving with Metastatic Breast Cancer. This peer-led circle will provide a safe place to connect, support and share with one another.
Healing Circle for Parents with Cancer
Monthly on the 4th Tuesday, 12-1pm ET
A peer-led virtual support group for parents who are newly diagnosed, in active treatment or in survivorship experiencing challenges with their role as a parent during their cancer journey.
Healing Circle for Young Adults with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Monthly on the 3rd Wednesday, 6-7pm ET OR 3rd Saturday, 10-11am ET
A demand-driven and patient-led online community support group for young women and men with metastatic breast cancer (MBC).
Healing Circle: Grupo de Apoyo LGBTQIA+ con Cáncer de Próstata Para Hispanoparlantes (en Español)
Desarrollo 1 hora y media máximo, primer lunes de cada mes 19:30-21:00 (zona horaria de Madrid). (13:30-15:00 ET).
Este grupo de apoyo ofrece un espacio seguro y solidario para personas hispanohablantes LGBTQIA+ afectadas por el cáncer de próstata, donde pueden compartir experiencias, emociones y herramientas para afrontar los desafíos únicos que enfrentan debido al triple tabú de enfermedad, sexualidad y edad.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Support Group
Monthly on the 4th Tuesday, 11a–12pm ET
This monthly support group is designed for adult patients/survivors diagnosed with Leukemia or Lymphoma. The group will incorporate education lectures coupled with emotional support. This group is open to people of all ages (18+) who are at any stage of the disease process.
Loss of a Parent to Cancer Support Group
Monthly on a Wednesday, 6–7:30pm ET
The loss of a parent from cancer brings with it many complex feelings. Sadness, anger, and regret are just a few of the feelings you may experience. Sometimes friends – and even family members – don’t understand these feelings. This support group provides a monthly opportunity to join a group of people who may understand.
Lung Cancer Support Group
Monthly on the 4th Thursday, 11a–12pm ET
This monthly support group is open to adults with lung cancer, survivors, and caregivers. Facilitated by a licensed clinical social worker, the group will offer emotional support and educational talks and is hosted in partnership with the GW Cancer Center.
Multiple Myeloma Cancer Support Group*
Monthly on the 3rd Tuesday, 12:30–1:30pm ET
This monthly support group is designed for adult patients/survivors diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and their caregivers. The group will incorporate education lectures coupled with emotional support.
Nueva Vida Grupo de Apoyo (en Español)
Los sábados, de 9 de la mañana a 12 de la tarde
En asociación con Smith Center, Nueva Vida tendrá grupos de apoyo que se enfocan en el apoyo al trauma asociado con el diagnóstico de cáncer. Estos grupos proporcionan a las latinas la oportunidad de identificar y expresar sus sentimientos, en un lugar seguro, y lleno de empatía, así como compartir sus sentimientos con otras personas que están o han pasado por similares circunstancias. Las reuniones semanales, se combinan con una actividad de reducción del estrés (Zumba o Yoga).
Prostate Cancer Support Group*
Monthly on the 2nd Tuesday, 12:30–1:30pm ET
This monthly support group is designed for adult patients/survivors diagnosed with Prostate cancer. The group will incorporate education lectures coupled with emotional support and is hosted by and offered in partnership with the GW Cancer Center.
Survivorship Support Group
Monthly on the 2nd Tuesday, 6:30–7:30pm ET
This group is for cancer survivors who have completed primary treatment and are post-treatment or on maintenance therapy. It offers a space to process the emotional and physical impact of cancer, share experiences, and navigate the challenges of adjusting to life after treatment.
Room for Grief
Monthly on the 3rd Monday, 12-1:30pm ET
If you’ve lost a loved one, a healing circle for those in grief is an opportunity to share what’s on your heart and mind, to listen, and be listened to deeply and generously.
