Mesothelioma Support Groups

How to Sign Up for a Mesothelioma Support Group

If you’re interested in joining a mesothelioma support group, we can explain how to go about this process:

• 1
  Ask if your hospital or cancer center offers a support group. Some of the top institutions have group or individual counseling sessions for patients going through treatment.
• 2
  Determine if you prefer an in-person or online group. The COVID-19 coronavirus epidemic caused many in-person support groups to shift their procedures. While this is temporary for some, other groups already were online options or changed permanently.
• 3
  Contact a patient advocate. These experienced support resources have a list of all online and in-person groups for mesothelioma patients. They’ll help you sign up for one immediately.

Mesothelioma Support Foundations

• 

  The Meso Foundation (formerly MARF)

  The Meso Foundation is a non-profit collection of patients, families, physicians, advocates, and researchers focused on ending mesothelioma.

• 

  International Mesothelioma Interest Group (IMIG)

  The International Mesothelioma Interest Group represents an independent group of scientists focused on expanding mesothelioma research, developing cures and finding treatment solutions.

• 

  Canadian Mesothelioma Foundation (CMF)

  The Canadian Mesothelioma Foundation (CMF) offers private, invite-only online support groups for mesothelioma patients, caregivers, family and the bereaved. For information on how to join visit the CMF website.

Specific Support Groups

Support groups provide an invaluable resource to mesothelioma patients. These groups offer a place to express your concerns, but also a place to receive encouragement from other survivors, caregivers, or current patients.

• 

  Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA

  Mesothelioma Orientation Group

This group is an orientation program for patients newly diagnosed with mesothelioma. Patients are presented with information from Dr. Bueno, the research team, social work and chaplaincy.

Contact: Charlene Haouiliya, LICSW at 617-732-5500 ext 32819. Meetings: Tuesdays 8:30-10:30am.

Mesothelioma Support Group for Family Members

Group is co-led by Social Work and Chaplaincy.
A support group for family members of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. A focused discussion about caregiver issues and encouraging good self-care.

Contact: Charlene Haouiliya, LICSW at 617-732-5500 ext 32819.
Meetings: Wednesdays from 12-1:00pm in the Multipurpose Room on the 11th floor. Lunch is served.

Phone-Based Support Groups

Hearing a comforting voice of someone who understands what you’re going through is very helpful. A series of phone-based support groups that you can join are listed below.

Mesothelioma Foundation Phone Groups

The Mesothelioma Foundation offers a variety of options for patients to take part in teleconference-style support groups.
Visit the Mesothelioma Foundation website

Cancer Support Helpline

The Cancer Support Community offers support for those that have been recently diagnosed or are long-time cancer patients.
Visit the Cancer Support Community website.

CancerCare

CancerCare supports people affected by all types of cancer, including mesothelioma. The free services include individual and group counseling with oncology social workers, plus virtual counseling through the CancerCare telephone HOPEline.
Visit the CancerCare website.

Online Support Groups

Many people who have just been diagnosed with mesothelioma will turn to the internet to find answers to their questions. While we offer a wide-array of information and support (such as our Mesothelioma Guide), online support groups give patients a first-hand opportunity to tell their stories and share their experience.

• Mesothelioma Guide Facebook Group
  This open group is managed by Mesothelioma Guide and offers news about research and other information regarding mesothelioma.
  Visit Mesothelioma Guide Facebook page
• Mesothelioma Foundation Facebook Group
  This open group is for sharing information about mesothelioma for patients and their families.
  Visit Mesothelioma Foundation Facebook page
• Cancer Support Community
  Speak with others facing a series of similar health challenges from the convenience of your home
  Visit the Cancer Support Community website
• Daily Strength
  Daily Strength was created to provide a community sharing information and insights.
  Visit the Daily Strength website
• Share the Care
  Provides valuable information on caring for an ill friend or family member with a step-by-step guidebook.
  Visit the Share the Care website

Message Boards

Message boards and forums for cancer-related issues are a place where people come together and thrive as a community. You can get involved and start sharing today.

• Topix Forums
  Visit the Topix Forum website
• The Cancer Forums
  Visit the Cancer Forums website

Why Support Groups?

Support groups can help mesothelioma patients stay positive and put faith in treatment. Mesothelioma is rare, so finding a support group can be tough—it’s simply harder to come across other people diagnosed with this disease. However, mesothelioma patients from across the country can come together via the internet and conference calls. Through support groups, patients can share their stories and meet others going through the same hardships.

Support groups are important because they:

• Can reduce the stress of a diagnosis
• Provide inspiration and hope
• Offer comfort and acceptance
• Give a sense of community
• Are made up of people who can empathize with each other
• Let patients know they are not alone

Most mesothelioma survivors have all said that it’s important to get support from friends, family and other patients.

Treatment for mesothelioma can be hard, but for most patients, it’s worth it. Getting support from those who have experienced treatment for themselves can be reassuring that going through it is the right choice. Studies on cancer patients who participate in support groups have even shown that they experience less pain from their disease and are more content with life.

Mesothelioma patients can also find support through our Mesothelioma Survivors Guide, featuring detailed interviews with survivors who have dealt with all the suffering of a diagnosis. Get a free copy of our Mesothelioma Survivor’s Guide today.

Support groups can also be beneficial for family members. There is no question that family members feel the burden of a mesothelioma diagnosis as well, and it’s something that should be addressed. Connecting with other family members can ease this stress and reignite the will to fully support their loved one. Studies have even shown that patients and families attending support groups have better relationships and are more capable of dealing with adversity.

If you have more questions about mesothelioma support groups, refer to our support groups FAQ.

2018 Support Events

April 1-7, 2018

The 2018 International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma

June 8, 2018 – Minneapolis, MN
October 5, 2018 – New York City, NY
The Meso Foundation’s symposium is an event featuring scientists, medical professionals, and mesothelioma advocates.
View more information on the Meso Foundation website.

International Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference

April 13–15, 2018 – Washington D.C.
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization’s conference features speakers from diverse backgrounds who hope to spread awareness about asbestos diseases.
View more information on the ADAO website.

3rd Annual George Dreith Memorial Golf Tournament

April 21, 2018 – Godfrey, IL
This event begins at 12 PM.
For more information contact Alison Dreith at alidreith@gmail.com.

Mother’s Day Weekend Meso Run 2018

May 12, 2018 – Los Angeles, CA
This event is in honor of Patty Forgiewill and takes place at 9 AM.
For more information contact mothersdaymesorun@gmail.com.

Washington Memorial 5k Run/Walk

July 4, 2018 – Federal Way, WA
This 5K is in memory of Dick Dyhrman, Bud Hatley, and Bob Stewart. Proceeds will go to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. For more information contact Kimberly Shelton at
253-835-6932. The event begins at 9 AM.

8th Annual Kayaking 4 Meso

September 8, 2018 – Waterford, NY
Kayakers will journey down the Hudson River. The event raises donations for the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. Kayak launch starts at 9:30 AM, and there will be three breaks along the 8-mile trip.
For more information contact Mark Wells at markwells@kayaking4meso.org.

Common Questions About Mesothelioma Support Groups

Who can join a support group for mesothelioma?

Anyone affected by mesothelioma can join a support group. Most participants are people with this cancer, although there are groups specifically for friends and loved ones. Even if you don’t have mesothelioma, you might be affected and can join a support group to receive and give emotional strength.

Which organizations offer support groups for mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma Guide offers a support group option via its Facebook page. People affected by mesothelioma can ask questions and share stories to help themselves and others fight this cancer. Some of the other organizations with support groups are:

• The Mesothelioma Foundation
• Brigham and Women’s Hospital
• CancerCare
• Cancer Support Community

Are there online support groups available for mesothelioma?

Most organizations offer online versions of their mesothelioma support groups. Brigham and Women’s Hospital, one of the top cancer centers in the world, provides a virtual support option for people with mesothelioma. Other hospitals provide the same free resource. We can help you find an online support group today.

How does joining a mesothelioma support group help?

Mesothelioma support groups provide emotional support to the people affected by this cancer. They can provide courage to patients, friends and family members. Many have credited their strength in the fight against cancer to joining a support group. Additionally, support groups can lead to friendships that last a lifetime.