Long Name - Big Hearts

The local chapter of the Support for People with Oral, Head and Neck Cancer meets every 3rd Saturday at the Cancer Support Home in Fayetteville. Jack and Temple Igleburger share their knowledge based on their own personal cancer journeys, and provide a atmosphere of support for the folks who visit the group as they're going through their own treatment or learning how to deal with the "new normal" in the recovery phase. Here's an excerpt from the bio we shared last year when Jack received the Gentleman of Distinction award at our annual gala, the Bill Fleeman Gentlemen of Distinction. 

"Jack Igleburger had no experience with cancer before he was diagnosed with it himself. As he says, "Cancer wasn't on [his] personal radar...". He had no close family members or acquaintances who dealt with the disease and, like most people, took life and good health for granted. 

Jack had been dealing with a sore throat and raspy cough for several months when a lump appeared on his neck. He went through several attempts to diagnose the problem, including cough medicines and antibiotics for a possible infection. he was finally referred to an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist.

During his last week of work and just before his retirement party, he got a call from the new doctor who asked him to come to his office the next day to discuss his biopsy results. He was informed that he had stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma of the base of his tongue. The cancer had already spread to his jaw bone, esophagus and lymph nodes. But the words that left the biggest impression on Jack came next: the cancer was inoperable, and he had approximately a 50% chance of survival.

Jack made it through the treatment with the help of a good team of doctors, family, and his new wife and caregiver, Temple - herself a breast cancer survivor. They attended the Support for People with Oral, Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC) "Celebration of Life" in New York in August of 2006... At the meeting, the experience of meeting other survivors and facilitators of support groups was an emotional one that initiated some thought for Jack and Temple. On the flight home they decided they should create a SPOHNC chapter in Arkansas.

With the help of a few local organizations, including Hope Cancer Resources, they held their first SPOHNC meeting on September 23, 2006. Today, they still facilitate the only SPOHNC chapter in the state of Arkansas. Their support for people dealing with this disease creates a ripple effect in our community: several of the survivors in their group also volunteer their time at local oncology clinics, work one-on-one with newly-diagnosed patients in the "Been There" program, or participate in local fundraisers to help support the network of cancer support in our area."

Awareness of cancer usually centers around the understanding of symptoms, and one's own personal risk factors. In the case of Oral, Head and Neck cancers (and many others), the side effects can often be mistaken for other health issues - just as Jack's was. Here are some key points from the National Cancer Institute to be aware of:

• Most head and neck cancers begin in the squamous cells that line the moist surfaces inside the head and neck.
• Tobacco use, alcohol use, and human papillomavirus infection are important risk factors for head and neck cancers.
• Typical symptoms of head and neck cancers include a lump or sore (for example, in the mouth) that does not heal, a sore throat that does not go away, difficulty swallowing, and a change or hoarseness in the voice.
• Rehabilitation and regular follow-up care are important parts of treatment for patients with head and neck cancers.

 Follow the link above to learn more about common locations of head and neck cancers, detailed symptoms based on location, known causes and common side-effects of treatment.

Blood Cancer Awareness

Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma are hematologic cancers - meaning they are cancers of the blood, bone marrow, and lymph nodes). Every year, more than 100,000 cases of blood, bone marrow, and lymph node cancers are diagnosed in the United States, and more than 50,000 people die from these cancers.

Leukemia is a cancer of the bone marrow and blood. The American Cancer Society estimates 47,150 new cases of leukemia will be diagnosed in 2012. Symptoms may include fatigue, paleness and weight loss, repeated infections, fever, bruising easily, and nosebleeds or other hemorrhages. Acute cases can appear suddenly, whereas chronic leukemia can progress slowly with few symptoms and be diagnosed during routine blood tests. Among children and teens less than 20 years old, leukemia is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death.

One known risk factor for leukemia is the chemical benzene. It is found in gasoline and in cigarette smoke. Children with Down syndrome and certain other genetic abnormalities also have a higher-than-average rate of leukemia diagnosis.

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. It is classified as Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin, depending on the disease's behavior within the body. It is estimated that 70,130 new cases of non-Hodgkin and 9,060 new cases of Hodgkin lymphoma will be diagnosed this year.

Symptoms of lymphoma include swollen lymph nodes, itching, night sweats, fatigue, unexplained weight loss and intermittent fever. Like most cancers, the risk for non-Hodgkin lymphoma increases as we age. However, the opposite is true for Hodgkin lymphoma, with the risk being higher during adolescence and early adulthood.

For more information on blood cancers, visit the CDC website. 

If you are a blood cancer patient or survivor, join us for a monthly support group at the Hope Cancer Resources office on the 2nd Tuesday evening of every month. Contact Lisa Manzini-Pace, LCSW, for more information at 479-361-5847.

*Information for this article was gathered from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the American Cancer Society.

What is SPOHNC?

Support for People with Oral, Head and Neck Cancers isn't the easiest support group name to remember, but if you spoke to the people who have been helped through the monthly meetings of this group, led locally by Jack & Temple Igleburger, you'd know that the value of the support provided by group is worth the trouble.

Jack is himself a survivor of oral cancer and started the local chapter of the organization in 1991 Here is some information taken from the organization's newsletter:

"[SPOHNC] is a non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the emotional, physical and humanistic needs of oral and head and neck patients and their caregivers. The group is patient-directed, offering peer advice and encouraging self-help for patients in need. SPOHNC chapters hold monthly meetings offering information, support and encouragement to newly diagnosed patients, survivors, family members and friends in a friendly, non-threatening forum. Survivors discuss situations, experiences, coping strategies and hopes. Educational programs are also presented as part of the group program."

The local SPOHNC support group meets every third Saturday of the month at 10:00 a.m. at the Cancer Support Home in Fayetteville. Attendees share successes and concerns, ask questions and get advice from others who have dealt with challenges similar to their own. Current news about cancer is also shared, and issues such as prescription medicine expiration and new studies in oral, head and neck cancer treatment are popular topics of discussion. It's an extremely supportive group, and the fact that it's still going after 21 years speaks to the dedication of Jack and Temple to their mission of helping others who are going through what they did. For more information, contact Jack or Temple at 479-876-1051 or 586-4807 or tmplnjak@cox.net.

April is National Oral, Head and Neck Cancer month, and this week - April 22-28 - is dedicated to sharing information about the multiple types of cancer that the month encompasses. To that end, we'll do our part and provide some information here:

Tobacco (including smokeless tobacco, sometimes called “chewing tobacco” or “snuff”) and alcohol use are the most important risk factors for head and neck cancers, particularly those of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx. Eighty-five percent of head and neck cancers are linked to tobacco use. People who use both tobacco and alcohol are at greater risk for developing these cancers than people who use either tobacco or alcohol alone.

Head and neck cancers account for approximately 3 to 5 percent of all cancers in the United States. These cancers are more common in men and in people over age 50. It is estimated that about 12,000 men and 9,000 women will develop these cancers each year. If you are a smoker, or know someone who is, it's important that you are aware of the following symptoms and visit your physician as soon as you see any of them develop.

Symptoms of several head and neck cancer sites include a lump or sore that does not heal, a sore throat that does not go away, difficulty swallowing, and a change or hoarseness in the voice. Other symptoms may include the following:

• Oral cavity. A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth; a swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable; and unusual bleeding or pain in the mouth.
• Nasal cavity and sinuses. Sinuses that are blocked and do not clear, chronic sinus infections that do not respond to treatment with antibiotics, bleeding through the nose, frequent headaches, swelling or other trouble with the eyes, pain in the upper teeth, or problems with dentures.
• Salivary glands. Swelling under the chin or around the jawbone; numbness or paralysis of the muscles in the face; or pain that does not go away in the face, chin, or neck.
• Oropharynx and hypopharynx. Ear pain.
• Nasopharynx. Trouble breathing or speaking, frequent headaches, pain or ringing in the ears, or trouble hearing.
• Larynx. Pain when swallowing, or ear pain.
• Metastatic squamous neck cancer. Pain in the neck or throat that does not go away.

Holiday Helpers

The holidays can be a difficult time for many people who are facing an illness. Memories of past celebrations are bittersweet, and the future of long-held traditions may be uncertain. For people dealing with cancer, as well as their families, taking time to reflect and enjoy can be hard, but may be especially necessary. 

There are many opportunities in Northwest Arkansas to enjoy the season, or at the very least, spend a few hours focused on something other than your diagnosis. As your health permits, add a few of these to your list of things to do this month:

• Look out for holiday light displays and parades - always a great way to spend an evening.
• If it's too cold out for you, rent some classic Christmas movies and stay in where it's warm. 
• Buy a few rolls of cookie dough and make cookies. If you won't eat them, your neighbors surely will.
• Attend holiday concerts and look for festive shopping opportunities. Even if you spend a lot of time sitting on a bench at the mall watching others rush, the music and decorations might help you get into the holiday spirit.
• Send holiday cards to your local nursing/rehab facility and ask that they deliver them to people without family close by.

If you or someone you love are currently going through cancer treatment in Northwest Arkansas, keep the following list in mind and reach out for support as necessary. (Note: you should confirm dates and locations of meetings this month as some may change to accomodate holiday schedules.)

A Place for Us: Caregiver Support Group

Caregivers of cancer patients are invited to attend this monthly group to find advice, support, and information to help them help their loved-ones. Contact: Lisa Manzini-Pace, LCSW – 479-361-5847

Art/Survivor’s Circle
Art therapy group meets the 1st and 3rd Monday every month at the Cancer Support Home in Fayetteville. Contact: Susan Earnest, RN – 479-521-8024

Been There
Local network of cancer survivors who volunteer to provide one-on-one support for newly diagnosed patients. Contact: Christy Scarrow, LSW – 479-361-5847

Blood Cancers Group
Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at Hope Cancer Resources, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Contact: Meredith Kinsey, BSW – 479-361-5847

CLIMB – Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery
For children ages 6-12 who have a parent or other adult loved one with cancer. Registration is required for this six week group. Contact: 479-361-5847 for more information.

Coping and Conversation
Anyone with a cancer diagnosis and their caregiver are welcome every Wednesday at noon at the Cancer Support Home in Fayetteville. Contact: 479-521-8024 for more information.

Faithful Friends
Breast cancer support group that meets on the 3rd Monday of every month at 11:30 a.m. Contact: 479-756-1700 for location and more information.

Lung Cancer Group
Open to lung cancer patients and their caregivers. It meets the 3rd Thursday every month at Highlands Oncology Group in Fayetteville at 5:00 p.m. Contact: Adela Martinez, LSW – 479-361-5847 or Lisa Russell, RN – 479-587-1700

Online Support Group

Online support for individuals affected by cancer is available 24 hours a day at your convenience. Membership is available to individuals 18 years old or over, and is free as well as confidential. Contact: Morgan Lauener-Cobb, LSW – 479-361-5847

Prostate Cancer Group
Supports men diagnosed with prostate cancer and their partners. This group meets the 4th Tuesday every month at Community Church in Bella Vista. Contact: 479-855-1126 for more information.

SPOHNC – Support for People with Oral, Head & Neck Cancers
This group meets the 3rd Saturday every month at 10:00 a.m. at the Cancer Support Home at Fayetteville. Contact: Jack or Temple Igleburger – 479-876-1051 or 479-586-4807

Upbeats
Support group for women with cancer meeting the 1st Wednesday every month at Papa Mike’s in the Kingsdale Complex in Bella Vista. Contact: Karen Willis – 479-855-6575

Young Survivors
For young women coping with a cancer diagnosis. This group meets the last Thursday every month at 5:30 p.m. at the Cancer Support Home in Fayetteville. Contact: 479-521-8024 for more information.

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

 

You don't have to go it alone!

This month we are focusing on things that you as a cancer patient or caregiver can do to relieve some of the stress and pressure and emotional pain that can accompany the holidays. If you are located near us in lovely Northwest Arkansas, here's a great selection of groups that might be helpful to you as you look for some support for your journey:

Blood Cancers Support Group meets at our office in Springdale 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 at 5:30 p.m. Contact Susan Earnest, RN at 479-521-8024.

Coping and Conversation is for anyone with a cancer diagnosis and their caregivers. They meet at the Cancer Support Home in Fayetteville every 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.

Lung Cancer Group is open to patients with lung cancer and their caregivers. It meets the third Thursday of each month at Highlands Oncology Group at 5:00 p.m. Contact us at 479-361-5847 or Lisa at Highlands Oncology Group at 479-587-1700.

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.

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.

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. They meet the 3rd Saturday of every month at 10:00 a.m. at the Fayetteville Cancer Support Home. Contact Jack Igleburger at 479-876-1051 or 479-586-4807.

This is not your parents' support group.

In films and on t.v. you see a support group depicted as a sober meeting where people with "problems" can sit and talk about themselves, and their challenges, and get some help from others going through the same kinds of things. They typically involve coffee in styrofoam cups and cold pastry. These kinds of depictions (like this one, from the 1979 movie "Starting Over") are not always usually not very flattering, right? Kind of makes the viewer think "there's a couple of hours of their lives they won't get back."

So, it's understandable that when a medical professional or concerned friend/loved one suggests to a cancer patient or survivor that joining a support group might be a good idea, there is a fairly sizeable segment of society who might say "I don't think so!" But there is actually a lot of research out there that shows that spending time with a group of fellow patients and survivors is very beneficial to one's mental and physical well-being.

Because of that perceived stigma attached to groups - especially in the eyes of younger people - the number of online support groups popping up across the country has been growing. They don't require sitting in a circle, or wearing a "Hi, my name is__________" sticker, and uncomfortable discussions of symptoms, side-effects, and the like. In fact, for these groups, you don't even have to get dressed! And because we are just cool like that, we are jumping on this trend and have put together a group that is located on Facebook to help our younger patients and survivors (i.e. 18-45 year olds) connect with one another, ask questions, and make it what they think a support group should be.

Now, before you ask - we'll just make sure it's clear that this group is completely confidential! Membership info won't show up on group or page lists or in activity feeds on member's profiles. Also, the only way to join is to send a note to the coordinator, who will then add people to the group. Easy, confidential, and available 24/7 at the tip of your fingers. What more could you ask for?? You can even provide whatever snacks you feel are appropriate! (That may be our favorite part.)

If you're interested in learning more about this new way to get connected with other people who are dealing with cancer treatments or survivorship, contact Van Bivens at Hope Cancer Resources at 479-361-5847 or van.bivens@hopecancerresources.org. Hope to not see you there!

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.

New Support Group for Blood Cancers

We are planning a new family education and support group that will be held monthly from July through December. The group will be for adult patients, family and friends coping with leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, MDS and other blood cancers.

Meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of each month, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Hope Cancer Resources office. Click here for address and map.

The first meeting will feature a myeloma survivor who serves as a patient ambassador sharing their inspiring story of coping with cancer. Dr. Eric Schaefer from Highlands Oncology Group will also be present to offer his thoughts.


Schedule of Meetings:

July 20: Kick-off Meeting sponsored by Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company
August 10: Ask the Doctor with Dr. Patrick Travis from Oncologist at Highland's Oncology Group
September 14: Cancer and Nutrition
October 12: Group's Choice (TBD)
November 9: Coping with the Holidays
December 14: Year-End Reflections

The meetings will be facilitated by Jessica Minton, LCSW and Enola Bunton, RN. Both are members of the professional staff at Hope Cancer Resources.

If you are interested in attending any of these meetings, please RSVP to Jessica at 479-361-5847 or jessica.minton@hopecancerresources.org. For the first meeting (July 20) please RSVP by July 16!

Optimism is Optional

It seems that everywhere we look lately, someone is linking positive attitude to good health or quicker recovery from physical ailments. It's on daytime t.v., it's in women's magazines, it's in blogs we read... people we don't even know are telling us to "cheer up!" to keep ourselves healthy.

When a person is diagnosed with cancer, there are always a handful of people who don't know what else to do except to encourage that person to remain hopeful and to be positive about a good outcome. But the fact is that there are some very real fears and difficulties associated with their disease, and it really is okay for those people who are dealing with it to be angry and scared and even have days when they would rather stay in bed than do almost anything else.

It goes without saying that if you have to sit in a doctor's office and hear the words "It's cancer." there isn't a lot of cheer to be found. Or, at the very least - what's available doesn't seem like it's enough to do the job that will be required as you go through your treatment and recovery plan. In fact, some recent studies state that there is no tangible connection between positive thinking and better recovery and longer life when cancer is added to their daily routines. So, what do we do with that information?

First, let us suggest that the mere act of going to the doctor to investigate the symptoms that have led to the cancer diagnosis as an outward sign that there is, somewhere inside us, a tiny nugget of hope and optimism. Otherwise - why get diagnosed at all? And while a simple "positive attitude" may not cure the disease (did we really believe it would??), remaining realistic but determined and hopeful can certainly cause a cancer patient to take steps that will provide a better opportunity for recovery than feeling defeated and hopeless. Altering diet, getting more exercise as appropriate and with a doctor's approval, and having access to much-needed emotional support can all affect the ability of a cancer patient to get through treatment successfully and start making plans for the remainder of their life.

The social workers at Hope Cancer Resources are trained specifically to work with oncology patients and the special burden of emotions and needs they experience during diagnosis, treatment and recovery. They work with patients individually if requested, or with their caregivers or partners, and we even host a support group for families with young children a couple of times a year.
 
We have a great list of support groups available in Northwest Arkansas on our website. We don't recommend the groups just because they're available, but because we truly believe that having a strong support system behind you as you go through treatment (and afterward) is beneficial for your mental health. Odds are, you will find a lot of people talking about being positive and keeping their chin up in these groups, but you will also find some folks who share your fears and frustrations. At the very least, you will meet some people to talk to when you feel you've said all you can say to your friends and family and they've said all they can say to you. Talking to our social workers or participating in a support group won't heal your body, but they might help you deal with some of your less positive feelings - which will go a long way to ease the rough spots along the cancer journey.

Children's Lives Include Moments of Bravery

It's easy to forget that when an adult has a serious illness it affects everyone in their household, not just the grown-ups. Sometimes we don't know how much to tell our children about our diagnosis. Some people feel that children don't "need" to know things that might be scary or uncertain. We don't want to frighten them, but we also don't want to lie if the prognosis isn't good. But it doesn't take long for a child to figure out something is wrong when mom or dad is spending a lot of time in bed and suffering the effects of chemotherapy and/or radiation.

At Hope Cancer Resources we have materials that can help parents talk to their children about their cancer. They present potential questions and provide words that can be used to let them know what to expect through treatment and recovery. The bottom line is that it's okay for a child to be fearful, and to ask questions. And, if parents aren't sure how to answer those questions, we have social workers on staff who can help facilitate those conversations. There is strength in knowledge, and believe it or not - children can be a parent's greatest source of encouragement and hope. Let them be a part of the process.

In addition to one-on-one help and printed materials we have available, we also sponsor a support group that meets for six weeks at a time called CLIMB. It meets whenever there is enough interest, usually a couple of times a year. At the sessions, children meet as a group with a social worker. They are allowed to speak freely about their fears and ask as many questions as they like - or just sit quietly and listen if that's their preference. At the same time, parents are in a separate room learning how to help their children deal with the new priorities that may be taking over the family schedule. It's a time for all parties involved to become empowered and learn some techniques for stress management.

If you are interested in getting on the list for the next round of sessions for CLIMB, contact one of our social workers at 479-361-5847. In the meantime, we'll be happy to provide those materials mentioned above... feel free to ask.

Cancer Support Groups

Cancer patients and their caregivers can feel isolated and helpless when it comes to finding people to talk to who understand what they're going through. Neighbors and friends tell them they are there if they need them, but many times the patient or their loved ones just don't want to "burden" their friends with their frustrations and fears.


If you are nodding your head right now in agreement, you may be interested to know about the following support groups that HOPE facilitates for cancer patients in NW Arkansas:


Coping and Conversation is held every Wednesday at noon at the Cancer Support Home in Fayetteville and is a partnership between the Cancer Support Home and HOPE, Inc. It's for patients and caregivers dealing with any cancer diagnosis. Call for more information: (479) 521-8024

Lung Cancer Support Group is held the third Thursday of each month at 5:00 p.m. at the Highlands Oncology Group offices in Fayetteville. This group is a partnership between Highlands Oncology and HOPE, Inc. For more information: (479) 571-4673

Young Adults Cancer Support Group (YACS) is held the first Thursday of each month at the Cancer Support Home in Bentonville and is a partnership between the Cancer Support Home and HOPE, Inc. For more information: (479) 271-2257

Children's Lives Include Moments of Bravery (CLIMB) is a group for children who have a parent, grandparent or loved one with cancer. It meets once a week for six weeks and these six week sessions are scheduled twice a year. This group is coordinated as a partnership between NARTI, the Cancer Support Home and HOPE, Inc. For information on when the next session will open for registration, call (479) 571-4673.