In-person Support and Networking Groups

Connecting with other survivors, caregivers and loved ones in-person can be a wonderful source of support and encouragement for those dealing with pancreatic cancer.  In-person support and networking groups offer opportunities for people with pancreatic cancer and their family members to share experiences with others.  Most in-person support groups are guided and facilitated by a professional counselor, social worker or nurse.    

The PALS program maintains a list of in-person pancreatic cancer specific support groups across the United States. 

While we do our best to keep this list up-to-date, it is not comprehensive.  We suggest calling ahead to each group of interest before attending, as some groups may require advance registration or there may be a change of time or location without notice.

ARIZONA

The Wellness Community - Central Arizona
Pancreatic Cancer Networking Group
When: Second Saturday of each month, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: 360 E Palm Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: 602-712-1006
Website: www.thewellnesscommunityaz.org

CALIFORNIA

Cancer Support Community - Benjamin Center
Pancreatic Cancer Networking Groups
When: Fourth Monday of each month, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Where: 1990 South Bundy Drive, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: 310-314-2555
Website: www.cancersupportcommunitybenjamincenter.org
Note: There are two pancreatic cancer groups held at this time.  One group is for patients and the other is for caregivers and family members.

Cancer Support Community- Redondo Beach
Liver & Pancreatic Disease Networking
When: Fourth Monday of each month, 6:00-8:00 pm
Where: Providence Little Company of Mary Torrance, Journeys Liver and Pancreatic Disease Center, 20911 Earl Street, Suite 245, Torrance, CA 90503
Phone: 310-376-3550
Website: http://www.wellnessandcancer.org
Note: This group welcomes patients, family and friends.

Cancer Support Community- Redondo Beach
Carcinoid and Neuroendocrine Tumor Networking Group
When: First Saturday of each month, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Where: 109 West Torrance Boulevard, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Phone: 310-376-3550

Website: http://www.wellnessandcancer.org
Note: Neuroendocrine carcinoma is a rare type of pancreatic cancer; this group is not intended for patients with adenocarcinoma, which is the most common type.

UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center

Gastrointestinal Cancer Support Group

When: Third Thursday of each month, 1:30 pm
Where: 3855 Health Sciences Drive, The Comer Commons 2nd Floor, La Jolla, CA 92093
Contact: Debbie Soldano, RN, dsoldano@ucsd.edu, 858-822-6243 or Blair Buckman, bbuckman@ucsd.edu, 858-822-7902
Website: cancer.ucsd.edu
Note: This group welcomes patients, family and friends. There is also a parking fee of $3.00.

Stanford Cancer Center
Pancreatic Cancer Support Group
When: Second Wednesday of each month, 6:00-8:00pm
Where: 875 Blake Wilbur Drive, 2nd Floor Conference Room CC2105, Stanford, CA 94305
Contact: Primary: Natalie Newell, 650-723-1615, nnewell@stanfordmed.org or Secondary: Holly Gautier, 650-725-9481, hgautier@stanfordmed.org
Note: This group welcomes patients, family and friends.

DELAWARE

Cancer Support Community - Delaware
Pancreatic Cancer Networking Group
When: First Monday of each month, 6:30 pm
Where: New Castle County Office, 4810 Lancaster Pike, Wilmington, DE 19807
Contact:  Sean Hebbel, LCSW
Phone: 302-995-2850
Email: snycum@wellnessdelaware.org
Website: www.wellnessdelaware.org

FLORIDA

Aventura Comprehensive Cancer Center
Pancreatic Cancer Support Group
When: Third Thursday of each month, 4:00 - 5:00pm
Where: Aventura Comprehensive Cancer Center, 20950 NE 27th Court, Aventura, FL 33180
Contact: Phil Fusca, MSW
Phone: 305-682-2151
Email: Phil.Fusca@HCAhealthcare.com
Note: This support group is open to current patients, survivors and caregivers.

Lynn Regional Cancer Institute
Gastrointestinal Cancer Support Group
When: Second Thursday of each month, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Where: Lynn Cancer Institute-Harvey & Phyllis Sandler Pavilion, 701 NW 13th Street, Boca Raton, FL, 33486
Registration: 561-955-5371
Note: Gastrointestinal cancer survivors and their families/caregivers are welcome to attend.

GEORGIA

Emory Winship Cancer Center
Pancreatic Cancer Support Group
When: First Thursday of each month, 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Where: Winship Cancer Institute at Emory, Building C - Room C3018, 1365 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322
Contact: Terri Sexton
Phone: 404-778-5976
Email: terri.sexton@emoryhealthcare.org
Note: This support group is open to current patients, survivors and caregivers. A light dinner will be provided to participants. Parking is free after 6:00 pm in the valet area.

Piedmont Fayatte Hospital
Gastrointestinal Cancer Support Group
When: First and Third Monday of each month, 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Where: Suite 3100, 1255 Hwy 54 West, Fayetteville, GA 30214
Contact: Tavari Taylor
Phone: 770-719-5861
Note: This group welcomes patients, family and friends.

ILLINOIS

Wellness House
Pancreatic Cancer Networking Group
This group is supported by the Michael Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation
When: Third Thursday of each month, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Where: 131 N. County Line Road, Hinsdale, IL 60521
Facilitator: Cece Cornell
Phone: 630-323-5150
Email: ccornell@wellnesshouse.org
Website: http://www.wellnesshouse.org/

Cancer Wellness Center
Pancreatic Cancer Networking Group
This group is supported by the Michael Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation
When:  Second Thursday of each month, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Where:  215 Revere Drive, Northbrook, IL 60062
Facilitator: Stuart Pinkwater, PsyD
Phone:  847-509-9595 or toll-free at 866-292-9355
Website: http://www.cancerwellness.org/

INDIANA

Cancer Services of Allen County
Pancreas, Gallbladder, and Bile Duct Cancer Support Group
When: Third Wednesday of each month, 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Where: 6316 Mutual Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
Phone: 260-484-9560
Website: www.cancer-services.org

LOUISIANA

Pennington Cancer Center at Baton Rouge General - Bluebonnet
Pancreatic Cancer Support Group
When: Third Thursday of each month, 6:30 pm
Where: 8585 Picardy Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Facilitator: Shelley Wintz, MSW
Phone: 225-237-1600
Email: Shelley.Wintz@brgeneral.org

Oschner Medical Center - Kenner
Neuroendocrine tumor and Carcinoid Patient Support Group
When: Twice a year, June and January
Where: Oschner Medical Center office building, 7th floor auditorium, 180 West Esplanade Avenue, Kenner, LA 70065
Contact: lanets@cox.net
Website: http://www.ochsner.org/programs/louisiana_carcinoid_net_patient_support_group/
Note: Neuroendocrine carcinoma is a rare type of pancreatic cancer, and this group is not intended for patients with adenocarcinoma, which is the most common type. Light refreshments will be served

MICHIGAN

Gilda's Club Metro Detroit
Pancreatic Cancer Support Group
When: Third Wednesday of each month, 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Where: 3517 Rochester Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073
Phone: 248-577-0800
Website: http://www.gildasclubdetroit.org

MINNESOTA

Virginia Piper Cancer Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital

Pancreatic Cancer Support Group

When: Third Tuesday of each month, 4:00 - 5:30 pm

Where: Piper Building, 6th floor classroom, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407

Contact: Marie Kramer

Phone: 612-863-7553

Email: marie.kramer@allina.com

Note: This group welcomes patients, family and friends.

MISSOURI

Cancer Support Community – St. Louis
Pancreatic Cancer Support Group
When: Second Tuesday of each month, 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Where: 1058 Old Des Peres Road, St. Louis, MO 63131
Phone: 314-238-2000
Website: http://www.cancersupportstl.org
Note: This group welcomes patients, family and friends.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Norris Cotton Cancer Center
Pancreatic and Biliary Cancer Support Group
When: Third Wednesday of each month, 5:00 - 6:30 pm
Where: Norris Cotton Cancer Center Support Services Room, Level 3, Rubin Building, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756
Phone: 603-650-7751 or 800-639-6918
Website: http://www.cancer.dartmouth.edu/support/pancreatic.shtml
Note: Light refreshments will be provided.

NEW JERSEY

Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Morristown Memorial Hospital
Pancreatic Cancer Support Group
When: Third Thursday of each month, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Where: 3rd Floor Conference Room, 100 Madison Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07962
Contact: Diane Haley, LICSW
Phone: 973-971-6299

Gilda’s Club – Northern New Jersey
Pancreatic Cancer Networking Group
When: Second Wednesday of each month, 3:30 - 5:00pm
Where: 575 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601
Contact: Stephanie Buonarota
Phone: 201-457-1670 ext. 113
Email: stephanieb@gildasclubnnj.org
Website: www.gildasclubnnj.org
Note: This group is for both patients and caregivers.

NEW YORK

James P. Wilmot Cancer Center
Gastrointestinal Cancer Support Group
When: This group occurs monthly 
Where: Luellen Patient & Family Resource Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642
Facilitator: Patrice Rogers, LMSW
Phone: 585-275-5908
Email: patrice_rogers@urmc.rochester.edu
Website: http://www.stronghealth.com/services/cancer/resources/supportgroups.cfm

Note: This group is for both patients and caregivers.

NORTH CAROLINA

Duke University Cancer Center
Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Cancer Support Group
When: Every Tuesday, 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Where: Duke Clinic, Conference Room 1993 (across from Clinic 2C), 200 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710
Phone: 919-684-4497

OHIO

Ireland Cancer Center
Life After the Whipple
When: April 25, 2011, July 25, 2011 and October 24, 2011, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Where: 11100 Euclid Avenue, Learner Tower, Room 2060, Cleveland, OH 44106
Contact: Barbara Lombardo, RN
Phone: 216-844-3582
Note: Please RSVP in advance.

OKLAHOMA

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center – Oklahoma City
Southwest Program for Pancreas Cancer
Oklahoma City Pancreatic Cancer Support Group
When: Last Thursday of each month, 6:00 pm
Where: O'Donoghue Research Building, Third Floor Surgery Research Conference Room, 1122 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73117
Contact: Daniel Brackett
Phone: 405-271-2108
Email: daniel-brackett@ouhsc.edu
Website: http://w3.ouhsc.edu/surgery/pancan/index.htm

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center – Tulsa
Southwest Program for Pancreas Cancer
Tulsa Pancreatic Cancer Support Group
When: Second Tuesday of each month, 6:00 pm
Where: OU Tulsa Schusterman Center, Building 1, Room 2C19, 4502 E 41st Street, Tulsa, OK 74135
Contact: Sally Bushong-Schultz, 918-371-2258, sbs@dschultz.net or Daniel Brackett, 405-271-2108, daniel-brackett@ouhsc.edu
Website: http://ouhsc.edu/surgery/pancan/index.htm

PENNSYLVANIA

The Cancer Support Community - Philadelphia
Pancreatic Cancer Networking Group
When: Second Saturday of every month, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Where: The Suzanne Morgan Center at Ridgeland, 4100 Chamounix Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Phone: 215-879-7733
Website: www.cancersupport-phila.org
Note: This networking group is open to pancreatic cancer patients and their loved ones.

TENNESSEE

Kosten Foundation
Pancreatic Cancer Support Group
When: Second Saturday of every month, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Baptist Memorial Hospital Memphis, Garrett Auditorium, 6027 Walnut Grove Road, Medical Plaza 2, Classroom BEC-1
Contact: Dr. Stephen W. Behrman
Phone: 901-448-3234
Website: www.kostenfoundation.com
Note: This group welcomes patients, family and friends.

TEXAS

Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas
Pancreatic Cancer Support Group
When: Second Monday of each month, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Where: Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, 8160 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite # P193, Dallas, TX 75231
Facilitator: Linda Vozzella, RN, OCN
Phone: 214-345-4054

Note: This group welcomes patients, family members and friends.
Click here to see a photo of this group

Methodist Dallas Medical Center
Pancreatic Cancer Support Group
When: Second Tuesday of each month, 6:15 - 7:30 pm (with the exception of November and December, when the group will meet on the first Tuesday)
Where: Weatherford Conference Room, 1441 N Beckley Avenue, Dallas, TX 75203
Contact: Soshana Conway
Phone: 214-947-1771

Email: shoshannaconway@mhd.com

Note: This group welcomes patients, family members and friends.

VIRGINIA

Tidewater Virginia Survivor’s Support Group
When: Third Wednesday of each month, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Where: Thalia United Methodist Church, 4321 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Contact: Margie Sullivan
Phone: 757-499-8083
Email: sullspot@verizon.net

WASHINGTON, DC

Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center/Georgetown University Hospital
GI Cancer Resource and Support Group
When: Fourth Tuesday of each month, 12:00 – 1:30pm
Where: The Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center Conference Room, Podium A, 3800 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007
Contact: Leonard Ellentuck, LICSW, 202-444-6288 or Kim Davis, PhD, 202-687-6925
Note: This group is for patients, family members and caregivers of patients with GI cancers.

WISCONSIN

University of Wisconsin Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center
Gastrointestinal Support Group
When: First and third Wednesdays of each month, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Where on the First Wednesday: UW Hospital and Clinics, Room K4/318, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705
Where on the Third Wednesday: Gilda's Club Madison, 7907 Uw Health Court, Middleton, WI 53562
Contact: Kathy Rothering
Phone: 608-263-5384
Note: This support group is for anyone affected by a GI cancer. The meetings will focus around educational presentations and mutual support. Parking is free with validation.