Get Social, Feel Better

A recent article on MSNBC.com highlighted a study done by researchers at Brigham Young University on the importance of having social relationships as a way to maintain and/or improve your health. The article stated "People with strong social relationships were 50 percent less likely to die early than people without such support."

This is a pretty serious conclusion. And one that is very intriguing to those of us who are in the business of making sure people have the support they need to face cancer treatment and recovery. The patients we work with need the emotional support and encouragement that is expected from a friendship or family relationship. But unfortunately, not everyone has that kind of relationship available to them. Having no friends or family to turn to can create some challenges for our patients, even without the implications this article presents. That's what we're here for.

In addition to one-on-one meetings with patients and the assistance they provide to be sure their basic financial and medical needs are met, our social workers also facilitate support groups in Northwest Arkansas for those who need this kind of social support. Support groups provide a place to feel accepted, understood, and cared for. Exactly what we all need to be able to cope with our toughest days, let alone those who are dealing with something as life-altering as cancer.

Below is a list of support groups currently available in Northwest Arkansas.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call us at 479-361-5847 and ask to speak to a social worker.

Been There is a local network of cancer survivors who volunteer to provide one-on-one support for newly diagnosed patients. Contact Christy Scarrow, LSW at 479-361-5847.

Blood Cancers Support Group meets at Hope Cancer Resources the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. Contact Jessica Minton, LCSW at 479-361-5847.

Breast Cancer Support Group meets at the Cancer Support Home in Bentonville the 2nd Monday of every month, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Contact Susan Earnest, RN at 479-521-8024.

Coping and Conversation is for anyone with a cancer diagnosis or their caregivers.  They meet at the cancer Support Home in Fayetteville each Wednesday at noon.  Call 479-521-8024 for more information.

Faithful Friends is a breast cancer support group that meets on the 3rd Monday of every month at 11:30 a.m. at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale. Contact Dee Williams at 479-756-9172 for more information.

Prostate Cancer Support Group supports men diagnosed with prostate cancer and their partners.  They meet at the Community Church in Bella Vista the 4th Tuesday of every month at 4:00 p.m. Contact Dianne Krolikowski at 479-855-1126 for more information.

Reach to Recovery is a program administered by the American Cancer Society. They offer assistance to women undergoing breast cancer surgery. Contact Martha Green at 479-750-2493 for more information.

SPOHNC - Support for People with Oral, Head & Neck Cancer. This non-profit organization is dedicated to meeting the emotional, physical and humanistic needs of oral, head and neck cancer patients and their caregivers. Their support group meets on the 3rd Saturday of every month at 10:00 a.m. at the Fayetteville Cancer Support Home. For more information, contact Jack Igleburger at 479-876-1051 or 479-586-4807.

Survivor's Circle meets at the Cancer Support Home in Fayetteville on the 3rd Monday of every month. Call 479-466-5893 for more information.

Upbeats is a support group for women meeting the first Wednesday of each month at Papa Mike's in the Kingsdale Complex in Bella Vista. Contact Karen Willis at 479-855-6275 for more information.