Support Groups
Gynecologic Cancer Support Groups in the Washington, D.C. Region
Online: Online support groups are available for those who prefer anonymity or can’t meet outside their home.
Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA)
The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (parent organization of OGCC/Rhonda’s Club) invites gynecologic cancer patients and survivors to join weekly virtual support discussions facilitated by an Oncology Licensed Clinical Social Worker. This online gathering is a great way to meet others, share experiences and connect. Registration is required at:
https://ocrahope.org/patients/information-on-covid-19-for-ovarian-cancer-patients/staying-connected-online-support-group/
Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance Support Community
Contact: www.inspire.com/groups/ovarian-cancer Comments: Connects patients, families, friends and caregivers for support and inspiration. Sponsored by the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance in partnership with Inspire.
Association of Cancer Online Resources (ACOR)
Contact: www.acor.org Comments: Find an ovarian problems discussion list by clicking on “browse the full list of communities” and choosing “ovarian cancer.” ACOR also has an online support group for young survivors of gynecologic cancers.
CancerCare
Contact: www.cancercare.org 1-800-813-4673
CancerCare is a national nonprofit organization that provides free online and telephone support groups led by professional oncology social workers for anyone affected by cancer.
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
Contact: http://www.canceradvocacy.org/toolbox/Comments: Free audio survival tool box
Sharsheret
Contact: www.sharsheret.org 1-866-474-2774
Comments: specialized support for Jewish women living with ovarian cancer. Phone and online counseling with peer network of survivors and genetic counselors. Free caregiver information packets and resource booklets available. Sign up for teleconferences and seminars online or by telephone.
Steps Through OC
Contact: https://stepsthrough.org/
Comments: Steps Through OC is a six-month program of free professional counseling in tandem with education, referrals and other resources for any woman facing ovarian cancer, her family and active caregivers. Their goal is to support physical and emotional health so people feel, function and live well with ovarian cancer.
National Cervical Cancer Coalition
Contact: https://www.inspire.com/groups/national-cervical-cancer-coalition/
Comments: Cervical cancer and HPV support group and discussion community
In Person: In general, these support groups are free to cancer survivors, their families, and friends. We suggest calling ahead to confirm dates and locations.
Throughout the Region:
Look Good Feel Better
Look Good Feel Better is a national program of group workshops that teach beauty techniques to female cancer patients to help them combat the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. Local sessions are offered at Medstar Washington Hospital Center, Howard University Hospital, Sibley Memorial Hospital, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Life with Cancer Family Center. In Baltimore, organizations participating in the program include: Saint Agnes Hospital, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, U of MD St. Joseph Medical Center, Hopewell Cancer Support, Sinai Hospital, American Cancer Society, Baltimore Hope Lodge, and Upper Chesapeake Health System Inc.
To find locations and schedules for programs, check the website at: http://lookgoodfeelbetter.org or call 1-800-395-5665.
In Washington, DC:
Gynecologic Oncology Support Group
Where: Sibley Memorial Hospital, Renaissance Building, Sullivan Center for Breast Imaging Conference Room
When: 2nd Tuesday of each month, 2:00-3:30
Contact: Meagan Paulk, MSW, 202-537-4107 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Yoga for Cancer Survivors
Where: Sibley Memorial Hospital
When: Monday evenings, 7:00-8:15
Contact: Pam Goetz, 202-243-2320 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Meditative, gentle and restorative yoga for men and women with a history of cancer; $7/class
Smith Center for Healing and the Arts
Where: 1632 U Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
When: General cancer support group 2nd and 4th Monday of every month at 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Contact: RSVP to Kiersten at 202-483-8600 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information.
Comments: Young adults cancer support group meets monthly. Call for schedules and times or view the calendar at www.smithcenter.org
In Maryland:
Gynecologic Cancer Support Group
Holy Cross Hospital Cancer Institute
Where: Holy Cross Hospital Professional and Community Education Center
1500 Forest Glen Road
Silver Spring, MD 20910
When: 3rd Wednesday of every month, 6:30-8:00 pm
Contact: 301-557- 1850
Comments: Phone registration preferred, but not required.
HopeWell Ovarian Cancer Support Group
Where: HopeWell Cancer Support
10628 Falls Road
Lutherville, MD 21093
When: 2nd and 4th Thursdays every month, 7:30 - 9:00 pm
Contact: 410-832-2719, www.hopewellcancersupport.org
Ovarian and Gynecologic Cancer Support Group
Where: Hope Connections for Cancer Support
Beaumont House at FASEB
9650 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20814
When: 2nd Monday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m., 4th Monday of every month, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Contact: 301-634-7500, www.hopeconnectionsforcancer.org
Where: Hope Connections for Cancer Support
8401 Corporate Drive, Suite 100
Landover, MD 20785
When: 2nd & 4th Mondays of every month, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Contact: 240-714-4744, www.hopeconnectionsforcancer.org
In Virginia:
Gynecologic Cancers Support Group
Where: Life With Cancer
8411 Pennell St.
Fairfax, VA 22031
When: 4th Wednesday of every month, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Contact: 703-206-5433, www.lifewithcancer.orgComments: For women diagnosed with ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers. Facilitated by Rebecca McIntyre, LCSW, OSW-C. Registration is required. Sponsored by Inova Fairfax Hospital.
By Phone:
The Ovarian Research Fund Alliance (OCRA) of which Rhonda's Club is a community partner, has an oncology social worker available by phone to answer questions, direct you to resources, or just listen. To reach her, call (212) 268-1002 on Monday-Friday, 12-3PM Eastern Daylight Time, and ask for Tracy. If she isn’t available, she’ll call back within 24 hours (Monday – Friday).
