Free Programs

The Cancer Support Center is your resource for accurate and current information. Our free programs provide strategies that help you gain a sense of hope and control. Since 1994, we have served more than 20,000 people who have been diagnosed with cancer and their families and friends. We can help you.

	All programs are facilitated by experienced clinical professionals, and our services always are free of charge to anyone affected by cancer: the person with cancer, loved ones, friends and bereaved of all ages.

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PROSTATE HEALTH
A New Approach to
Prostate Cancer Treatment
Join Scott Eggener, MD, assistant professor of surgery
at the University of Chicago Medical Center, for
a discussion on prostate health including early detection,
diagnosis and choosing a treatment that is right for you.
Light refreshments will be served. Admission: FREE

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25 • 6 TO 7:30 pm
Matteson Community Center • 20642 Matteson Avenue • Matteson
Please call 1-888-UCH-0200 to register

Connections and Family Support

When you and your family are faced with a diagnosis of cancer, it can feel as though your world has turned upside down. Chances are you feel overwhelmed with information, decisions and emotions; you are not alone. Each year more than one million Americans are diagnosed with cancer and encounter feelings of fear, sadness and loss of control. The Cancer Support Center is here to help; we strive to improve your quality of life.

For your convenience, our free programs are now offered at our Homewood and Mokena locations. Please call for more information (708) 798-9171 or click here to see the quarterly calendar.

• Taking the First Steps
• An overview of Groups (for people with cancer, their loved ones and friends)
• Bereavement
• Special Events for the Whole Family
• Individual, Couple or Family Counseling
• Social Events
• Professional Consultations, Seminars and Workshops
• Chicagoland Support Resources

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Taking the First Steps
Take a deep breath. Cancer is a big challenge, but resources are available to help you live better during and after the experience. Simply pick up the phone and call us at (708) 798-9171 for Homewood, or (708) 478-3529 for Mokena.

Better yet, just come in. We’re in downtown Homewood, Ill., just off Dixie Highway, near the library and fire station, and we're in Mokena, just southwest of 191st Street & LaGrange Road. We’re here to help you find new ways to cope with stress and anxiety associated with a cancer diagnosis.

You’ll have the opportunity to join a support group or participate in Wellness Classes or attend special programs and lectures. We offer many support groups at various times during the day and evening. Groups are available for all ages of cancer patients and their loved ones. Please note that groups are not printed on the monthly calendar since they are not designed for drop-ins. More information is below.

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An overview of Groups
Led by professional counselors, support groups help patients and their loved ones “take back” control of their life by exploring the emotional impact of cancer. Through guided and open discussions, groups explore the best ways for each person to handle the stress a cancer diagnosis brings. Each group focuses on improving the quality of life of every group member; in the process, a healing community is created.

Patient and Caregiver Support Groups
Support groups meet at various times throughout the week. Participants in these weekly groups have different types of cancer, as opposed to the Networking Groups (see below), where groups are cancer-specific. Mixed support groups are designed to help participants of all stages of a cancer experience cope with their diagnosis and treatment. These groups meet weekly for 12 weeks.

Networking Groups
Networking groups meet on a monthly basis and provide a time for sharing information and experiences about a specific type of cancer. Drop-ins are welcome. Check the calendar for networking group meetings. We have networking groups for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, and a young adults of mixed diagnoses.

Caregiver, Family & Friends Support Groups
Caregivers, Family & Friends, we know you have a lot on your mind, too. As cancer affects everyone in a family or organization, services are provided for the patient’s support network, as well. Caregivers find solace at the Center through the Caregivers Support Group, lectures, relaxation and education programs, and the resource center. Anyone affected by cancer is welcome at the Cancer Support Center. Off-site programs are available for colleagues of a cancer patient or in other organization where a cancer diagnosis has occurred.

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Bereavement
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, cancer takes the life of someone we love. When someone passes away after a cancer illness, loved ones may want to talk with others who have gone through similar experiences. Bereavement programs are available for adults, teens and children. Please call the Center for more information at (708) 798-9171.

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Special Events for the Whole Family
Just for Fun events are special events and activities held at the Center for family fun. These events are open to all participants and their caregivers, families and friends. Recent examples of Just for Fun events include a movie night, holiday cookie bake, a magic show and kite making. Check the quarterly calendar for upcoming Just for Fun events.

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Individual, Couple or Family Counseling
Counseling often can help during particularly stressful times and is available for families, couples, children or adolescents to address cancer-related concerns. Our counselors work with participants to find healthy ways to share information, improve communication, manage stress, handle school or work problems and resolve conflict. Counseling sessions are set up at convenient times; please call (708) 798-9171 for an appointment.

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Social Events
The Cancer Support Center seeks to help people affected by cancer and their loved ones in a variety of ways. Throughout the year, several social programs are offered for participants to come to the Center and enjoy the activity. Previous social activities have included a Thanksgiving dinner, “An Evening Together,” sponsored by the Women’s Board and a children’s carnival, just to name a few. Check the calendar for information about upcoming events or call (708) 798-9171 to ask for future events.

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Professional Consultations, Seminars and Workshops
Our professional counselors are available for consultation to schools and other organizations. Programs will be tailored to the audience. Pediatric programs also are available to professionals who encounter children who have a family member with cancer. Examples of such programs include “Kids in the Classroom … Cancer in the Family,” for education professionals and “Cancer in the Workplace” for business professionals. Please call (708) 798-9171 for upcoming topics and workshop dates.

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Wellness

Mindfulness Meditation
Yoga and Qi Gong
Massage Reiki and Healing Touch
Mind-Body Mondays
Yoga for Cancer
Crocheting Circle

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Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness Meditation helps you to use attention to your breath to calm your mind. It also can help you to attend to and care for your body and yourself as you cope, or care for someone, with cancer. Join us as we practice this ancient but practical art for living. Drop-ins welcome.

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Yoga and Qi Gong
Come experience the mind-body connection. Yoga and Qi Gong provide gentle, light movement for balance, relaxation, physical and mental harmony. Come to these weekly sessions to feel the energizing and healing effects of mild physical activity. Drop-ins welcome.

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Massage
Massage therapy has been shown to reduce stress and alleviate discomfort. Come in for 30-minute, fully clothed massages and feel more relaxed. Please call (708) 798-9171 for an appointment.

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Reiki and Healing Touch
These fully clothed, hands-on practices are designed to clear, align and balance the human energy system. Often, these are used for general well-being, stress management and pain control. Each session is 30 to 40 minutes. Call (708) 798-9171 for an appointment.

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Mind-Body Mondays
Start your week off right! Every other Monday brings a new program to each site related to spirituality, relaxation, nutrition, physical activity or mindfulness. Check this quarter’s calendar for upcoming programs. Please call (708) 798-9171 to register.

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Yoga for Cancer
Join this special class on Wednesdays as yoga movements are shown to ease stress and discomfort caused by the cancer experience. Space is limited, so please call Lisa at (708) 798-9171.

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Crocheting Circle
Every Friday, a group of cancer survivors and their friends and loved ones, joins for a 90-minute crocheting circle. Come relax and enjoy conversation while you create. Materials provided. For more information, please call (708) 798-9171.

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The Cancer Support Center is a founding member of The Cancer Health Alliance of Metropolitan Chicago.