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  Support Services

At the Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute at Memorial University Medical Center, we understand that healing is about more than just medicine. It's about achieving physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. We're proud to offer an array of support services to help you heal. You can search for upcoming support group meetings or programs on our classes and events page.

Community Support Groups

Breast Cancer Support Group sponsored by LibLines, Inc., is offered once a month for people with breast cancer and their loved ones. Participants are invited to discuss and share their experiences. For more information, call 912-350-7845.

Head and Neck Cancer Support Group is a family support group for people with cancers of the head and neck and their caregivers. Each meeting includes a discussion with cancer treatment experts, followed by a group discussion. The group meets every other month on the third Wednesday of the month. For more information, call 912-350-7845.

Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Myeloma Support Group is for individuals who have leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma and their loved ones. The group meets at the Summit Cancer Care office in the Anderson Cancer Institute the second Thursday of the month from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 912-350-7845.

Community support groups Savannah, GAOstomy Support Group addresses the unique needs of individuals who have colostomies, ileostomies, and urostomies. The group meets once a quarter and focuses on topics such as nutrition, coping with ostomies, and new products to make life easier with an ostomy. For more information, call 912-350-7845.

Pancreatic Cancer Support Group is for people who have pancreatic cancer and their loved ones. The group meets once a month to discuss concerns specific to pancreatic cancer. For more information, call 912-350-7845.

Educational Programs

Join us once a quarter for educational programs that focus on the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of people with cancer. Topics include coping with chemotherapy, bone health, lymphedema, and nutrition. For information on the next program, call 912-350-7845.

I Can Cope addresses the unique needs of people who are newly diagnosed with cancer. This series of classes covers treatment-related side effects, nutritional health, spirituality, pain management, coping skills, and relaxation techniques. For more information, call 912-350-7845.

Insurance Assistance

An oncology social worker can help you apply for medical insurance. Memorial University Medical Center is the only hospital in southeast Georgia to participate in the Georgia Cancer State Aid Program. The Cancer State Aid program can help cover medical and pharmaceutical expenses for people who are uninsured or underinsured. For more information, call 912-350-3109.

Resource Room

The Cancer Resource Room is located on the fourth floor of Memorial University Medical Center and is open to the community. The Resource Room includes educational materials about cancer treatment, side effects, complementary therapies, and emotional health. The room is equipped with Internet access for further research. We have a library in the lobby of the Cancer Institute as well.

Oncology Interdisciplinary Care Coordination Team

This team consists of oncology professionals from the fields of nursing, clinical nutrition, and case management. Together, they develop new programs to further support the needs of people with cancer and their families. The support team is responsible for planning all patient activities and programs for caregivers. If you have any questions or suggestions for the team, please call 912-350-7845.

Oncology Social Workers

Oncology social workers are an integral part of the cancer care team. They help patients and families cope with the disease process. Social workers also help by arranging services such as home nursing care or home medical equipment, and by helping patients contact outside agencies for financial assistance when necessary. Throughout the treatment process, social workers are ready to assist with issues involving health insurance, transportation, and expenses associated with medications or household utility bills. Call 912-350-3109 for more information.

Patient Advocacy

Representatives from our patient and family centered care program are available to assist you whenever necessary. They serve as a liaison between patients and the hospital to ensure that patients are receiving the best possible care. To reach patient and family centered care, call 912-350-8581, or write to:
Patient and Family Centered Care
Memorial University Medical Center
P.O. Box 23089
Savannah, Georgia 31403-3089

Support Line

This phone line is for cancer patients who are having difficulty coping with their diagnosis, treatment, or other aspects of their illness. An oncology social worker is available to answer questions and provide support. Call 912-350-7845 for assistance.

Wellness Services

Art therapy programs are offered through our partnership with Savannah College of Art and Design. They take place at the patient bedside and in group settings. Programs include activities such as creating journals, decorating memory boxes, designing scarves, and various other therapeutic art activities. For more information, call 912-350-7845.

Art therapy programs Savannah, GAHarvest of Hope Retreat is a free annual event that brings together cancer survivors of all ages and their families for a weekend of relaxation and rejuvenation. The retreat includes educational programs, massages, art therapy, music, and time to connect with others who have cancer. The retreat takes place each October at the beautiful New Ebenezer retreat facility in Rincon, Georgia. For more information on attending or volunteering at the retreat, call 912-350-7845.

Heal In Style is a day of pampering for cancer survivors. It is sponsored by the Anderson Cancer Institute and international hair and make-up artist, Loren Laney. The event takes place every November. During Heal In Style, individuals receive a free makeover, hair cut and style, manicure, facial, massage, and a special gift bag. Each participant can bring along one caregiver. To schedule your appointment, call Jennifer Currin at 912-350-7845.

Journey through Journaling: Voices from Within is a monthly support meeting that delves into the creative expression of one's experience with cancer through journaling and craft activities. The group is free and open to all who have had cancer and their loved ones. For more information, call 912-350-7845.

Look Good, Feel Better is a program that teaches women how to overcome skin changes and hair loss due to cancer treatment. Licensed cosmetologists provide free makeovers, beauty tips, wigs, and turbans. This program is sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association, and the National Cosmetology Association. For more information, call 912-350-7845.

Massage therapy is offered two days a week for people hospitalized on the oncology unit at Memorial University Medical Center. A licensed massage therapist provides gentle touch massages for patients in their rooms to promote wellness and relaxation. For more information, call 912-350-7845.

Pet therapy gives hospitalized patients the opportunity to enjoy the love and comfort of a pet. Certified pet therapy dogs visit with patients twice a month and offer hugs, kisses, and companionship. For more information, call 912-350-7845.

Strength for Survivors is a fitness and wellness program specially designed for cancer survivors and people going through treatment. Learn more.

Spiritual Care

Spiritual and religious services are provided by Memorial's Department of Spiritual and Religious Care. This department provides ministry, literature, and worship services in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. Chaplains are available to talk with families about their cancer experience and offer prayer and spiritual counseling to those in need. To speak with a chaplain, call 912-350-8335.

Pediatric Services (Offered Through Backus Children's Hospital)

Patient and Parent Support Group, Savannah GaPediatric Oncology Patient and Parent Support (POPPS) provides education, emotional support, and interaction for young people with cancer and their families. Monthly activities include recreational outings, psychoeducational topics for caregivers, and support activities for caregivers. The group meets on the third Monday of the month. For more information, call 912-350-5616.

Relief Parent Support Group is for parents who have a seriously ill child receiving inpatient or outpatient treatment. Social workers facilitate the group meeting and a child life specialist provides arts and crafts activities. The meetings serve as a distraction and break, and provide a safe place for parents to interact and support each other. For more information or to reserve your space, call 912-350-5616.


 
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Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute at Memorial University Medical Center: 4700 Waters Avenue, Savannah, GA 31404 - 912-350-8490