Support Groups

NOT YOUR TYPICAL
CANCER SUPPORT GATHERINGS

Our Peer-to-Peer support groups, Zest and Limoncello, are co-led by trained volunteers. Our facilitators are trained by a licensed clinical social worker and are a part of our Pink Peer mentor network.

Zest and Limoncello focus on fostering conversation around issues specific to women navigating life after a cancer diagnosis. These programs serve people who are in all stages of treatment, recovery, and survivorship. Each gathering is a way to make connections with other women cancer survivors in a social setting with no pressure of sharing your story (unless you choose to).

Both Zest and Limoncello aim to enrich lives and encourage the personal growth and healing of those affected by breast cancer.

Zest

A cancer diagnosis in a young adult may significantly impact the quality and length of life. A diagnosis at a young age often affects fertility, body insecurities, career concerns, issues around sex and dating, financial stability, and the possibility and ramifications of early menopause. Young adults tackle these unique challenges through conversation and peer support. Breast cancer for young adults brings up different issues. As our facilitators say, “When life throws lemons at you, grate them and add a little ZEST to your life!”

This group meets monthly on the 3rd Tuesday from 6 to 8 pm via Zoom. Click on the button below to view our calendar with upcoming Zest events.

Limoncello

Limoncello is a monthly support gathering in a safe venue for all women dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis. Join this group and make connections with other women who understand where you are in your breast cancer journey.

This group meets monthly on the 1st Thursday from 6 to 8 pm via Zoom. Click on the button below to view our calendar with upcoming Limoncello events.

GET SUPPORT FROM CLINICAL
BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUPS

Pink Lemonade Project has teamed up with a number of local organizations and businesses to expand the circle of resources available to you including:

  • Women’s Advanced/Metastatic Support Group
  • All Women’s Cancer Support Group
  • Spanish Speaking Support Group
  • Peer-to-Peer Support Groups led by trained mentors

Women’s Advanced/Metastatic Support Group

Pink Lemonade Project and Legacy Salmon Creek partner to offer a unique support group for women living with advanced cancer or cancer that has metastasized. This is a safe and supportive time to share with others who are on a similar path. Learn tools for coping from facilitators, guest speakers, and each other.

This support group is for all women with any type of advanced or metastatic cancer. You can choose to attend any or all of the sessions. You do not need to be a patient of Legacy Health to attend. For questions, information, and the virtual meeting link, please contact Caroline Murphy, MDiv, BCC at ckmurphy@lhs.org  or 360-487-5453.

Facilitators

SARA BUTLER – MSW, LCSW, OSW-C

Sara has been a social worker for over 20 years, primarily in the medical field, and an oncology social worker at Legacy Health since 2017. She has facilitated several oncology support groups, and in her outpatient role provides emotional and practical support to people affected by cancer.

CAROLINE MURPHY – M.DIV., BCC

As a board-certified chaplain at Legacy Salmon Creek, Caroline offers interfaith spiritual and emotional support to patients, family, and staff throughout the hospital, with a special emphasis on oncology patients. Caroline is ordained in the United Church of Christ and has a background as a pastor, editor, and translator.

All Women’s Cancer Support Group

Pink Lemonade Project and Compass Oncology team up to offer a support group providing women cancer survivors an opportunity to talk with others who are facing similar challenges in a safe, welcoming environment.

Oncology social workers are present at each group meeting to facilitate the conversation and to answer any questions you may have about physical or emotional issues, treatment side effects, and general coping strategies. This support group is for all women cancer survivors. You do not need to be a patient of Compass Oncology to attend. For questions, information and the virtual meeting link, please contact Virginia Hill at (360) 773-8630 or  virginia.hill@compassoncology.com.

Oncology Social Workers

VIRGINIA HILL – LCSW,LICSW,OSW-C

Virginia has been a licensed clinical social worker for more than 20 years. Her goal is to ease her patients and their families’ journey through challenging times by providing them with both emotional and practical support.

CATHY WEEKS – LCSW

Cathy has been an oncology social worker with OHSU for 5 years in their Community Hematology Oncology Clinics. She has facilitated a number of support groups in the Portland area. Cathy has an interest in palliative care and supporting individuals and families during these difficult times.

Grupo de Apoyo – Cáncer de mama
Spanish-Speaking Support Group

Pink Lemonade Project in partnership with the Oregon Child Development Coalition and Northwest Family Services offer this Spanish-Speaking support for people with breast cancer who are in treatment and/or in recovery. They will have the opportunity to learn and talk with others facing similar experiences in a safe and welcoming environment.

Oncology social workers are present at each group meeting to facilitate the conversation and to answer any questions you may have about physical or emotional issues, treatment side effects, and general coping strategies. This support group is for all cancer survivors who speak Spanish. For questions, information, and the virtual meeting link, please contact Erika 971-331-1762 or ERamirez@nwfs.org .

Facilitator

Darlene Corral, MSW, LCSW, APHSW-C, Oncology Social Worker, Providence Cancer Institute-Newberg

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