Participating in a support group is a great way of connecting with others in similar situations, learning coping strategies, and sharing stories. The social work department facilitates a wide variety of support groups at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Check out our events calendar for details on specific support groups.
For easier access to cancer support services for our patients and their caregivers, we are moving many resources online. See our Classes and Events listing.
- Online Support Groups focusing on a range of topics from caregiver support to site disease group specific sessions.
- Live Cancer Support Services ZOOM sessions that include yoga, spiritual counseling, and art and music therapy.
- If you are unable to make a live Cancer Support Services session, you can watch a variety of pre-recorded “Cancer Support Services at Home” videos here.
Mentorship Program
In partnership with Imerman Angels, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center offers a free, personalized mentorship program that connects cancer patients with trained volunteer mentors — individuals who have experienced similar cancer journeys, either as survivors or caregivers. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, currently undergoing treatment, or navigating survivorship, this program provides one-on-one emotional support, understanding, and hope.
Support. Connection. Empowerment.
Patients may request a mentor, and survivors or caregivers can register to become mentors.
To learn more or get matched, visit: www.imermanangels.org/Sylvester
Stem Cell Meet-and-Greet Program
Developed and facilitated by our social work department, our Stem Cell Meet-and-Greet program is for upcoming stem cell transplant (SCT) patients and caregivers. This program is an uplifting event and provides an opportunity for:
- Addressing fears and insecurities that our patients and their caregivers often feel
- Allowing patients to meet staff and ask questions
- Linking pre-stem cell transplant patients with successful post-stem cell transplant patients
- Providing psycho-education and supportive interventions
Stem Cell Meet and Greet in English
Every Thursday of the Month (1:00 PM)
Gabriela Velasco, LCSW
305-243-4419
Stem Cell Meet & Greet in Spanish
Last Thursday of the Month (1:00 PM)
Sabrina Johnson, LCSW
305-243-5791
Support Group Programs - Social Work
| Name | When | Facilitator/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Young Adult Cancer Support Group | Second Thursday of the Month (5:30 PM) | Kimberly Acheson, LCSW 954-509-9741 |
| Young Adult GYO Support Group | Third Wednesday of the Month (12:30 PM) | Kimberly Acheson, LCSW 305-243-6668 |
| CLL/SLL Support Group | Second Thursday of the Month (5:30 PM) | Marlys Medina, LCSW 305-243-1866 |
| Lymphedema Support Group | Last Monday of the Month (10:00 AM) | Irene Alvarez, LCSW 305-243-2672 |
| GYO Support Group in English | Second Wednesday of the Month (2:00 PM) | Marilis Gomez, MSW 305-243-5358 |
| GYO Support Group in Spanish | Fourth Wednesday of the Month (2:00 PM) | Marilis Gomez, MSW 305-243-5358 |
| Head & Neck Cancer Support Group in English | First Wednesday of the Month (12:00 PM) | Veronica Galego, LCSW 305-243-0157 |
| Sarcoma Support Group | Second Monday of the Month (10:30 AM) | Edda Sanz, MSW 305-243-3359 |
| Breast Cancer Support Group | Second Thursday of the Month (12:30 PM) | Stephanie Vergara, LCSW 305-243-6668 |
| Caregiver Support Group | Third Thursday of the Month (12:30 PM) | Yanitza Morales-Aday, LCSW 305-689-0620 |