Baptist MD Anderson R.I.S.E. Support Group

This group is intended for Baptist MD Anderson patients and their caregivers who have received a cancer diagnosis within the past six months.

Finding out about a new cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center's new support group, R.I.S.E.- Resources, Inspiration, Support, & Empowerment, is an eight-week-long psychoeducational meeting that provides patients and their caregivers information and resources on topics related to common concerns patients face with a cancer diagnosis. Each week a topic will be discussed with tangible tools and resources that can be used throughout the cancer experience.

A new topic will be covered each week. Attendance to all 8 weeks is highly encouraged.

• Week 1: Coping with cancer
• Week 2: Communicating about cancer
• Week 3: Managing symptoms - chemo/immunotherapy
• Week 4: Managing symptoms - radiation and nutrition
• Week 5: Advanced care planning and personal advocacy
• Week 6: Working with cancer
• Week 7: Financial toxicity
• Week 8: Resource fair

BMDA support groups are meant to be a safe place for individuals to talk about their thoughts and feelings regarding their cancer experience. This is to allow each person to feel respected and protected while being part of the group. Group participants should expect to uphold each other’s privacy, share the group time amongst each other, and listen supportively with respect for one another’s differences.

Hosted by: Becky Ness, LCSW

• You can reach Becky Ness at 904.202.7795 or BMDASupportGroup@bmcjax.com