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Support Groups

Bladder Cancer Support Groups are listed by state. Please note, many groups have added a virtual option. Check with the contact listed to see if they have virtual support groups available.

AR | CA | CT | FL | GA | IL | IN | KS | ME | MD | MA | MI | MN | MS | NV | NY | NC | OH | OK | PA | TX | VA | WA | Virtual

ARKANSAS

Hot Springs, AR Ostomy group
Meets the 2nd Sat of each month at 10:30 am Mercy Health Center, 300 Werner St
501- 622-2118

Fort Smith, Mixed Cancer and Ostomy group
Meets the 2nd Sun of every other month at 2:00 pm
Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House
800-262-9917 for more information https://www.reynoldscancersupporthouse.org

CALIFORNIA

Irvine

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Open to people living with bladder cancer and facilitated by an oncology nurse navigator and oncology social worker. The group will provide an open & supportive space to share experiences, questions & concerns. Topics will include coping, relationships, treatment plans, dietary needs & navigating the healthcare system. This support group is hybrid (held in person and virtual) and hosted by the Hoag Irvine Cancer Center. For questions, call Sandy Southerland, RN at 949-722-6237.
Hoag Family Cancer Institute
16105 Sand Canyon Ave
Irvine, CA 92614

Contact Rena at Rena.Phairojmahakij@hoag.org or call 959-557-0233 for more information.

Los Angeles

Bladder Cancer Support Group- Virtual

Meets on the last Thursday of the month

Time: 6 PM PT

This support group is open to anyone who has been touched by bladder cancer. Whether you are a patient undergoing treatment, you are a survivor or a caregiver, everybody is welcome.

For more information contact Lorena Palacios at bcanlosangeles@gmail.com | Phone: (310) 735-2893.  ¡Hablo español!

Bladder Cancer Support Group:
A support and educational group for men and women with a bladder cancer diagnosis, either before or after surgery, and their family members. The group is facilitated by a clinical social worker and urology nurse navigator. Patients from any hospital are welcome. Group is held at 6pm every 4th Tuesday of every month, except July and November. The November and December group is held on the 4th Tuesday of the month. This group is not currently meeting in person; call Susan for zoom link.

For additional information contact Susan Nordblad, MSW @ 323-442-8915 or email: Susan.Nordblad@med.usc.edu.

Navigating Through Your Surgery:

A pre-op workshop for patients who will undergo radical cystectomy (removal of the bladder) surgery. Educational information on how to prepare for surgery, what to expect during hospitalization, and care of your “New Bladder” is provided. Class held at 4:00 pm every 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month. December class is held only the 1st Tuesday.

For scheduling and additional information email Sylvia or Judea: Sylvia.rodriguezorozco@health.usc.edu
or (323)865-3755( Cell phone #562-832-8343);

Judea Sy: Judea.Sy@med.usc.edu or  323-865-3709

Pre-Operative Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation:
Learn about preparing for surgery with pelvic floor muscle training and how Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy can help you reach your full potential post-surgery. Class is held at 5:00 pm every 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month. December class is held only the 1st Tuesday.
For additional information email: Eileen.johnson@pt.usc.edu or Kimberly.perring@med.usc.edu with any questions or contact.

Location of Support Group and Classes:
Norris Cancer Center of USC
1441 Eastlake Ave, Los Angeles, Ca 90033
Ezralow Conference Room #Nor1315

Rancho Mirage
Bladder Cancer Support Group
2nd Monday of every month from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
Eisenhower Lucy Curci Cancer Center
39000 Bob Hope Dr.
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Call 760-834-3798 for Registration & Information
Facilitator: Alison Mayer Sachs, MSW, OSW-C

San Francisco
Bladder Cancer Education and Support Group
University of California San Francisco
Meets 1st Thursday of each month at 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Mission Bay Campus
550 16th Street, Corner of 16th & 4th, Room 1406, 1st Floor, San Francisco, CA 94143
(Please use the 4th Street entrance and check in with security desk)

Contact  415-353-7348

San Jose/Stanford

This group provides encouragement, hope, education, information, and support to all bladder and kidney cancer patients, family members, and caregivers. The group is available to those newly diagnosed,
undergoing treatment, or recovering. This group is open to all patients, regardless of where they receive their care. Registration required. Contact Elizabeth Kerr, MSW at 650-308-6274 to register.

2nd Thursday of every month, online via Zoom

Questions: cancersupportivecare@stanfordhealthcare.org

Visit www.stanfordhealthcare.org/cancersupportivecare for more information.

San Diego/North County

The San Diego Chapter support group meets in person the first weekend in every other month (Jan, March , May, July Sept, Nov). Time, day, and location vary to accommodate as many members as possible. Please contact Karen Gross at 909-856-1807 or email at gardenerca@gmail.com for further information.

 

CONNECTICUT

Farmington
Bladder Cancer Support Group
Open to all – this group is not limited to UCONN patients
Meets the first Saturday each month from 2 PM to 3 PM
At the Food Court at the rear of the UCONN Health Center
263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030
For more information, contact: Amber Tillinghast, Patient Navigator, at 860-679-7820

Greater Hartford Area

Tallwood Urology & Kidney Institute at Hartford Hospital
Meets quarterly from 6.30 to 8.00PM
Open to all: free parking
Rotating location – call 1-800-545-7664 and ask for the next session of “Understanding Bladder Cancer”

FLORIDA

Estero/Fort Myers
SWFL Bladder Cancer Support Group
Meets the 1st Wednesday of the month from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
For more information contact Karen Godfrey at 816-560-3084 or kgod@comcast.net

Sarasota
SaraTee Ostomy Support Group
We meet at 2pm on the 3rd Sunday of the month
HCA Florida Doctors Hospital auditorium
5731 Bee Ridge Road
Sarasota, FL 34233
Contact Betty Burris 941-580-6259 or Debra Vance Shimerda 813-633-0281
Email: sarateeosto@gmail.com

GEORGIA

Athens
Athens, GA Ostomy Support Group

Location: Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support
Meets the second Sunday of each month.
Time 02:00 pm End Time 3:30 pm
A support group for people with an ostomy.
Contact Information 706-475-4900 or LoranSmithCenter@athenshealth.org

Georgia Health Sciences University Augusta
Georgia cystectomy support group 
Open to anyone who has had a cystectomy
3rd Tue – Monthly 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Meets in the Community Conference Room at the Georgia Health Sciences Cancer Center.
1410 Laney Walker Blvd.
Augusta, Georgia 30912
Contact: Annie Blount, 706-721-0550

Lawrenceville
Men to Men Cancer Support Group
Meets the 4th Tuesday of each month from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Starting October 28, 2014
Cancer Support Center
631 Gwinnett Physicians Center
631 Professional Drive, Suite 220
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Contact: 678-312-3100, Martin Newmes

ILLINOIS

Chicago

Northwestern University Bladder Cancer Support Group

Meetings occur on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 6 PM. A female-only group will meet the 1st Thursday of the month at 12 PM.

Connect with patients, survivors, and caregivers to learn more about bladder cancer and the bladder cancer journey, share experiences and receive support.

Meetings are offered virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions.

To register for one or both groups, please fill out the registration form. After the completion of the form you will receive the meeting link.

Hinsdale
Bladder Cancer Networking Group
Wellness House
Meets on Zoom every Wednesday morning of every month, 10:00-11:30 a.m CT.
They welcome any person diagnosed, or caregiver, living with bladder cancer.  The group is facilitated by Senior Oncology Support Counselor Michael Williams, PsyD.  Contact him at 630-654-5117 or via email at mwilliams@wellnesshouse.org.
Read more information here in their program guide.

Loyola University Maywood Campus
Meets 2nd Tuesday each month at 7 p.m.
This group is open to the public and produces a monthly newsletter.
“Great Diversions” is for bladder cancer patients and their caregivers who have questions, concerns or would like to meet some people who have continued to have fulfilling and happy lives after their diagnosis.
Cardinal Bernadin Cancer Center Auditorium
Second floor
2160 S. First Avenue, Maywood, IL
Contact Kim 630-462-9645 or grtdiversions@comcast.net

INDIANA

Indianapolis
Cancer Support Community Indiana
5150 W. 71st Street
Indianapolis, IN 46268
Contact us for information about our cancer support groups. 

Contact:  317-257-1505 or email us at info@cancersupportindy.org.

Iowa

Charles City, IA

Floyd County Medical Center- Ostomy Support Group

800 11th Street

Charles City, IA 50616

Contact:  Lynn Wilkens at lwilkens@fcmhosp.com

KANSAS

Kansas City
United Ostomy Association
This group provides support and information for those patients living with an ostomy.
Meets the 3rd Wednesday of every other month at Shawnee Mission Medical Center.
For more information please contact Mrs. Debbie Kueker at 913-588-3118.

Ostomy Support Group
3rd Thursday Monthly
6:00 -7:30 PM
University of Kansas Rehabilitation Center
3910 Rainbow Blvd.
Kansas City, KS
Enter on West side and meet in Room 2249
For more info, email or call Meredith:
MHill@kumc.edu or 913-588-0438

Leawood
Bladder Cancer Support Group
Turning Point: The Center of Hope and Healing
8900 State Line Road, Ste 240
Leawood, KS 66206
For registration, please contact Katie Mann at 913-588-7576 or by email kpriest@kumc.edu

MAINE

Northern New England Chapter Support Group – Scarborough, Maine

Both in person and Virtual 

All are welcome! 

100 Campus Drive
Scarborough, ME 04074

Conference Room 1 & 2 behind the cafe
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 pm

2nd Tuesday every other month

March 12th, 5:30 PM-6:30 PM

May 14th, 5:30 PM -6:30 PM

July 9th, 5:30 PM-6:30 PM

CURRENT MEETING LINK:

Join the support group virtually
Meeting ID: 851 0148 0963
Passcode: 499739
Call in: 646 876 9923 US (New York)

Starting in September the support group will meet every 3rd Tuesday every other month. 

NEW IN PERSON LOCATION STARTING IN SEPTEMBER – HAROLD ALFOND CANCER CENTER IN AUGUSTA – 361 Old Belgrade Road

September 17th, 2024
November 19th, 2024
January 21st, 2025
March 18th, 2025
May 20th, 2025
July 15th, 2025
September 15th, 2025

STARTING IN SEPTEMBER:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86063821211?pwd=MDVuTThkNStsUVpHTU9PK0JCWXVpdz09
Meeting ID: 860 6382 1211
Passcode: 028474

 

MARYLAND

Virtual Bladder Cancer Support Group – For Women Only

Meets the 1st Thursday of every month

Time: 12 -1 pm ET

Sibley Memorial Hospital offers a monthly support group for women diagnosed with bladder or urothelial cancer. Patients can meet others going through similar experiences and gain support and friendship. The group is led by the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center at Sibley Memorial Hospital’s Center for Patient and Family Services genitourinary oncology social worker and survivorship program manager. 

Contact Samantha Rockler at srockle1@jhmi.edu or 202-537-4105 for more information or to register. Samantha will provide you with the Zoom information. 

Hanover

Chesapeake Urology Support Group – Baltimore Metro area

7580 Buckingham Blvd., Suite 110
Hanover, Maryland 21076

Meets quarterly and the next meeting is Thursday, December 12, 2019 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

To RSVP or for more information, please call 443-738-2738.  Do not have to be Chesapeake Urology patient to participate.  Spouses or caregivers are welcome to attend.

Bethesda – Washington DC Metro Area
Hope Connections for Cancer Support
Support group meets the 3rd Thursday each month from 6:30 pm- 8:00 pm
Beaumont House at FASEB, 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD
Contact: Renee A Wells at info@hopeconnectionsforcancer.org, 301-634-7500 or go to: hopeconnectionsforcancer.org.

Silver Spring – Washington DC Metro Area
Yoga for Women Cancer Survivors
Wednesdays 6:30 – 7:30 p.m
Pulse Community Care
912 Thayer Ave. Suite 105, Silver Spring, MD

Contact: discoverthepulse@gmail.com or 240-641-4116

$16/session or $84 for 6 sessions  Please bring a yoga mat (limited number available for rental: $1/class).

MASSACHUSETTS

Pittsfield
Urology Professional Services
For men and women who have had a bladder cancer experience.
Meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month 4:30-5:30 pm, Urology Professional Services, 41 Wahconah St., Pittsfield
For more information please contact 413-447-3092

MICHIGAN

Ann Arbor
Bladder Cancer Support Group
University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center and Dept. of Urology
Meetings are on the first Sunday of every other month from 1:00-2:30 p.m. Parking is free. No reservation required.

Contact: Katey Sullivan at 734-615-6662 or email   skatey@med.umich.edu for more information regarding the support group.

Detroit
Detroit Bladder Cancer Network (DBCN)
The Detroit Bladder Cancer Network (DBCN) is a joint partnership between the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center and the Josephine Ford Cancer Institute of the Henry Ford Health System. The network is dedicated to increasing awareness of bladder cancer and providing education and support to bladder cancer patients and survivors, as well as their friends, family members and the community.
Meets quarterly, more informational than “support group.”
Contact the Social Work Department at Karmanos at 313-576-9700

MINNESOTA

Minneapolis
Bladder Cancer Support Group
The group is held the third Thursday of each month from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.  Please register for this free event by calling 612-672-7272. There is no cost to attend, but we would like to know if you’re coming so we can provide light refreshments.  The goal of the support group is to build community among us all. We heartily invite you to join us and be a part of the conversation to support and educate each other.

Location:
The Richard M. Schulze Family American Cancer Society Hope Lodge
2500 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Parking lot is located behind the lodge or street parking on nearby adjacent streets.

Contact person: Ella Kot, RN, BSN   612-624-1598 /  ekot@umphysicians.umn.edu or Dean Junkans 651-308-2533 / djunkans@gmail.com.

MISSOURI

St Louis Women’s Bladder Cancer Support Group

Meets at a local restaurant on the 2nd Wednesday of every month @ 11:30 am.
Open to female bladder cancer survivors and female patients newly diagnosed or in treatment for bladder cancer.

Family members and caregivers are also welcome!  

Contact:  Vickie Beineke 636-225-8013  vb2370@swbell.net

NEVADA

Las Vegas
Bladder Cancer Support Group
Summerlin Hospital Medical Center
657 N. Town Center Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89144
Meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday of the month from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm.

For more information go to www.bladdercancernv.com or contact Wanda Tacey at ltlwandat@aol.com or Bruce Simon simonb2571@gmail  with questions.

NEW YORK

Albany
Bladder Cancer: Open to All
St Peter’s Hospital
315 South Manning Blvd, Albany, NY 12208
The group meets from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm bimonthly
For questions and to RSVP, please contact Linda Abriel 518-858-7499

Long Island, NY
Stoney Brook Cancer Center
3 Edmund Pellegrino Rd.
Stony Brook, NY 11794
Meets every month on the first Monday at 6:00 pm (Paused for Covid)
Contact: Melanie Dale 631-444-1948

New York City

New York City Bladder Cancer Support Group

Open to all bladder cancer patients and families from the greater New York City Metropolitan area.

Meets on Zoom the second Tuesday of every month.

7 PM-9 PM

For more information, visit their website or contact Brian at brian@nyc-bcsg.com

 

Bladder Cancer: Challenges & Solutions
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Meets every month on the second Thursday at noon
Contact David Sarfati, LCSW at 646-422-4658 or sarfatid@mskcc.org.
Or contact Vashti Livingston at livingsv@mskcc.org.

Virtual Bladder Cancer Support Group for MSK Patients only held on the last Thursday of each month.
For more information contact virtualgroups@mskcc.org

NORTH CAROLINA

Chapel Hill
Triangle Bladder Cancer Support Group
2nd Tuesday of every month, virtually
SECU Family House 
123 Old Mason Farm Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Contact:  Ritchie Briggs 919-493-0551 or Mary 919-832-8455 (please leave message)
email trianglebcs@gmail.com

Charlotte/Concord
Bladder Cancer Support Group
Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the every month from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm virtually
Levine Cancer Institute – Main
1021 Morehead Medical Drive
2nd Floor Rm 2323
Charlotte, NC 28204
Email the facilitator, Bryan Kluttz at: bryan.kluttz@atriumhealth.org
Or Tel: 704-403-005

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Levine Cancer Institute – Cabarrus
100 Medical Park Dr. Suite 110
Concord, NC 28025
Email the facilitator, Bryan Kluttz at: bryan.kluttz@atriumhealth.org
Or Tel: 704-403-0058

OHIO

Columbus

All Cancer Support Group
1200 Old Henderson Road, Columbus OH 43224
https://www.cancersupportohio.org

OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma City
Fourth Tuesday of the month
5:30 – 6:30pm
Stephenson Cancer Center
800 NE 10th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104

Conference room 6012
For more information, contact bladdercansg@gmail.com

PENNSYLVANIA

Hershey Penn State Health

Join the support group at Penn State Health virtually on the 2nd Saturday of January, March, May, July, September, and November. They also have a newsletter and events regularly. Contact Theda Shaw, RN at 717-531-3038 or David at 717-926-1038.

Philadelphia
Fox Chase Cancer Center Philadelphia Ostomy Support Group

If you or someone you know has an ostomy and could use a little extra help and support, please join us for a monthly psycho-educational support group.

Meets the 3rd Thursday of every month.

No registration required. For information, call Holly Riggs, LSW, at 215-728-2936 or the ostomy nurses at 215-728-5500. For more information, visit their website.

Abramsom All Cancer Center Support Group

This support group is open to bladder cancer patients and their loved ones.

For dates and more information, please call 215-360-0583.

  • Date/Time: Quarterly 6:30pm – 8pm
  • Location: Patient and Family Services Conference Room, 1st Floor South Pavilion, Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine
  • Led By: Sue Sweeney, MS, BSN, RN, CRN

Pittsburgh

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Meetings held the first Wednesday of each month, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

UPMC St. Margaret
First Floor Conference Room ABC
815 Freeport Rd
Pittsburgh, PA 15215

Facilitators:  Robert M. Turner II, MD, assistant professor, Department of Urology, and Tim Savatt PA-C, Department of Urology
Call 412-781-7222 extention 4 to register and for more information.  You can also email gradnika@upmc.edu.

TEXAS

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Titus Regional Medical Center
Meets the first Wednesday of every month, 6:30-8 pm
Medical Plaza, 3rd floor conference room
2001 North Jefferson, Mount Pleasant, Texas 75455
Contact Patty Boeckman at 903-577-6263

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VIRGINIA

Northern Virginia

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Annandale, VA
Provides connection, support and education for patients and caregivers living in Virginia, DC and Maryland.
Meets the 4th Tuesday of the month, 2-3:30 pm. Sponsored by the Life with Cancer program at Inova Schar Cancer Institute.  Group facilitated by Karen Sachse, RN & Jenna Sangastiano, LPC.
For more information and/or to register, please visit their website or call 703-698-2526.

Richmond

Meets quarterly on Thursday evenings; 6:30 p.m.
At Virginia Urology- Stony Point, 9101 Stony Point Dr., 1st Fl, Richmond, VA 23235 with Dr. Michael Franks.

For more information, please contact the BCAN Richmond Chapter: richmond@bcan.org

Virginia Beach

Meets the last Thursday of alternate months; 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
At Urology of Virginia, 225 Clearfield Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Meetings include a 30 minute presentation by a physician followed by Q & A’s with time to network; light refreshments provided; meetings are open to all.
For more information contact Becky Steffens 757-452-3475 or Email: rsteffens@urologyofva.net website: urologyofva.net

Ostomy Support Group of Northern Virginia
Meeting times and places vary, go to www.osgnv.org for more information

WASHINGTON

Seattle
Kidney and Bladder Cancer Support (will resume after Covid)
Join Julia and Art Chmura for presentations and discussions. Light refreshments are provided.
When: Saturdays, 1 to 3 p.m. every few months; contact juliachmura@comcast.net for more information
Where: Seattle Cancer Care Alliance outpatient clinic on Lake Union. 1354 Aloha St.

VIRTUAL

The Neobladder Support Group is a peer led, virtual support group that meets monthly via video conference call using the Zoom App. Our group is open to anyone with an orthotopic neobladder, their caregivers, and patients currently scheduled for orthotopic neobladder surgery.

We are primarily a resource for patients who are post op after RC/Neobladder and are interested in discussing day to day life with their neobladder, sharing tips on post op rehabilitation and function, and support for those patients facing post op challenges. However, we occasionally have patients join us prior to their Neobladder surgery for pre op support and tips.

We have had a physical therapist with pelvic floor specialty as a speaker in addition to physicians who perform Neobladder surgery. Our meetings are for men and women with occasional separate meetings for men and women.  We currently have members from around the globe.

We are not a resource for patients still considering their urinary diversion choice.  Those patients would be better served by utilizing the BCAN website for current and comprehensive information on urinary diversion.

Our group is a private group – email invitation required to join.

For further information, please send an email to pinedejuan@gmail.com

***Please Note: We are peer led, not medical professionals, and do not offer medical advice.

Indiana Pouch Support Group

The Indiana Pouch Support Group is a peer led, virtual support group that meets on the first Monday of the month at 8:00pm Eastern, 5:00pm Pacific using  Zoom.  Our group is open to anyone with an Indiana Pouch or scheduled for Indiana Pouch surgery. 

We are a group for people living with an Indiana Pouch and interested in discussing all aspects of day to day life with their Indiana Pouch, from post surgery to years after.

Our group is a private group – email invitation required to join.

For further information, please send an email to weichersandy@gmail.com 

***Please Note: We are peer led, not medical professionals, and do not offer medical advice.

Find Support: Female Focus Support Group

Join BCAN each month to talk about issues and concerns that are unique to women facing bladder cancer and meet others who know what you are going through. Moderated by nurse and BCAN patient advocate Karen Sachse, RN, MSN and Social Worker Miriam Pomerantz Kadosh, MSW, LCSW.

The support group meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 7- 8:30 pm pm ET.  You must register for each session you plan to attend.  We look forward to seeing you.

Register For Our Monthly Female Focus Zoom Support Group

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