Support Groups

If you have lost a loved one to cancer, we invite you to participate in one of our weekly or monthly virtual bereavement support groups. These groups provide a supportive environment for discussions, educational insights, and community connections. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost.

When joining a weekly support group, members are asked to commit to at least twelve weeks with the option to extend up to fourteen months. Members must reside within the state of Illinois.

Weekly Bereavement Support Group Offerings:

• Tuesdays | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Virtual
  Facilitated by Mary-Ann Andrade-Bekker, PsyD, LCPC

• Wednesdays | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Virtual
  Facilitated by Kathryn West, LCSW

• Wednesdays | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Virtual
  Facilitated by Porcia Seals, LCSW

• Fridays | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Virtual
  Facilitated by Michelle Mannino Purkey, LMFT

Monthly Living Beyond Loss Support Group Offerings:

• 1st Tuesday of the month | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Virtual
  Facilitated by Carolyn Stypka, LCSW

• 3rd Tuesday of the month | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Virtual
  Facilitated by Clint Zavakos, LCSW and Steve Shields

Gilda’s Club is a place where those whose lives have been impacted by cancer, as well as their families and friends, can feel they are part of a welcoming community. Gilda’s Club Chicago’s weekly and monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Weekly and monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before joining a weekly and/or monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

1st Thursday of the month | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Virtual

If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, we invite you to participate in our monthly virtual support group. This group provides a safe space to meet with women who collaborate and empower one another while discussing challenges such as facing gender discrimination, bias within environments, compounding obstacles of racism, and building relationships, all through the impact of cancer diagnosis. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost.

Facilitator:
Kassandra Billups, MPC

Gilda’s Club is a place where those whose lives have been impacted by cancer, as well as their families and friends, can feel they are part of a welcoming community. Gilda’s Club Chicago’s monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Monthly Support Groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is recommended by not required before attending this support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

In partnership with Advocate Christ Medical Center

3rd Wednesday of the month | 6:00 – 7:30 PM | Virtual

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, we invite you to participate in our monthly virtual support group facilitated by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and an Advanced Practiced Provider. This group provides supportive environments for discussions, educational insights, and community connections. Participants are encouraged to include their caregivers. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost. 

Facilitators:
Lindsay Tynes, LCSW OSW-C
Mary Niemiec, RN BSN OCN

Gilda’s Club Chicago’s monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before attending a monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

If you are a caregiver for someone you love who has been diagnosed with cancer, we invite you to participate in one of our weekly virtual caregiver support groups. These groups provide a supportive environment for discussions, educational insights, and community connections. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost.

When joining a weekly support group, members are asked to commit to at least twelve weeks with the option to extend up to eighteen months. Members must reside within the state of Illinois.

Weekly Caregiver Support Group Offerings:

• Mondays | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Virtual
  Facilitated by Mary-Ann Andrade-Bekker, PsyD, LCPC

• Tuesdays | 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Virtual
  Facilitated by Michelle Mannino Purkey, LMFT

Monthly Caregiver Support Group Offerings:

• 3rd Wednesday of the Month | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Virtual
  Facilitated by Kat Bovbjerg, LSW

In partnership with Advocate Christ Medical Center

2nd Thursday of the month | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Virtual

If you have been diagnosed with a gastrointestinal cancer, we invite you to participate in our monthly virtual support group. This group provides a supportive environment for discussions, educational insights, and community connections. Participants are encouraged to include their caregivers. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost. This group is co-facilitated by a licensed mental health practitioner and an oncology nurse navigator.

Facilitators:
Mary Ann Andrade-Bekker, Psy.D., LCPC
Nicole Houlihan, RN, BSN, OCN

Gilda’s Club Chicago’s monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before attending a monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

In partnership with Advocate Christ Medical Center

1st Tuesday of the month | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Virtual

If you have been diagnosed with a gynecological cancer, we invite you to participate in our monthly virtual support group. This group provides a supportive environment for discussions, educational insights, and community connections. Participants are encouraged to include their caregivers. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost.

Facilitator:
Carolyn Stypka, LCSW

Gilda’s Club Chicago’s monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before attending a monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

4th Wednesday of the month | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Virtual

Every day, healthcare professionals dedicate a significant amount of effort to caring for others. If you’re a healthcare professional and either you or someone you know has received a cancer diagnosis, we invite you to join our monthly virtual support group. This group offers a nurturing space for you to take a moment for self-care, share personal journeys and experiences, and foster community connections. It’s important to note that no one will be asked to provide medical advice or expertise in this group. We welcome providers from all disciplines, and all the services provided by Gilda’s Club Chicago, including support groups, are completely free of charge.

Facilitator:
Kathryn West LCSW

Gilda’s Club Chicago’s monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before attending a monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

In partnership with Howard Brown Health Center

4th Monday of the month | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Virtual

Please join this supportive monthly group for all those who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, pansexual, nonbinary, genderqueer, etc.) and have been impacted by cancer –  including those who are living with cancer, family members and friends.

Facilitator:
Paige Jeffrey (she/her), MSW, LSW

Gilda’s Club Chicago’s monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before attending a monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

1st Tuesday of the month | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Virtual

If you have lost a loved one to cancer, we invite you to participate in our monthly virtual support group. This group provides a supportive environment for discussions, educational insights, and community connections. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost.

Living Beyond Loss Support Group Offerings:

• 1st Tuesday of the month | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Virtual
  Facilitated by Carolyn Stypka, LCSW

• 3rd Tuesday of the month | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Virtual
  Facilitated by Clint Zavakos, LCSW and Steve Shields

Weekly Bereavement Support Group Offerings

If you are interested in a weekly support group, contact info@gildasclubchicago.org.

• Tuesdays | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Virtual
  Facilitated by Mary-Ann Andrade-Bekker, PsyD, LCPC

• Wednesdays | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Virtual
  Facilitated by Kathryn West, LCSW
• Wednesdays | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Virtual
  Porcia Seals, LCSW

• Fridays | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Virtual
  Michelle Mannino Purkey, LMFT

Gilda’s Club Chicago’s monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before attending a monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, we invite you to participate in one of our weekly virtual living with cancer support groups. These groups provide a supportive environment for discussions, educational insights, and community connections. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost.

When joining a weekly support group, members are asked to commit to at least twelve weeks with the option to extend up to eighteen months. Members must reside within the state of Illinois.

Living with Cancer Support Group Offerings:

• Mondays | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Virtual
  Facilitated by Fredelyn Calla, LCPC, ATR-BC

• Tuesdays | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Virtual
  Facilitated by Michelle Mannino Purkey, LMFT

• Wednesdays | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Virtual
  Facilitated by Ross Alexander, LCSW

• Saturdays | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Virtual & Hybrid (held at Downtown Clubhouse on the 2nd Saturday of the month)
  Facilitated by Janet Aminoff, LCSW

Gilda’s Club is a place where those whose lives have been impacted by cancer, as well as their families and friends, can feel they are part of a welcoming community. Gilda’s Club Chicago’s weekly and monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Weekly and monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before joining a weekly and/or monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Virtual

If you are living with ovarian cancer, we invite you to participate in one of our bi-monthly virtual support groups. These groups provide a supportive environment for discussions, educational insights, and community connections. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost. Members must reside within the state of Illinois.

Facilitator:
Fredelyn Calla, LCPC, ATR-BC

Gilda’s Club is a place where those whose lives have been impacted by cancer, as well as their families and friends, can feel they are part of a welcoming community. Gilda’s Club Chicago’s weekly and monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Weekly and monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before joining a weekly and/or monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

In partnership with Advocate Christ Medical Center

2nd Wednesday of the month | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | GCC Clubhouse @ Advocate Christ Medical Center

If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer, we invite you to participate in our monthly, in-person support group. This group provides a supportive environment for discussions, educational insights, and community connections. Participants are encouraged to include their caregivers. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost. This group is co-facilitated by a licensed mental health practitioner and an oncology nurse navigator.

Facilitators:
Ross Alexander, LCSW
Diane Murphy, RN, BSN, OCN

Gilda’s Club Chicago’s monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before attending a monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

2nd Tuesday of the month | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Virtual

If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, we invite you to participate in our monthly virtual support group for men. This group provides a supportive environment for discussions on topics ranging from cancer and wellness, sports and movies and anything in between as well as community connections. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost.

Facilitator:
Ross Alexander, LCSW

Gilda’s Club Chicago’s monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before attending a monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month | 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM | Virtual

If you are living with metastatic breast cancer, we invite you to participate in our twice-monthly virtual support group. This group provides a supportive environment for those living with advanced breast cancer or Stage IV breast cancer where cancer cells have spread beyond the breast and into other parts of the body.

All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost.

Please note: this group is exclusively for those living with advanced breast cancer or Stage IV breast cancer. If you are living with any other breast cancer diagnosis, please check out our Breast Cancer Support Group and our Young Women with Breast Cancer Support Group.

Facilitator:
Fredelyn Calla, LCPC, ATR-BC

Gilda’s Club Chicago’s monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before attending a monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the month | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Virtual

GCC members who receive medical care from Northwestern Hospitals are welcome to attend this group once, intermittently, or each time it is held. Whatever your diagnosis, at whatever stage you are in treatment, you are welcome. If you would like to check-in for laughter, casual banter, to seek resources and referrals from community, or even just to vent, this is the group for you.

Facilitator:
Ali Vernasco, LCSW

In partnership with the Zero Prostate Cancer Education & Support Network

3rd Thursday of the month | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM | Hybrid (Virtual & Downtown Clubhouse)

If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, we invite you to participate in our monthly hybrid support group held both at the Downtown Clubhouse (537 N. Wells, Chicago) and virtually. This group provides a supportive environment for discussions on topics including treatment options, quality of life, incontinence, intimacy concerns, fear of recurrence and more as well as community connections. Participants are encouraged to include their caregivers. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost.

Facilitators:
Jim Schraidt
Clint Zavakos, LCPC
Jeff Albaugh, PhD, APRN, CUCNS

Gilda’s Club Chicago’s monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before attending a monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

4th Monday of the month | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Virtual

If you are between the ages of 18 and 39 and you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, we invite you to participate in our monthly virtual support group. This group provides a supportive environment for discussions, educational insights, and community connections. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost.

Facilitator:
Paige Jeffrey (she/her), MSW, LSW

Gilda’s Club Chicago’s monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before attending a monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.

In partnership with Young Survival Coalition

4th Tuesday of the month | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Virtual

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are between the ages of 18 and 40, we invite you to participate in our monthly virtual support group. This group provides supportive environments for discussions on treatment, nutrition, body image, and relationships, educational insights, and community connections. All the services, including support groups, offered at Gilda’s Club Chicago are provided without any cost.

Facilitator:
Kathryn West, LCSW
Lori Stopps
Rebecca Dorich

Gilda’s Club Chicago’s monthly support groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, medical professional and/or community partner. Monthly support groups are intended for adults. Registration for support groups must be done through the online calendar. For those new to Gilda’s Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required before attending a monthly support group. These take place every week and you can register at www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar.