Support Groups

This online 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.

For questions or to register, call Erika Wong, MSW at 650-308-6274.

This online group is for patients, caregivers, and friends to share their story, get important medical updates, and learn about coping with symptoms and psychological changes. 

For questions or to register, email Sharon Lamb at slamb2942@gmail.com or Joanie Taylor at momredwood@gmail.com.

People diagnosed with breast cancer may feel overwhelmed with worry and fears. This online group is for those who are just starting treatment or are currently receiving treatment.

For questions or to register, call Lee Techel at 925-416-6774 or email ltechel@stanfordhealthcare.org.

Are you caring for a loved one with cancer? Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you want to talk to someone? Would you like to speak to others going through the same experience, or would you like to just take a moment for yourself?

The Cancer Caregiver Support Group is an online peer-led group offering emotional, educational, psychosocial, and spiritual support.

For questions or to register, call Lee Techel at 925-416-6774 or email ltechel@stanfordhealthcare.org. 

This educational and support program is designed for people with cancer and their loved ones. Participants learn how to manage their health to keep active and improve their lives.

For questions or to register, call Lee Techel at 925-416-6774 or email ltechel@stanfordhealthcare.org.

This online group provides encouragement, hope, education, information, and support to all who face a gynecological cancer. The group is available to those newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or recovering.

Please fill out the consent form here to receive the meeting link.

For questions, call Lacey Morris, M.A. at 415-235-7802.

This online group provides information and support to those newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or recovering from treatment. Family members are welcome.

For questions or to register, email Anyani Partida at apartida@stanfordhealthcare.org.

This online support group is open to patients with leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, myeloma, or myelodysplastic syndromes. This group is designed to provide mutual support and education to members. Caregivers, family, and friends are welcome.

For questions or to register, call Elizabeth Kerr, MSW at 650-308-6274 or Lisa Orr, LCSW at 650-683-5076.

This online group offers encouragement, hope, education, and emotional support to lung cancer survivors, family members, or caregivers.

For questions or to register, call Lynn Chao at 650-353-8571.

Join us to learn about the latest treatment options, network with other meningioma patients, and find encouragement and support. Family members, caregivers, friends and interested persons are encouraged to attend.

These online meetings are free and co-moderated by meningioma patients. They consist of 20 minutes of speaker presentation, 20 minutes of patients' presentations of their own experiences, and an open forum for discussion. Also, leading Stanford Neurosurgeon, Steven D. Chang, MD, will join for a Q&A session at the end of each meeting.

To register, click here.

Past Talks:

• The Eight Types of Meningiomas based on Anatomic Location: Presenting Symptoms and Treatment Options
  Video
  
  
• Update in the Management of Meningiomas
  Video

This online group provides fellowship, hope, education, and support to people with cancer of the GI tract, their family, and caregivers. The group is available to those newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or recovering.  You do not have to be receiving treatment at Stanford to join this support group.

For questions or to register, contact Jessica Lau, LCSW at JeLau@stanfordhealthcare.org

The Silicon Valley Advanced Prostate Cancer support group offers patients an opportunity to discuss their experiences, share ideas, and provide support to one another.  Other available prostrate support groups offered include:

• Prostate Cancer Education and Support Group
• San Jose Prostate Cancer Support Group

For more information and to register, visit Silicon Valley Prostate Cancer. 

The goal of the Peer to Peer Support Program is to broaden healthcare for patients and families through the unique support and understanding of peer-to-peer mentoring, to foster happier, healthier lives and reduce feelings of isolation.

Peers mentors are carefully selected, trained and supported volunteers. They help other patients and their support circle address the challenges related to a disease or medical condition.

In this program, you are linked with a mentor who shares similar health and life circumstances. Through these trusted relationships, mentors provide support in many ways:

• They listen to concerns
• They share personal experiences
• They serve as a resource for developing coping strategies
• They provide guidance in negotiating healthcare systems

Peer mentors help patients and caregivers during the difficult waiting period for a donor heart and throughout the transplant process and recovery time.

This is a quarterly informational session and support group. Families and caregivers are welcome. A continental breakfast will be served.

Session topics:

• Basics of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD): How it functions and other helpful facts.
• Support group: Living with your ICD.

The Li Ka Shing Center for Learning and Knowledge is a new building located at the far end of the main hallway of Stanford Hospital (from the main entry, go right and walk all the way to the end—the building is on the left)

See monthly email for details on topic and room assignment. Download an informational PDF about the group.

Note: Patients who have B cepacia, MRSA, and multi-resistant organisms may not attend in person. WebEx available for video or teleconference.

About our Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group

Our Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group was founded in April 2004 and is coordinated by Susan Jacobs RN, MS. Meetings are held every other month. Guest speakers have addressed topics such as:

• Experimental Therapies for IPF
• Updates from International American Thoracic Society (ATS) Meetings
• The Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis IPF Research Questionnaire Results
• All You Need to Know About Oxygen
• Exercise and the IPF Patient
• Quality of Life at the End of Life

Please call Susan Jacobs at 650-725-8083 to confirm date and time as they are subject to change.

This group meets every other month. Approximately 10-15 LAM patients and their families attend meetings, which usually include a guest speaker on topics of interest, as well as time to visit and ask questions.

Lung & Heart-Lung Transplant Patients & Caregivers Welcome!  

Please Join Us! Beverages will be served. 

January 9: Mindfulness Techniques: Frank Kremski, MSW

March 6: Psychological Care in Transplantation: Dr. Liza Sher, Transplant Psychiatrist

May 1: Presentation by Donor Family & Donor Network West

July 10: Staying Strong Throughout Transplantation: Transplant Physical Therapist

September 4: Keeping Healthy after Transplant: Transplant Nurse Practitioner

November 6: Lung Transplant Program Update by Dr. Gundeep Dhillon, Medical Director

For more information, please contact:
Frank Kremski, MSW: 650-445-8867 or
Kelsey Winnike, LCSW 650-561-2192 or
Pali Khalsa, MSW 650-850-2049

Our Adult Pulmonary Hypertension Support Group has been meeting monthly since June 2001 and is facilitated by Allyson Rupp, MSW, LCSW, ACM-SW, our Clinical Social Worker dedicated to the PH program. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of the month (unless otherwise noted). The intent of the group is to provide education and psychological support and resources to patients, caregivers and other support persons who are confronting the challenges of living with this chronic, progressive and potentially life-threatening diagnosis. 

Topics discussed:

• psycho-education
• pertinent PH-related information and resources
• peer support to enhance coping and successful adjustment
• quality of life issues
• available treatment modalities
• impacts of illness on relationships
• advances in PH research
• caregiver stress and coping
• emergency preparedness
• advanced care planning and self-advocacy

For more information, email Allyson Rupp or call 650-683-5145.

Or the Vera Moulton Wall Center for Pulmonary Vascular Disease  at 800-640-9255.

Contact for more details and Zoom meeting link

Acoustic neuroma, also known as vestibular schwannoma, is a slow-growing benign tumor that develops on the nerve that connects the ear and the brain. The tumor usually starts growing in the internal auditory canal and presses against the hearing and balance nerves as it grows.

At Stanford, we have treated over 1,000 acoustic neuromas over the last 20 years with surgery and radiosurgery. The Stanford Cyberknife Program is one the most active and experienced Cyberknife programs for acoustic neuromas in the U.S.

If you have been diagnosed with acoustic neuroma and have questions or wish to explore treatment options and coping strategies with other patients and clinical experts, please join us for upcoming Stanford Acoustic Neuroma Support Group meetings.

These free online support group meetings will be co-moderated by acoustic neuroma patients. The meetings consist of 20 minutes speaker presentation, 20 minutes patients' presentations of their own experiences, and open forum for discussion. Also, leading Stanford Neurosurgeon and acoustic neuroma expert Steven D. Chang, MD, will join for a Q&A session at the end of each meeting.

For questions or to register, email veevo@stanford.edu.

Past Talks

• Acoustic Neuroma Case Presentation and Panel Discussion Video
  
• The Importance of the Facial Nerve in the Symptoms and the Treatment of Acoustic Neuroma Video
• History of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acoustic Neuromas Video
• Watchful Waiting: When is it Reasonable and What are The Advantages and Disadvantages? Video
  
• Acoustic Neuroma Panel Discussion Video

Support Along the Way

Losing weight takes a strong commitment on your part, and undergoing bariatric surgery as a significant part of a weight-loss program, is a major undertaking. While it's something you can do alone, there's absolutely no reason you have to – or should. We've found that to be truly successful both in the short- and long-term, it's best to have plenty of help and support along the way. And not just from your family and friends.

The Stanford Center for Bariatric Surgery offers you the opportunity to participate in numerous meetings and support groups before and after surgery to help contribute to your successful outcome. The different groups provide a friendly forum for people who are considering or have already had weight loss surgery. We offer education about the surgery, guidelines for nutrition, exercise and emotional well-being during the preparation and recovery process. The groups also involve our patients who have gone through the procedures, or who will be soon.

Patient groups are particularly helpful as they can share their experiences and provide the encouragement and reinforcement you need to succeed in changing your lifestyle behaviors. Here is a sampling of some of the meetings and groups at your disposal. Feel free to contact us regarding any of them.

Weight Loss Surgery Support Group Meetings

The Stanford Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) Support holds meetings on the second Wednesday of each month from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., at Blake-Wilbur Conference Room. Please contact the meeting facilitator or the clinic Patient Care Coordinator for meeting specifics, confirmation of date, and location.

These meetings are facilitated by a licensed professional. Discussions includes health goals, dietary requirements, exercise expectations, psychological preparation, role of family, short and long-term challenges, pre-op and post-op phases, etc.

When: Second Wednesday of each month
Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Blake Wilbur Conference Room
Administered by: A licensed professional
Contact Information: Patient Care Coordinator at 650-736-5800

Each month features a special topic, followed by a Q&A. Samples of some topics include:

• Dietary Requirements – Staying On Track - RD
• Exercise Expectations – The Other Half of Equation - OT
• Post-Operative Course – What to Expect -  MD
• Psychological Adjustment – How to Cope - MSW
• Plastic Surgery – Body Re-Modeling - MD
• Social Events – Walk for Obesity

During these meetings, if desired, you will be assigned a Bariatric Surgery "Buddy" who can help you through the process and keep you on track.

Acoustic neuroma, also known as vestibular schwannoma, is a slow-growing benign tumor that develops on the nerve that connects the ear and the brain. The tumor usually starts growing in the internal auditory canal and presses against the hearing and balance nerves as it grows.

At Stanford, we have treated over 1,000 acoustic neuromas over the last 20 years with surgery and radiosurgery. The Stanford Cyberknife Program is one the most active and experienced Cyberknife programs for acoustic neuromas in the U.S.

If you have been diagnosed with acoustic neuroma and have questions or wish to explore treatment options and coping strategies with other patients and clinical experts, please join us for upcoming Stanford Acoustic Neuroma Support Group meetings.

These free online support group meetings will be co-moderated by acoustic neuroma patients. The meetings consist of 20 minutes speaker presentation, 20 minutes patients' presentations of their own experiences, and open forum for discussion. Also, leading Stanford Neurosurgeon and acoustic neuroma expert Steven D. Chang, MD, will join for a Q&A session at the end of each meeting.

For questions or to register, email veevo@stanford.edu.

Past Talks

• Acoustic Neuroma Case Presentation and Panel Discussion Video
  
• The Importance of the Facial Nerve in the Symptoms and the Treatment of Acoustic Neuroma Video
• History of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acoustic Neuromas Video
• Watchful Waiting: When is it Reasonable and What are The Advantages and Disadvantages? Video
  
• Acoustic Neuroma Panel Discussion Video

The Stanford Parkinson's Community Outreach program offers a variety resources for patients, caregivers, family, and friends in need of support.

Click here for patient and caregiver support groups for:

• Lewy body dementia (LBD)
• Multiple system atrophy (MSA)
• Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)
• Corticobasal degeneration diagnosis (CBD)

This online group is for patients, caregivers, and friends to share their story, get important medical updates, and learn about coping with symptoms and psychological changes. 

For questions or to register, email Sharon Lamb at slamb2942@gmail.com or Joanie Taylor at momredwood@gmail.com.

If you have Huntington’s disease or are a family member or caregiver of someone with Huntington’s disease, we welcome you to join our monthly virtual support group. We will discuss experiences and challenges of living with Huntington’s disease, provide opportunities to ask questions and share available resources.

To register, click here.

This online discussion group seeks to explore, learn, and grow from talking all about the “MS in the room.” You are invited to connect with others living with MS in a friendly environment, where we share, discuss, and support each other’s efforts to manage our health and wellness. Guest speakers for some of the meetings include Stanford medical professionals and MS community resources. Join us as we strategize how to live fully and live well with MS.

For questions or to register, call or email Susan Steakley at 415-999-7378 or susansteakley@gmail.com.

Join us to learn about the latest treatment options, network with other meningioma patients, and find encouragement and support. Family members, caregivers, friends and interested persons are encouraged to attend.

These online meetings are free and co-moderated by meningioma patients. They consist of 20 minutes of speaker presentation, 20 minutes of patients' presentations of their own experiences, and an open forum for discussion. Also, leading Stanford Neurosurgeon, Steven D. Chang, MD, will join for a Q&A session at the end of each meeting.

To register, click here.

Past Talks:

• The Eight Types of Meningiomas based on Anatomic Location: Presenting Symptoms and Treatment Options
  Video
  
  
• Update in the Management of Meningiomas
  Video

This is an informative online meeting for those living with Myasthenia Gravis (MG), and their loved ones. We offer a welcoming place to ask questions regarding care management techniques, new drugs, clinical trials, and living life to the fullest.

To register, click here.

For questions, call 650-725-4341 or email NeuromuscularResearch@stanford.edu.

The Stanford Parkinson's Community Outreach program offers a variety resources for patients, caregivers, family, and friends in need of support.

Click here for Palo Alto Parkinson's Support Group.

Click here for Young Onset Parkinson's Support Group.

Click here for Parkinson's Caregiver-Only Support Groups.

The Speech Communication Group was created for individuals who have experienced a stroke or other neurological impairment. In a relaxed and informal setting, Stanford’s highly skilled speech language pathologists facilitate the group and provide participants with the opportunity to practice speech, language, and cognitive skills, experience the camaraderie of those with similar challenges, take pleasure in the social aspect of group therapy and have fun. These sessions are currently offered online.

For questions or to register, email Madison Fox mfox@stanfordhealthcare.org or Julia Martin juliamartin@stanfordhealthcare.org.

This is a free, online support group for stroke survivors and caregivers, designed to promote learning through practical information and inspiration. The program is structured to create a supportive and healing experience for attendees. The agenda includes Narrative Medicine exercises, educational topics, mindfulness exercises, and chair yoga.

For questions or to register, call Janis Emery at 925-724-9360 or email VCstrokesupport@stanfordhealthcare.org.

If you have been diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia and have questions or wish to explore treatment options and coping strategies with other patients and clinical experts, please join us for upcoming meetings.

The meetings are free and are a great resource for patient and family education. The meetings consist of 20 minutes speaker presentation, 20 minutes patient presentations of their own experiences, and open forum for discussion. Also, leading Stanford Neurosurgeon Steven D. Chang, MD, will join for a Q&A session at the end of each meeting.

To register, click here.

Past Talks

• Whole Person Pain Care: Latest research and scalable treatments for pain and opioid reduction
  Video

• Interventions to Treat Trigeminal Neuralgia and Other Pain Conditions
  Video
  
  
• Trigeminal Neuralgia Case Presentations
  Video
  
  
• Facial Pain 101 & Case Presentations
  Video
  
  
• Trigeminal Neuralgia Case Presentations
  Video
  
  
• Interventions to Treat Trigeminal Neuralgia and Other Pain Conditions
  Video
  
  
• Current Medical Management of Trigeminal Neuralgia
  Video
  
  
• Classification of 7 Face Pain Types
  Video
  
  
• The Importance of Radiographic Imaging of the Trigeminal Nerve in Patients with Trigeminal Neuralgia Secondary to Vascular Compression
  Video
  
  
• Experiencing new onset of facial pain symptoms? Know the facts of the different types of facial pain before making a decision for any surgical procedures.
  Video
  
  
• Understanding Microvascular Decompression Surgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia
  Video

Penny Donnelly, RN, LMFT is the director of the support programs at Stanford's Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Center. She has developed and led a number of counseling and health education programs for patients and facilitates support groups for infertility, third party reproduction (donor egg, donor sperm, use of gestational carrier), and weight loss. Her programs reflect genuine caring, support and guidance. We have also recently implemented a designated group for single women exploring fertility preservation or parenting.

This group is for those exploring or moving towards using donor egg, donor sperm, or using a gestational carrier. We explore the many educational, emotional, ethical, and logistical considerations. 

For more information, please navigate to the Stanford Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Center. If you are interested in more personalized information about our programs, please email IVFnurse@stanfordmed.org.

Private and couples counseling also available, with NO charge for the first session.

Penny Donnelly, RN LMFT is the director of the support programs at Stanford's Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Center. She has developed and led a number of counseling and health education programs for patients and facilitates support groups for infertility, third party reproduction (donor egg, donor sperm, use of gestational carrier), and weight loss. Her programs reflect genuine caring, support and guidance. We have also recently implemented a designated group for single women exploring fertility preservation or parenting.

This group is for women (or couples) that would like support as they negotiate the "ups and downs" of fertility treatments.  We will share strategies for improved coping including some mind/body modalities. Sharing, restructuring negative or distorted thinking patterns, improving communication skills, and learning the gift of forgiveness and resilience are some sample agendas. The spirit of this on-going and open group is to provide the attendees with a sense of optimism and emotional stability as they undergo treatments and make decisions about fertility options. 

8/12/14 Stress Reduction Strategies    

• Eliciting the Relaxation Response
• Twenty things that bring you joy
• Being "in the flow"
• Mindfulness – focusing on the present and the foundations of a mindfulness practice
• Taping into your "inner" wisdom

9/9/14 Making the Most of Your Fertility Treatments

• Lifestyle Guidelines
• Staying connected
• Life Balance
• Positive thinking and optimism
• Finding the best in your partner

For more information, please navigate to the Stanford Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Center. If you are interested in more personalized information about our programs, please email IVFnurse@stanfordmed.org.

Private and couples counseling also available, with NO charge for the first session.