Oncology Support Services
At RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute we treat the whole patient and not just their disease. In addition to state-of-the-art treatments, our facilities also provide outstanding oncology support services including psychosocial support, nurse navigation, nutritional counseling, health and wellness programming, and general and disease-specific support groups. Our programs can help you manage stress, cope with the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis, deal with treatment and its side effects, and help you adjust to the many changes in your life.
Most of our support groups and wellness programs are virtual with a few in person at one of our facilities across the state. All programs are free and open to all RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute patients. Please contact the site’s facilitator with any questions or to register for the group/program.
General Cancer Support Groups
Bereavement Support Group (virtual)
This group provides support for patients in treatment and survivors with
history of cancer.
Date(s): Second Tuesday of each month
Time: 6pm
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical
Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or
debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org
Cancer Support Group (virtual and in-person)
This group provides support for patients in treatment and survivors with
history of cancer.
Date(s): Second Tuesday of each month
Time: 1pm
Host: Cancer Center Conference Room at Clara Maass Medical Center, 1 Clara Maass
Drive, Belleville, NJ 07109.
Registration Contact: 973-844-4150 or Michelle Ashley, RN, at
Michelle.Ashley2@rwjbh.org or Caprina Tomlinson, RN at
Caprina.Tomlinson@rwjbh.org
Cancer Support Group (virtual)
This group provides support for patients in treatment and survivors with
history of cancer.
Date(s): First Tuesday of each month
Time: 4pm
Host: Jersey City Medical Center
Registration Contact: Kristy Case, LCSW, Office: 201-915-2578 or
Kristy.Case@rwjbh.org
Cancer Support Group (virtual)
This group provides support for patients in treatment and survivors with
history of cancer.
Date(s): Last Tuesday of each month
Time: 12pm
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical
Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or
debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org
Cancer Support Group (virtual)
This group provides support for patients in treatment and survivors with
history of cancer.
Date(s): Third Thursday of each month
Time: 1:30pm
Host: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Registration Contact: Leon Lejda 973-926-7565 or
Leon.Lejda@rwjbh.org or Rachael Shuster 973-926-7976 or
Rachael.Shuster@rwjbh.org
Latina Share (virtual)
This Spanish-speaking group provides support for gynecological and breast
cancer patients.
Date(s): Various groups on various days
Time: various times
Host: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Registration Contact: Jennie Santiago (LatinaSHARE) 212-937-5585 or
Jennie.Santiago@rwjbh.org
Living with Cancer Support Group (virtual)
For cancer patients and their caregivers. The group improves education,
promotes mutual problem solving and facilitates sharing.
Date(s): Second and Fourth Wednesday of each month
Time: 5pm
Host: Rutgers Cancer Institute
Registration Contact: Sharon Epps at 732-235-6792 or
cinj_socialworkers@cinj.rutgers.edu
Men’s Cancer Support Group (virtual)
Serves as a support channel and place for our male patients to bring up
issues of concern.
Date(s): Second Monday of each month
Time: 6pm
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical
Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or
debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org
Men’s Cancer Support Group (virtual)
Serves as a support channel and place for our male patients to bring up
issues of concern.
Date(s): First Tuesday of each month AND Second and Fourth Wednesday of each month
Time: 11am AND 6:30pm
Host: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
Registration Contact: 908-658-5400- extension 0
Post Treatment Support Group (virtual)
Date(s): Second Tuesday of each month
Time: 5pm
Host: Jersey City Medical Center
Registration Contact: Kristy Case, LCSW, 201-915-2578 or
Kristy.Case@rwjbh.org
Disease-specific Support Groups
Better Breather’s Support Group (virtual)
For individuals who have COPD or other chronic lung disease such as asthma,
pulmonary fibrosis or lung cancer. Learn how other cope with lung illness
and share strategies for improving your quality of life.
Date(s): Second Thursday of each month
Time: 10:30am
Host: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
Registration Contact: Patricia.Halicki@rwjbh.org or 908-927-8714
Breast Cancer Support Group (in person)
This Support Group welcomes those who have received a Breast Cancer diagnosis
in all phases of their journey. It offers participants the opportunity
to share personal experiences and provides helpful resources and methods
of coping with feelings of anxiety and distress.
Date(s): First Tuesday of each month in the lobby of The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton
Time: 6pm-7:30pm
Host: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton
Registration Contact: Patty Hutman Parker, RN, at 609-584-2836 or
Patricia.Hutman@rwjbh.org or Roberta Weiner, LCSW,
Roberta.Weiner@rwjbh.org at 609-584-6680
Breast Cancer Support Group (virtual)
Date(s): Last Wednesday (virtual) of each month at 6pm
Time: 6pm (Wednesday)
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical
Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or
debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.
Gastrointestinal Support Group (virtual)
Helps improve the education of patients with this disease, provide the
opportunity to receive information and to facilitate sharing among GI
cancer survivors.
Date(s): Third Wednesday of each month
Time: 4pm
Host: Rutgers Cancer Institute
Registration Contact: Sharon Epps at 732-235-6792 or
cinj_socialworkers@cinj.rutgers.edu
Head and Neck Cancer Support Group
Helps improve the education of patients with this disease, provide the
opportunity to receive information and to facilitate sharing among GI
cancer survivors.
Host: Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
Registration Contact: Ilana Silver, LCSW at 973-322-2743 or
Ilana.Silver@rwjbh.org
Lung Cancer Support Group (hybrid)
For members impacted by a lung cancer diagnosis.
Date(s): Third Thursday of each month
Time: 12pm
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical
Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or
debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.
Multiple Myeloma Support Group (virtual)
Date(s): First Wednesday of each month
Time: 6:30pm
Host: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
Registration Contact: 908-876-3967
SPOHNC Oral/Head/Neck Support Group (virtual)
Date(s): Second Thursday of each month
Time: 6pm
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical
Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or
debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.
Time to Talk Breast Cancer Support Group (virtual)
Helps improve the education of patients with this disease, provide the
opportunity to receive information and to facilitate sharing among breast
cancer survivors.
Date(s): Second Monday of each month AND Fourth Monday of each month
Time: 2pm AND 7pm
Host: Rutgers Cancer Institute
Registration Contact: Sharon Epps at 732-235-6792 or
cinj_socialworkers@cinj.rutgers.edu
Wellness Programs
Acupressure for Self-Care (virtual)
Identify and work with acupressure points on the body for self-care.
Date(s): First Tuesday of each month
Time: 12pm
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical
Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or
debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.
Breathing for Relaxation (virtual)
Date(s): Third Friday of each month
Time: 6pm
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical
Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or
debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.
Chair Stretch (virtual)
Date(s): Third Tuesday of each month
Time: 6pm
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical
Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or
debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.
Chair Yoga (virtual)
Yoga designed for individuals who have difficulty sitting on the floor
comfortably and getting up again easily.
Date(s): Every Thursday
Time: 12:30pm
Host: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
Registration Contact: Patricia.Halicki@rwjbh.org or 908-927-8714
Cultural Connection, Celebrating Diversity (virtual)
Celebrate diversity through discussions related to cultural experiences.
Date(s): First Monday of each month or Spiritual Reflections 6pm (each program is
offered every other month)
Time: 6pm
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical
Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or
debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.
Food Matters: A Cancer-Focused Nutrition and Cooking Class (virtual)
Date(s): 3rd Wednesday of every other month
Time: 11:30AM
Host: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Registration Contact: Jerianne Cusipag, RD, at (973) 926-4616 or
maria.cusipag@rwjbh.org.
Game Night (virtual)
Date(s): Second Friday of each month
Time: 6pm
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical
Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or
debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.
Gentle Yoga (virtual)
Yoga designed for individuals who are able to sit on the floor comfortably
and get up again without difficulty.
Date(s): Every Tuesday
Time: 1:30pm
Host: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
Registration Contact: Patricia.Halicki@rwjbh.org or 908-927-8714
Gentle Yoga (virtual)
Yoga designed for individuals who are able to sit on the floor comfortably
and get up again without difficulty.
Date(s): Fourth Friday of each month
Time: 10am
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical
Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or
debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.
Guided Imagery (virtual)
Open to all
Date(s): Second Tuesday of each month AND Fourth Tuesday of each month
Time: 2pm AND 2pm
Host: Rutgers Cancer Institute
Registration Contact: Sharon Epps at 732-235-6792 or
cinj_socialworkers@cinj.rutgers.edu
Journey Through Music (virtual)
Experience the inspiration and benefits of music on this journey through
various genres. How music can be used as a support and coping mechanism
through your cancer journey.
Date(s): First Friday of each month
Time: 6pm
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical
Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or
debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.
Laughing Chair Yoga (virtual)
Learn the benefits of experiencing laughter through this yoga practice.
Date(s): Fourth Friday of each month
Time: 11am
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical
Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or
debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.
Mindfulness Meditation (virtual)
Date(s): First Wednesday of each month AND last Thursday of each month
Time: 6pm
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical
Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or
debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.
Mindfulness Meditation (virtual)
Open to all
Date(s): First Friday of each month AND Third Thursday of each month
Time: 8am AND 5pm
Host: Rutgers Cancer Institute
Registration Contact: Sharon Epps at 732-235-6792 or
cinj_socialworkers@cinj.rutgers.edu
Mindful Yoga (virtual)
Date(s): First Friday of each month
Time: 11am
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical
Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or
debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.
Seated Gentle Yoga (virtual)
Yoga designed for individuals who have difficulty sitting on the floor
comfortably and getting up again easily.
Date(s): Fourth Friday of each month
Time: 11am
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical
Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or
debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.
Seated Qi gong (virtual)
Date(s): First Monday at 11am and Third Monday at 6pm of each month
Time: 11am AND 6pm
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical
Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or
debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.
Seated Tai Chi Easy (virtual)
Date(s): Second and Fourth Tuesday
Time: 11:15am
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical
Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or
debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.
Seated Zumba Gold (virtual)
Date(s): Second Monday of each month at 11am AND Fourth Monday of each month at 6pm
Time: 11am AND 6pm
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical
Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or
debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.
Spiritual Reflections (virtual)
Discussion and reflection on topics related to spirituality throughout
one’s cancer journey.
Date(s): First Monday of each month or Cultural Connection, Celebrating Diversity
6pm (each program is offered every other month).
Time: 6pm
Host: Community Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical
Center Southern Campus
Registration Contact: Debra McGivney, LSW, OSW-C at 732-923-6090 or
debra.mcgivney@rwjbh.org.
Virtual Yoga classes (virtual)
Date(s): Mondays and Fridays
Time: 6pm and 10:30am
Host: Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
Registration Contact: Please call 973-322-7007.
Wellness Workout (virtual)
All are invited at any age and any stage in their cancer journey. Learn
a variety of progressive exercises using your body weight and any other
resistance equipment available in your home. Gain confidence and focus
on movement patterns while building balance, flexibility and strength.
Date(s): Every Tuesday and Friday
Time: 11am
Host: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
Registration Contact: Patricia.Halicki@rwjbh.org or 908-927-8714
- Individualized Cancer Wellness Program for Cooperman Barnabas patients only. It provides 2 nutritional counseling sessions, exercise (12 week program), yoga (twice a week) and 2 sessions of massage therapy.
- Art therapy program-individual and group services to patients undergoing treatment at Cooperman Barnabas Cancer Center
