Living with a disease or chronic condition, or experiencing grief and loss, can be incredibly isolating experiences, filled with physical, emotional, and psychological challenges. One of the most valuable resources for individuals navigating these hardships is support groups. These groups provide a sense of community, offering a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, exchange information, and find emotional comfort among those who truly understand their struggles. Beyond just emotional support, support groups can also empower individuals with knowledge, help them manage their conditions more effectively, and foster a sense of hope and resilience.
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Hamilton, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, offers wide-ranging, professionally-led support groups for patients and their caregivers held throughout the year. For many, these groups are an essential part of the journey toward improved well-being and quality of life.
Breast Cancer Support Group
Held the First Tuesday of Each Month
Upcoming Dates: May 6, 2025; June 3, 2025; July 1, 2025; August 5, 2025; September 2, 2025; October 7, 2025; November 4, 2025; December 2; 2025
Time: 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton, NJ 08619
This support group welcomes those who have received a breast cancer diagnosis in all phases of their journey. The group is led by an Oncology Nurse Navigator and a Certified Oncology Social Worker. It offers participants an opportunity to share personal experiences, helpful resources, and methods of coping with feelings of anxiety and distress. For more information, please contact Patty Hutman Parker, BSN, RN, OCN, at 609-584-2836 or Roberta Weiner, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, at 609-584-6680.
Gynecologic Cancer Support Group
Held the Third Tuesday of Each Month
Upcoming Dates: April 15, 2025; May 20, 2025; June 17, 2025; July 15, 2025; August 19, 2025; September 16, 2025; October 21, 2025; November 18, 2025; December 16, 2025
Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Location: The Cancer Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, 2575 Klockner Road, Hamilton, NJ 08690
This group meets on the third Tuesday of every month from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the conference room at The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton. It brings individuals with gynecologic cancer the support, education, and empowerment they need to move along the path to recovery. Topics discussed include coping with the emotional impact of cancer, adjusting to changes during and after treatment, and managing concerns about recurrence. This program is facilitated by Roberta Weiner, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C,
Certified Oncology Social Worker. For more information, please call 609-584-6680.
Ostomy Support Group
Held Quarterly on Tuesdays
Upcoming Dates: May 13, 2025; August 12, 2025; November 11, 2025
Time: 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, 1 Hamilton Health Place, Outpatient Bldg., #5, 1st Floor Auditorium, Hamilton Township, NJ 08690
This support group offers community members with ostomies, or those who want to learn more, the opportunity to discuss the daily logistics and lifestyle concerns of living with a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy. Caregivers, loved ones, and family members are also invited to participate in this support group where medical professionals can provide answers to frequently asked questions, help patients gain confidence and provide mutual support, and where peers can share personal experiences and practical information to help overcome the possible fears and anxieties of having an ostomy. This program is presented by Kelly Knox, BS, RN, CWCN, Wound Specialist, RWJUH Hamilton. Kelly is also available to see patients at RWJUH Hamilton’s Center for Wound Care, located at the hospital in the Outpatient Building, ground floor, to address hygiene, fit, maintenance, appliances, supplies, skin breakdown, and lifestyle changes. For more information, please contact Kelly Knox at 609-286-3826. Support groups may be subject to change, and it is strongly encouraged to call Kelly if you are planning on attending, 609-286-3826.
Stroke Support Group
Held Every 4th Tuesday of Each Month
Upcoming Dates: April 22, 2025; May 27, 2025; June 24, 2025; July 22, 2025; August 26, 2025; September 23, 2025; October 28, 2025; November 25, 2025; December 23, 2025
Time: 4 to 5 p.m.
Location: RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton, NJ 08619
The Stroke Support Group allows survivors and caregivers to come together to share personal experiences, feelings, recovery strategies, and firsthand information on managing life after stroke. The group is facilitated and presented by RWJ Rehabilitation - Hamilton team members, Ashley Sarrol, Speech-Language Pathologist, and Allyson Panikowski-Berry, Occupational Therapist. Stroke survivors and care partners at any stage of recovery are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Additional RWJUH Hamilton support groups include:
- Adult Children Caring for Parents
- Alzheimer’s Support Group
- Bariatric Surgery Support Group
- Caregiver Support Group
- Caring for Loved Ones with Chronic Conditions
- Letting Go of Clutter Group
- Prediabetes Connect Group
All RWJUH Hamilton programs are open to all and we welcome any one in our local communities to attend and participate.
You can view RWJUH Hamilton’s calendar of all upcoming support groups, programs and events at rwjbh.org/HamiltonPrograms.
Online registration is preferred and/or in some cases required. For more information, please email CommunityEdHAM@rwjbh.org or call (609) 584-5900.
Learn more about RWJBarnabas Health events and classes throughout New Jersey online at rwjbh.org/events.