Support Groups
With recent concerns surrounding COVID-19 and limiting public gatherings, support groups have moved to a virtual format or are paused at this time.
For cancer patients and their families, often the greatest comfort comes from connecting with others who have walked in their shoes, who have faced the same challenges, and who can truly relate to the cancer experience.
At the UK Markey Cancer Center, our team of oncology social workers leads a variety of support groups that allow those affected by cancer to come together to share their experiences, learn more about the disease and its treatment, and support each other as they navigate the emotional and physical challenges of cancer.
Some of our current support groups are listed below. View our calendar of events for a complete schedule.
NOTE: With recent concerns surrounding COVID-19, integrative medicine classes, support groups, cooking, and smoothie demos will either be available via Zoom or canceled until further notice.
Activities will be reviewed regularly according to hospital policy and guidelines regarding in-person gatherings. Please contact the Oncology Social Work office at 859-323-2798 if you have questions about the status of any of these support groups.
Blood Cancer Support Group
About: Our Blood Cancer Support Group meets monthly to provide a space for patients to share their experiences and both provide and receive support.
Meeting Details: Second Tuesday of every month from 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual group, meeting via Zoom
Facilitator: Julie Case Steffey, MSW, CSW
To Participate: Contact Julie Case Steffey, CSW at 859-218-2985 or Julie.Case@uky.edu to register and receive connection information.
Markey Mentor: Breast Cancer Peer-to-Peer Support
About: A peer-to-peer support service to connect breast cancer patients with someone who shares a similar diagnosis.
Details: If you are interested in being paired with a peer, or if you are interested in volunteering your time to become a Markey Mentor, call 859-323-2798 for more information.
Knit to Heal
About: This monthly support group provides cancer patients and survivors with the opportunity to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of knitting while also learning and talking about cancer-related issues.
No knitting experience is necessary. New participants can learn basic knitting stitches and start a new knitting project.
Participants who already know how to knit can bring their current project or start a new one.
Knit to Heal is designed to provide a comfortable environment where participants can share their feelings, knowledge and experiences while engaging in the creative process. So come knit, learn from your peers and from staff, and possibly share your experiences as a cancer patient. Anyone can join at any time. All supplies will be provided.
Meeting Details: Second Wednesday of the month, 10–11:30 a.m.
Location: Virtual group, meeting via Zoom and/or In-person at Integrative Medicine & Health, Whitney-Hendrickson Building, third floor.
Facilitators: LeahShea Vance, CSW, and UK HealthCare physical therapist Beth Butcher and Markey Research employee Reva Bruns, both avid knitters, will provide knitting instruction and facilitate the group. Knit to Heal is designed to provide a comfortable environment where participants learn more about the cancer experience, can share their thoughts, knowledge, and experiences while engaging in the creative process.
To Register: For questions or to register, call 859-323-2156. A Zoom meeting link will be provided after registering for those joining virtually. (Pre-registration required).
