Tag: Group Support

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Abigail Osei-Tutu, LICSW

The virtual 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.

Come join other Black women dealing with the issues and impacts of a breast cancer diagnosis. All meetings are hosted using Zoom.

This group is offered in partnership by the MedStar Georgetown Ourisman Breast Center, Cancer Support Community DC and Smith Center for Healing and the Arts.

The group meets twice a month on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month from 6:30-8:00pm EST on Zoom.

About Abigail Osei-Tutu, LICSW

Abigail is a Palliative Care Social Worker and a Licensed Clinical Therapist based in Washington, DC. Prior to her current role, she served as an Oncology Social Worker at Dana Farber Cancer Institute where she provided emotional support and resources to individuals facing diverse cancer diagnoses, at varying stages of their journey. Abigail earned her Masters Degree in Social Work at Temple University. Abby is intentional about working with people of color, specifically Black women and offering a space to be open and honest about the unique experiences they encounter as they navigate the complexities of the medical world while coping with a cancer diagnosis.

This Meet Up & Support Group will be meeting online with a Zoom community. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing erin@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Erin Price, LICSW, OSW-C

DC Young Adult Cancer Meet Up and Support Group

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. This program is a collaborative initiative of local hospitals, health organizations and cancer support groups.*

Click here to review our Online Group Participation Rules.

The DC Young Adult Cancer Meet Up & Support Group meets Monthly on the 2nd Wednesday from 6:30-7:30pm.

*A warm thank you to our partners that have allowed us to provide a supportive community to more young adults in the DC region:

  • Bella Warrior
  • Cancer Support Community
  • GWU Medical Faculty Associates
  • First Descents
  • Hope Connections for Cancer Support
  • Howard University Hospital
  • Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
  • Life With Cancer
  • MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
  • Nueva Vida
  • Sibley Memorial Hospital
  • Stupid Cancer
  • Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults
  • Virginia Hospital Center
  • Washington Cancer Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  • Young Survival Coalition

About Erin Price, MSW, LICSW, OSW-C

Erin Price

Erin serves as Smith Center’s Director of Young Adult and Psychosocial Support Programs. She is trained in Integrative Patient Navigation, a Project LEAD graduate, and holds a Masters in Social Work. A seven-year breast cancer survivor, Erin is passionate about providing support and community to other cancer survivors, especially young adults. She works with Smith Center’s DC Young Adult Cancer Community and is also actively involved in the cancer community through Young Survival Coalition, Critical Mass, the Georgetown Breast Cancer Advocates, National Breast Cancer Coalition, and the DC Cancer Action Partnership.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Lisa Hahn

Healing Circle for Metastatic Breast Cancer Thrivers 45+

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.

What is a Healing Circle?

Healing Circles bring together small numbers of people impacted by a condition or circumstance to share experiences and harvest collective wisdom.  Healing Circles is a peer-led process by which people support each other through deep listening and shared learning. When working at its best, this collaborative conversation model leads to authentic and deep connectivity and can create wisdom and healing for participants.

This Healing Circle will meet Monthly on the 2nd Wednesday from 5:15-6:45pm ET.

About Lisa Hahn

Lisa Hahn

Lisa Hahn was diagnosed with MBC de novo in the Fall of 2019. In addition to working full-time and attending doctor appointments, she is always looking for a new exercise class and tries to maintain a consistent yoga and pilates practice. Her background in the arts as a former ballet dancer and arts council program officer have given her a strong appreciation for the arts and she is a regular attendee at the Smith Center. She lives in Alexandria with her husband, two teenage boys and two cats and you can follow her on Instagram @dancingwithmbc

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Lashondra Love, LGSW, LMSW

offered in partnership with Cancer Support Community DC

 

Survivorship Support Group

This group is designed for cancer survivors who have completed their primary cancer treatment(s) and are now either post-treatment or on maintenance medication (such as hormonal therapy). Cancer can be emotionally and physically draining — many times we aren’t able to fully process the experience until after treatment is over and we are trying to get back to our “normal” lives. The struggle and expectation to find “normal” again can also be an overwhelming process. This group is a space where you can talk openly about these issues and process the trauma of cancer with other survivors.

The Survivorship Support Group will meet Monthly on the 2nd Tuesday from 7:00-8:00pm EST.

Beginning in April, the group will go back to meeting Monthly on the 2nd Tuesday from 6:30-7:30pm EST and will be hosted by Lashondra Love, LGSW, LMSW.

About Lashondra Love, LGSW, LMSW

Lashondra Love is deeply committed to the work of Cancer Support Community (CSC), having previously served as a Program Associate where she supported our past two program directors. During her time in this role, Lashondra gained invaluable experience working in Wards 7 and 8 in D.C., which sparked her passion for the intersection of social work and cancer care. Her professional journey has always centered on providing emotional, social, and practical support to individuals navigating the complexities of cancer, both personally and professionally.
Since moving to the DC metro area in 2016, Lashondra has continued to expand her expertise, most recently as a Supervisor at BTST Services in Lanham, MD, where she oversaw rehabilitation services and worked closely with clients to ensure their goals aligned with individualized care plans. Throughout her career, Lashondra has been driven by the belief that cancer care goes beyond medical treatment—it’s about providing holistic, compassionate support to the whole person.
Outside of her professional life, Lashondra enjoys spending quality time with her family, traveling, and helping others connect to the resources they need to thrive. Her personal and professional experiences have shaped her into a trusted, warm, and relatable advocate for individuals impacted by cancer.

In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Sara Richman, LICSW and Jessica Gelfarb, MSW, LICSW

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.

GW Cancer Center Prostate Cancer Support Group

The Prostate Cancer Support Group meets Monthly on the 2nd Tuesday from 12:30-1:30pm. 

About Jessica Gelfarb, MSW, LICSW

Jessica Gelfarb

Jessica is a licensed clinical social worker who has experience working with patients and families facing a range of medical diagnoses in both inpatient and outpatient settings.  She received her undergraduate degree in psychology from University of Michigan and her masters degree in social work from University of Maryland with a focus on clinical and medical social work. Jessica recently joined the team at the George Washington University  cancer center as an oncology social worker. Prior to her role at GW Jessica worked extensively with organ transplant patients at Medstar Georgetown Transplant Institute and co-led the institute’s transplant support group. She has also spent time working on cardiology and intensive care units throughout her career.  Jessica initially became interested in pursuing oncology social work after attending the Association of Oncology Social Work’s annual conference a number of years ago as well as observing first- hand the widespread impact that cancer has on so many individuals and families.   She is passionate about partnering with patients in order to provide psychosocial and emotional support as they navigate their diagnosis and treatment.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Jessica Gelfarb, MSW, LICSW & Sara Richman, LICSW, GW Cancer Center 

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 and is hosted by and offered in partnership with the GW Cancer Center.

GW Cancer Center Head and Neck Cancer Support Group

The Gynecologic Cancer Support Group meets Monthly on the 1st Tuesday from 11:00am-12:00pm ET. 

About Jessica Gelfarb, MSW, LICSW

Jessica Gelfarb

Jessica is a licensed clinical social worker who has experience working with patients and families facing a range of medical diagnoses in both inpatient and outpatient settings.  She received her undergraduate degree in psychology from University of Michigan and her masters degree in social work from University of Maryland with a focus on clinical and medical social work. Jessica recently joined the team at the George Washington University  cancer center as an oncology social worker. Prior to her role at GW Jessica worked extensively with organ transplant patients at Medstar Georgetown Transplant Institute and co-led the institute’s transplant support group. She has also spent time working on cardiology and intensive care units throughout her career.  Jessica initially became interested in pursuing oncology social work after attending the Association of Oncology Social Work’s annual conference a number of years ago as well as observing first- hand the widespread impact that cancer has on so many individuals and families.   She is passionate about partnering with patients in order to provide psychosocial and emotional support as they navigate their diagnosis and treatment.

About Sara Richman, LICSW

Sara Richman, LICSW is a licensed and certified oncology clinical social worker (OSW-C). She received her masters in social work (MSW) at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. Prior to working at GW, Sara was an oncology clinical social worker at MedStar Washington Hospital Center where she worked with all types of blood cancers and disorders.

Our Caregiver Support Group is currently closed to new members at this time. To be added to the waitlist and to learn about other caregiver support group offerings, please email Olivia at olivia@smithcenter.org.

with Julia Rowland, Ph.D.

Cancer Caregiver Support Group

This cancer caregiver support 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.

Julia’s Caregiver Support Group meets Bi-Monthly on Mondays from 6:00 – 7:30pm.

About Julia Rowland

Julia Rowland

Julia Rowland, PhD, who joined Smith Center in October 2017, comes to this position as a long-time clinician, researcher and teacher in the area of psychosocial aspects of cancer. She has worked with and conducted competitively funded research among both pediatric and adult cancer survivors and their families, and published broadly in psycho-oncology, including co-editing, along with Dr. Jimmie Holland, the ground-breaking text, Handbook of Psychooncology.  She has also been a frequent speaker on cancer survivorship, or life after cancer, for both professional and lay audiences.

Julia received her PhD in Developmental Psychology from Columbia University and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in psychosocial oncology. While at MSKCC, where she held joint appointments in pediatrics and neurology, Julia helped to develop and was the first Director of the Post-Treatment Resource Program, one of the first non-medical survivorship care programs to be offered by a major cancer center in the U.S. In 1990 she moved with her husband and two young children to Washington, DC to become founding Director of the Psycho-Oncology Program at Georgetown University and the Lombardi Cancer Center. There she helped expand services to meet the psychosocial needs of cancer patients and families, launched some of the first quality of life clinical trials, and also introduced a program to enable first year medical students to learn the art of caring for those living through and beyond cancer from survivors themselves and Lombardi faculty. Nine years later, in September of 1999, she was recruited to the National Cancer Institute to become the first, full-time Director of the Office of Cancer Survivorship, a position in which she served for 18 years, championing the growth of survivorship research and care, before stepping down in September 2017 to assume her new role at Smith Center. Although new to the team, Julia is no stranger to Smith Center. She knew Smith Center’s founder, Barbara Smith Coleman, and has volunteered her expertise across the years as a speaker, group leader and staff member for both the 1-day and weeklong residential retreats. Julia brings to her new role a passion to translate what research has taught us about healing in the context of cancer to the broader community, in essence, taking the science of survivorship from the lab bench to the park bench.

Este programa se ofrece virtualmente a través de Zoom. Para participar y recibir el enlace de Zoom, regístrese haciendo clic en el botón RSVP arriba o enviando un correo electrónico a program@smithcenter.org. Recibirá la información de Zoom a más tardar la mañana de su programa.

This program is being offered in a virtual format. In order to participate, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing olivia@smithcenter.org.

con Alfonso Luis y Charles Domingue

El cáncer de próstata (CP) es una realidad que también afecta a la comunidad LGBTQIA+. Es el tumor más frecuente en personas con próstata, siendo el segundo más común en todo el mundo y el quinto en mortalidad. No hay evidencias que relacionen el CP con la orientación sexual. La mayoría de los diagnósticos se dan en personas mayores de 65 años, siendo muy poco frecuente en menores de 40.

El colectivo LGBTQIA+ enfrenta un triple tabú en relación al cáncer de próstata. Por un lado, es un tumor silenciado en nuestra sociedad debido a que afecta el concepto tradicional de masculinidad. Por otro lado, este silencio se agrava por nuestra condición sexual. Esta situación puede afectar los tratamientos que recibimos, debido a la falta de información sobre los efectos secundarios de los tratamientos en relación a nuestra orientación sexual y nuestras prácticas sexuales. Y, para finalizar, existe otro condicionante importante: la edad. La generación que está siendo diagnosticada actualmente ha sido marginada y discriminada por lo que tiene muchas veces miedo a compartir sus dudas.

Lo que proponemos es crear un espacio para hablar de nuestras experiencias, de los tratamientos que recibimos, de nuestras emociones, de cómo nos sentimos, de cómo afecta el CP a nuestras relaciones y de las herramientas que tenemos para afrontar nuestras dificultades. Es muy difícil encontrar un grupo de apoyo para hispanohablantes pertenecientes al colectivo LGBTQIA+. En este grupo encontrarás apoyo

Desarrollo 1 hora y media máximo, primer lunes de cada mes 19:30-21:00 (zona horaria de Madrid). (13:30-15:00 ET).

Prostate cancer (PC) is a reality that also affects the LGBTQIA+ community. It is the most frequent tumor in people with a prostate, the second most common worldwide and the fifth in mortality. There is no evidence to relate PC to sexual orientation. Most diagnoses occur in people over 65, being very rare in those under 40. The LGBTQIA+ group faces a triple taboo in relation to prostate cancer. On the one hand, it is a cancer that is not often spoken of in our society because it affects the traditional concept of masculinity. On the other hand, this silence is aggravated by our sexuality. This situation can affect the treatments we receive, due to the lack of information on the side effects of treatments in relation to our sexual orientation and our sexual practices. And, finally, there is another important condition: age. The generation that is currently being diagnosed has been marginalized and discriminated against, so they are often afraid to ask questions related to intimacy.

What we propose is to create a space to talk about our experiences, the treatments we receive, our emotions, how we feel, how PC affects our relationships, and the tools we have to face our difficulties. It is very difficult to find a support group for Spanish speakers in the the LGBTQIA+ community. In this group you will find support.

The Healing Circle for Spanish-Speaking LGBTQIA+ Men with Prostate Cancer meets Monthly on the 1st Monday of each month from 7:30 – 9:00PM Madrid Time Zone/1:30 – 3:00 PM EST.

Alfonso Luis

Alfonso Luis Nieves, de nacionalidad española. Es fundador y facilitador del Healing Circle Cáncer de próstata y comunidad LGBTQIA+: un espacio para hispanoparlantes. Fui diagnosticado de ADENOCARCINOMA ACINAR. Después de buscar información y asesoramiento médico de varios urologos se me recomendó la electroporación irreversible, intervención a la que me sometí el 3 de diciembre de 2024.

He trabajado de voluntario en varios ámbitos, empecé con personas con síndrome de Down, más tarde y durante muy poco tiempo en un hospital como traductor, intérprete y acompañante y finalmente en Proyecto Hombre en terapias de familiares de personas con adicciones.

Actualmente estoy jubilado después de trabajar durante más de 30 años como profesor en centros públicos de España.

Alfonso Luis Nieves, of Spanish nationality, is a founder and facilitator of the Healing Circle: LGBTQIA+ Prostate Cancer Support Group for Spanish speakers. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in October 2024. After seeking information and medical advice from several urologists, irreversible electroporation was recommended, an intervention I underwent on December 3, 2024.

I have worked as a volunteer in various fields, starting with people with Down syndrome, later and for a very short time in a hospital as a translator, interpreter and companion, and finally in Proyecto Hombre in therapies for relatives of people with addictions.

I am currently retired after working for more than 30 years as a teacher in public schools in Spain.

Charles Domingue

Charles Domingue, estadounidense residente en España, es cofundador del Healing Circle del Cáncer de Próstata LGBTQIA+. Tiene licenciatura y maestría en Trabajo Social, y una certificación para enseñar inglés como lengua extranjera. Durante su etapa como trabajador social hospitalario en los EEUU, trabajó con personas con diversos problemas de salud, incluidas personas con cáncer, con esclerosis múltiple y con VIH/SIDA. Durante su tiempo como profesor de inglés en Europa, impartió clases de inglés de negocios en Praga, Barcelona y Madrid. Actualmente está jubilado y vive en Almería, España.

Poco después de jubilarse, a Charles le diagnosticaron cáncer de próstata y se sometió a una prostatectomía radical robótica. Siete meses y medio después de la cirugía, se sometió a radioterapia para tratar una recurrencia bioquímica.

Charles Domingue, an American residing in Spain, is the co-founder of the LGBTQIA+ Prostate Cancer Healing Circle. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work, and a certification to teach English as a foreign language. During his time as a hospital social worker in the US, he worked with people with various health problems, including people with cancer, multiple sclerosis, and HIV/AIDS. During his time as an English teacher in Europe, he taught business English classes in Prague, Barcelona, and Madrid. He is now retired and living in Almería, Spain.

Shortly after retiring, Charles was diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent a robotic radical prostatectomy. Seven and a half months after surgery, he underwent radiation therapy to treat a biochemical recurrence.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Abigail Osei-Tutu, LICSW

The virtual 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.

Come join other Black women dealing with the issues and impacts of a breast cancer diagnosis. All meetings are hosted using Zoom.

This group is offered in partnership by the MedStar Georgetown Ourisman Breast Center, Cancer Support Community DC and Smith Center for Healing and the Arts.

The group meets twice a month on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month from 6:30-8:00pm EST on Zoom.

About Abigail Osei-Tutu, LICSW

Abigail is a Palliative Care Social Worker and a Licensed Clinical Therapist based in Washington, DC. Prior to her current role, she served as an Oncology Social Worker at Dana Farber Cancer Institute where she provided emotional support and resources to individuals facing diverse cancer diagnoses, at varying stages of their journey. Abigail earned her Masters Degree in Social Work at Temple University. Abby is intentional about working with people of color, specifically Black women and offering a space to be open and honest about the unique experiences they encounter as they navigate the complexities of the medical world while coping with a cancer diagnosis.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Kenneth Johnson

A Healing Circle: Gay Men with Prostate Cancer

We are a group of gay men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer or who are recovering from treatment that offer support to each other. In a peer-led community, we share our experiences and understanding to help one another best deal with our own personal situations.

The Healing Circle for Gay Men with Prostate Cancer meets Monthly on the 4th Thursday from 7:00pm – 8:30pm ET.

About Kenneth Johnson

Kenneth Johnson

Kenneth Johnson, of Owings Mills, MD, is a founding member and facilitator of the Healing Circle Supporting Gay Men with Prostate Cancer hosted at the Smith Center since October 2018. Kenneth’s prostate cancer diagnosis in 2016 at the age of 50 began, not with any symptoms of a problem, but due to a vigilant doctor who was aware of black men’s higher cancer risk and encouraged earlier screening. Blood tests showed a rising PSA that triggered the need for a biopsy. Kenneth underwent surgery and radiation later in 2016. Before volunteering with the support group, Kenneth volunteered with many LGBTQ+ organizations and community non-profits in Atlanta, GA.

Professionally, Kenneth retired in 2021 after 34 years of federal service as an information technology analyst. Now, he is often on the highways with his octogenarian parents visiting family and friends around the country. You can catch up with Kenneth at the local gym or track working up a good sweat to offset his time in the kitchen cooking for and eating with his parents. At other times, you will find him enjoying his monthly book club selection, stressing over a Ravens game (or Orioles or Alabama football), chuckling at a corny Hallmark movie, or tackling (and possibly regretting) an HGTV-inspired home project.

Despite the cloud of prostate cancer, Kenneth sees the silver lining as the community of wonderful souls that have befriended him through the Smith Center and the healing circle for gay men with prostate cancer.