HOA’s Social Work Department is comprised of two licensed social workers with many years of experience.  Gussie Sorensen (LCSW-R,OSW-C) and Belinda Tamoutselis (LCSW-R) are available to all patients and their family members for counseling, bereavement, and group support, as well as assist our patients with finding opportunities to deal with financial challenges.

Hope and confidence are needed to counter the emotional drain on men and women who must deal with cancer. From surprise to denial, anger to fear, uncertainty to despair, the emotional reaction to cancer can take their toll on marriages, relationships, and livelihoods. Support groups can help patients, caregivers and family members share their experiences, regain control and get on with their lives.

We urge you to consider joining a support group. All of our support groups are free and open to the public. Please call for current meeting times and locations. In addition, several local organizations sponsor support groups. We would be happy to make a referral for you.

Here are some of HOA's Individual Support, Family Support and Support Groups:

Patient Support Groups

• Recurrent Support Group
  First and third Monday of each month from 4:00 to 5:30 pm at the Brittonfield office

• Caregiver Support Group
  Every Thursday from noon to 1:00pm at the Brittonfield office

• Kids Adjusting Through Support
  The KATS program is to help children and their families cope with serious illness by intervening with group support and education.  For dates of this program, please call (315) 472-7504. 

• Unique Connections
  T: (315) 634-5004
  Unique Connections is a non-profit 501(c) (3), tax-exempt corporation established in 2006 under the guidance and support of physicians, staff and cancer survivor/ patients of Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY to ease the cancer journey for patients in Central New York.   Programs and services are provided to cancer patients irrespective of their medical practice or hospital affiliation.  You can visit their website for more information.
  
  Patient Mentor Program
  Connects cancer patients in the Central New York community with a cancer survivor (a mentor) who has had a similar cancer diagnosis, providing one-on-one support.
  
  Complementary Therapy Voucher Award Program
  Provides funding to cancer patients for several visits of a complementary therapy modality of their choosing.

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
T: (315) 437-7025

• Can Survive
• Circle of Caring and Reach to Recovery
• Ostomy Support Group
• Man to Man - Prostate Cancer Awareness and Support Group
• Wellspring Caring & Sharing - Breast Cancer Survivors Support Group
• Look Good Feel Better programs

ST. JOSEPH'S HOSPITAL HEALTH CENTER
T: (315) 448-5175
Breast Cancer Support Group

THE LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA SOCIETY SUPPORT GROUP
T: (315) 471-1050