Patient Support Groups

• Pink Therapy Breast Cancer Support Group
  Crouse Health's Pink Therapy Breast Cancer Support Group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month. The group brings women together who have gone through the breast cancer experience and gives them the chance to stay active and informed to improve their health. Sessions often include topics recommended by group members such as, treatment and staying healthy and active, including participating in local events as a group. Guests/practitioners are also sometimes part of meetings, including experts in massage therapy, acupuncture, Reiki, Tai-Chi, and yoga. To learn more and register, please call (315) 470-8053 or visit crouse.org/pinktherapy.

• Shades of Inspiration Breast Cancer Support Group
  A team of “Overcomers of Breast Cancer,” the group’s purpose is to inspire, encourage and uplift individuals battling all stages and types of breast cancer. The group meets monthly in Syracuse and can also provide various forms of direct support for patients. For more information and dates of meetings, call (315)-863-3155 or email contactus@shadesofinspiration.org.

• Patient Mentor Program
  Connects cancer patients in the Central New York community with a cancer survivor (a mentor) who has had a similar cancer diagnosis, providing one-on-one support. For more information call (315)-634-5004.
  
  

• American Cancer Society
  Call our Patient Service Center 24/7, 365 days at (800)-227-2345 or visit cancer.org for resources, services, programming and cancer information. Groups and Resources include: Reach to Recovery 1-to-1 Breast Cancer Support, Look Good Feel Better program to address cancer-related side effects, Free wigs, TLC catalog, Lodging, Transportation and Clinical Trial matching service.
  
  
• YMCA

  The YMCA of Central New York offers several programs geared to cancer survivors.

  Livestrong at the YMCA

  This 12 week exercise and group support program focuses on improving the survivor’s strength, fitness and quality of life.   It focuses on physical and emotional well-being.  For more information, contact the Intake Coordinator at (315) 474-6851, extension 339.

  Laurie’s Hope

  This program, supported by the St. Agatha Foundation, helps breast cancer survivors thrive by maintaining physical fitness and strength, improving diets and helping them connect with other survivors.  For more information, please contact the Breast Care Coordinator at (315) 303-5966, extension 232.

  Prime Time Plus

  We offer child care support service to participants in our cancer survivor programs who need childcare to attend appointments or treatment.  Participants can bring their children to the Northwest, North Area and East Area YMCA to enjoy activities free of charge.  Registration is required.

  The Kaye Center for Cancer Wellness

  This center, located in our Northwest Family YMCA, is designed to meet the specific needs of men and women battling cancer by offering them a comfortable environment to socialize, exercise and recharge.  It includes a reading area, a balcony and meditation room.
  
  

Services

• Cancer Connects
  Cancer Connects is a non-profit 501(c) (3), tax-exempt corporation established in 2006 under the guidance and support of physicians, staff and cancer survivor/ patients of Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY to ease the cancer journey for patients in Central New York. Programs and services are provided to cancer patients irrespective of their medical practice or hospital affiliation. You can visit their website for more information, or call (315)-634-5004.

• Complementary Therapy Voucher Award Program
  Provides funding to cancer patients for several visits of a complementary therapy modality of their choosing. For more information call (315)-234-4673.

• Integrative Medicine of Central New York, PC specializes in the following services and products - Integrative Oncology Integrative Lyme Disease Treatment Integrative Prevention & Wellness Oral & IV Nutraceuticals Medical Marijuana Reiki, Pranic Healing, & Meditation Integrative Nutrition Holistic Health Coaching Biomat Therapy Young Living Essential Oils. The practice is located in Chittenango, NY.
  
  
• Knitted Knockers
  Knitted Knockers is a program that promotes knitting for a cause: to create prostheses for women who’ve undergone lumpectomies, mastectomies or other procedures to the breast. The “knockers” are provided to women at no cost. They come in all different sizes, A – DD, that can be adjusted to fit around any shaped breast and are made of washable, quality yarn. For more information or to obtain a pair of knockers locally, please contact us here http://www.breastcarepartners.com/contact.html or call (315)-559-6803.