Essentia Health-Cancer Center to offer new support groups for patients, caregivers

The Essentia Health-Cancer Center in Fargo will offer two new support group opportunities for patients and caregivers of all cancer types beginning in March.

A general oncology support group for patients will be held from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Mondays. The following start dates are available:

• March 4
• June 3
• Sept. 9

This is a 10-week support group. Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome at any time. There is no cost to attend. Sessions will be led by Essentia's Sara Anderson, survivorship and community outreach program manager, and social worker Sarah Hansen.

Journal With Me, a creative writing support group, will be held from 4-5 p.m. on Tuesdays. The following start dates are available:

• March 19
• June 17
• Sept. 23

This support group is a 10-week creative writing class aimed at helping patients and caregivers express themselves and work through feelings and emotions in a healthy way. Registration is required and there is no cost to attend. Each session is limited to 10 participants and will be led by Anderson and a North Dakota State University graduate student. 

"These groups are a way for us to help our patients stay as mentally and emotionally healthy as possible, while making connections with others who are also going through similar challenging situations," said Anderson. 

Patients and caregivers can register for either or both support groups by emailing [email protected] or calling (701) 364-6087.