Support Resources
There are many support groups and program opportunities available at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and in the community to help you and your loved ones cope with a cancer diagnosis.
If you are in need of support, ask your provider for a referral to our social work team. You can access our Patient and Family Support Programs booklet for a comprehensive list of programs and events available to our patients and caregivers.
Support Groups
Breast Cancer Support Groups
Bi-Monthly Breast Cancer Support Group
This group is geared toward women in the 30's and 40's who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and is open to any phase of treatment.
The group meets in-person at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Belle Meade on the 1st Monday and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. CT. A virtual option is available.
For more information or to attend virtually, email Destini Edens or call 615-290-7772.
Support Group for Metastatic Cancer
This group meets virtually on the 4th Thursday of the month from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. CT.
For more information, email Destini Edens or call 615-290-7772.
Caregiver Support Group
When someone you love has cancer, it's important to take care of yourself too.
The Caregiver Support Group is offered virtually on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from noon-1 p.m. CT.
Please email Destini Edens or call (615) 290-7772 to confirm attendance.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is a trusted partner of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. Use the NCCN Caregiving for People with Cancer guideline to learn tips for emotional support, finances, household tasks, legal concerns, and medical management.
Neuro-Oncology Support Group
The Neuro-Oncology Support Group is offered virtually and in-person at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Belle Meade.
This group meets the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month from 12-1 p.m. CT. For more information or to attend virtually, email Lindsay Grisanti or call (615) 322-1399.
Young Adult Cancers Program
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and are under the age of 45, learn about our Young Adult Cancers Program.
Creative Writing Series
This free program is for anyone impacted by cancer who is interested in learning and exploring expressive writing. You can participate regardless of where cancer care is received, and no experience is required. Participants have the opportunity to create original writing in a safe space.
For more information, email the Resource Center or call (615) 936-5706.
Woman to Woman Mentor Program
About the Program
A cancer diagnosis can be an overwhelming experience. Woman to Woman at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC), a program of Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA), is a peer-to-peer support program for patients diagnosed with gynecologic cancers. Cancer patients are paired with trained peer mentors, who provide one-on-one emotional support and shared experiences. Woman to Woman also promotes education and self-advocacy for those in treatment.
Get Matched with a Mentor
Woman to Woman mentors are here to help—to listen, to discuss concerns, and to provide support. These mentors give hope, along with the special insights that can only come from someone with their own personal gynecologic cancer experience. You will be carefully matched with a mentor who’s a good fit for you—your cancer type, age, language and culture, and any other preferences you have will be taken into account.
Your Woman to Woman mentor will be with you through the duration of your diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, for as long as you would like to be matched.
All services are offered free of charge to participants.
If you are interested in being matched with a mentor, please complete this form or call the VICC Woman to Woman Coordinator, Sara Childerston at (615) 322-0449.
Cancer Survivors: Volunteer Opportunity
If you are a gynecologic cancer survivor and are interested in serving as a Woman to Woman mentor for newly diagnosed patients, please complete this application form.
For more information about the program, contact Sara Childerston at (615) 322-0449 or sara.childerston@vumc.org.
Woman to Woman Brochure
Woman to Woman is a program of Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (opens in a new tab). Woman to Woman at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is funded by Chic Awearness (opens in a new tab) and Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance. The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is proud to partner with Chic Awearness in their mission to provide ongoing education and support for patients and families impacted by gynecologic cancers.
