Local Support Groups Mark 20 Years of Service and Benefits to Thyroid Cancer Patients and Caregivers

Posted by Cherry Wunderlich on Sat, Jun 4, 2016 @ 7:07am

2016 marks the 20th anniversary of the world’s first local thyroid cancer support group, started by ThyCa co-founder Ric Blake. 

When you attend a local support group meeting, you meet others who are coping with the many unique challenges of thyroid cancer. These meetings are wonderful ways to get to know others in person and share experiences and coping tips. 

Thyroid cancer support groups are free and open to patients at any phase of testing, treatment, and follow-up, as well as caregivers, and friends. Many local groups also host guest speakers who speak on any number of topics including the surgical or follow-up aspect of our care, dental issues, dietary concerns, and complementary care topics. 

Among the many benefits of attending support group meetings: 

  • Improved coping skills
  • Clearer understanding of what to expect with your situation
  • An opportunity to talk openly and honestly about your feelings
  • Opportunities to compare notes about resources
  • More

The Boston group that Ric founded meets every month, at Massachusetts General Hospital. Read more about Ric and his many volunteer contributions.

Find all the local thyroid cancer support groups.

Thank you very much to the wonderful volunteer facilitators who lead these helpful groups. If you’re interested in starting a group in your community, ThyCa will help you with materials, training, and tips. Kathryn Wall, co-facilitator of the ThyCa Raleigh, North Carolina, Support Group, and Theresa Wickerham, facilitator of the ThyCa St. Louis, Missouri, Support Group coordinate our Support Groups Program. 

Visit ThyCa’s Local Support Groups page or send an e-mail to support-coord@thyca.org to learn more.

Tags: | Awareness