Connection. Relief. Empowerment.

Most people would not associate these words with the experience of being a cancer patient. But at City of Hope, patients can move beyond the fear and isolation of cancer with the help of others who care.

Staff members at the Sheri & Les Biller Patient and Family Resource Center provide patients and family members the opportunity to connect with others in a similar situation — and gain skills and knowledge that can strengthen them through treatment.

The Biller Patient and Family Resource Center holds several support groups for patients dealing with various types of disease, including brain, breast, kidney and lung cancers, as well as leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma.

The support groups can help normalize their experience, reduce isolation and provide for the exchange of information and coping skills, according to Natalie Schnaitmann, M.S.W., director of operations for the center.

“These groups are a venue for education, networking and empowerment,” said Schnaitmann. “They strengthen a participant’s ability to cope with cancer and can be extremely beneficial to overall well-being.”

The center also offers a group for patients with different diagnoses to come together to share their experiences and learn from each other how to cope with the challenges of cancer.

“Patients Supporting Patients is a general cancer support group where patients are able to find mutual support and encouragement,” said Marinel Olivares, M.S.W., who runs the Patients Supporting Patients group. “There is a sense of relief and assurance in knowing others understand what they go through.”

One member comes to the group, Olivares said, because “it helps her work through some of her frustrations that she isn’t able to share with family members or friends.”

Patients Supporting Patients meets every second and fourth Tuesday of the month, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. “This group is open to all patients. For those waiting in between their appointments, this can be a productive use of their time, as well as an opportunity to share and receive encouragement and support,” said Olivares.

Two new groups will be added soon to the series to address problem-solving and caregiver support. For more information about any of the groups or to register, call the Division of Clinical Social Work, ext. 62282.