Cancer Support & Survivorship

Find supplies, educational materials, and other forms of support at cancer centers in Duluth, Minnesota and Fargo, North Dakota.

For interactive courses on nutrition, physical activity, and more, visit our e-campus.

Trust the staff and volunteers at Caring Ways Cancer Resource Center in Duluth to guide you to:

• Facing Forward: The New You, a monthly skin care and makeup class
• Books, brochures, DVDs, CDs, and online resources
• Local support groups and their contacts
• A private wig room

Contact Caring Ways by calling 218-786-3581.

Accessories of Strength Boutique

Ask the volunteers at Accessories of Strength Boutique in Essentia Health Cancer Center (Fargo) to help you find:

• Bras and forms that fit you after a mastectomy
• Wigs and head coverings provided by the American Cancer Society

Contact Accessories of Strength by calling 701-364-8910.

Learn about ways to cope and maintain hope with behavioral and mental health services. Turn to Essentia’s spiritual care for an uplifting outlet to share your emotional burdens.

Cancer Support Groups & Events

Find support in the form of companionship, ideas, information, and inspiration at events and groups throughout Essentia.

Gather regularly with other survivors and their families by attending cancer support groups. Or join Essentia events that recognize the challenges, joys, and needs of survivorship.

Peer Support

Enjoy fellowship and education by connecting with other cancer survivors through programs like:

• Cancer Journey Conference at Essentia Health Cancer Center (Fargo) – Bond with fellow survivors and their loved ones, and learn about pain management, exercise, and other topics
• Survivorship gatherings and celebrations – Gather with other survivors and their families in your area to celebrate progress and share experiences

Learn how to live well with cancer at We Can Weekend, an annual retreat for people with cancer and their families. Offered at a discounted rate thanks to donations and fundraising.

It is held every fall at the YMCA Camp Miller in Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota. Accommodations are comfortable and include meals, snacks, and lodging, as well as indoor and outdoor recreational activities. Childcare provided for kids under 5.

Join together with others affected by cancer to:

• Learn stress-reduction techniques
• Express your feelings
• Talk about how cancer affects you and your family
• Discover healthy physical activities
• Approach your condition with humor and hope

How Much Does it Cost?

We ask for a $45 registration deposit to hold your spot - the rest is free of charge. We're able to offer this because of generous donations and a lot of fundraising work.

We Can Weekend is sponsored by:

• Miller-Dwan Foundation
• Essentia Health's SMDC Foundation
• Essentia Health Cancer Center
• Essentia Health's SMDC Foundation Breast Health Fund
• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Register for We Can Weekend

Pre-registration is required due to limited space. For information or to register, please call 218-786-3581.

Explore how integrative medicine and supportive and palliative care can help you cope with symptoms and side effects. Improve your quality of life by taking advantage of therapies such as:

• Acupuncture
• Aromatherapy
• Healing movement, such as qi gong or yoga
• Healing Touch
• Massage
• Meditation

During or after your treatment, specialists in cancer rehabilitation can help improve your recovery. You may pursue rehabilitation services even if your cancer diagnosis and treatment happened years ago.

Seek financial assistance to manage the costs of your care. Services vary throughout Essentia.

Assistance for Nonmedical Expenses

If you’re receiving care at Essentia Health St. Joseph’s Cancer Center in Brainerd, Minnesota, ask about programs that help cover daily living expenses during cancer treatment:

• Brainerd Lakes Pay It Forward for Cancer Fund – Download an application [PDF]
• Pink Ribbon Cupboard Program (breast cancer patients only) – Call 218-330-6648