At the Holy Cross Hospital Cancer Program, we understand that the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis can often be as hard to deal with as the physical side. Recent studies have shown that people being treated for cancer who participate in support groups often report having a better quality of life than those who don't participate.

We encourage patients with cancer, as well as their support network of family and friends, to consider taking part in one of our cancer support groups. We also offer pastoral care through affiliated clergy of many faiths.

Holy Cross offers a full range of support groups for patients with cancer and their families and friends, at the hospital and in locations within the Silver Spring community. At these groups, people can discuss their feelings, share their fears and learn how to cope better with their condition.

Survivors Offering Support
Survivors Offering Support, better known as SOS, is a support program that pairs breast cancer survivor volunteers with newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. SOS volunteer mentors are matched with new patients by their similarities in age, lifestyle and stage of breast cancer. SOS volunteer mentors offer emotional support, understanding, encouragement and insight like no one else can to the newly diagnosed breast cancer patient. 

To learn more about the program, become an SOS volunteer mentor or be assigned a mentor, contact Denise O'Neill, SOS coordinator, at oneillde@holycrosshealth.org or 301-754-8502.

Breast Cancer Support Group
For patients and survivors looking for support, information and hope. the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Holy Cross Hospital Professional and Community Education Center, located at 1500 Forest Glen Road, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910.

For more information, please call 301-592-9124.

Look Good...Feel Better
If you have started a course of radiation or chemotherapy treatment, you may experience temporary changes in the appearance of your skin and hair. With Look Good...Feel Better, you will learn about new hairstyles, skin care, cosmetics tips and nail care.

For more information, please call 301-754-8800.

Ovarian and Gynecologocial Cancer Support Group
For patients and survivors looking for support, information and hope. This group meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Hospital Professional and Community Education Center, located at 1500 Forest Glen Road, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910. 

For more information, please call 301-592-9124.

THYCA: Thyroid Cancer Support Group
ThyCa Washington, D.C., is a mutual-help support group open to all thyroid cancer survivors and families. This group is affiliated with Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc. (ThyCa).

For more information, please call 301-943-5419.

Support for Families of Cancer Patients
A diagnosis of cancer affects not only the cancer patient, but the family as well. A cancer diagnosis may impact the family's financial, social and emotional wellbeing. The Holy Cross Hospital Cancer Institute has a social worker who is available to family caregivers to provide support, direction and information and referral services-at no cost.

For a telephone consultation, please call Pat Malik at 301-592-9124.

Support for Children of Cancer Patients
When a parent has been diagnosed with cancer, sometimes the most worrying questions are "How do I tell my children? What do I tell them?" When do I tell them?" To talk these concerns over, the Holy Cross Hospital Cancer Institute social worker is available-at no charge.

For a telephone consultation, please call Pat Malik at 301-592-9124.

Pastoral Care
The Spiritual care team at Holy Cross consists of professional chaplains who are able to facilitate healing and wholeness for patients and families in collaboration with other members of their care team. The Spiritual Care Department affirms the sacredness, dignity, and worth of all persons, acknowledges diversity in both individuals and in religious/spiritual traditions, and is committed to providing respectful compassionate and competent pastoral and spiritual care.

Some of the ways which we can support patients and families through illness is:

• To listen
• To pray at your request
• To share in your faith questions
• To assist is seeking inner peace
• To provide a calming presence

Chaplains are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 301-754-7390.