Cancer Support and Wellness Events
The Mount Sinai Health System offers an array of support and wellness programs for cancer patients and their loved ones. We have support groups for different cancer types that give participants an opportunity to connect with others. We also have support groups in various languages, including Spanish and Chinese.
Our wellness programs include writing/journaling workshops, meditation, yoga, spiritual care, a choir, and more. In addition, we provide educational programs featuring current cancer-related topics with diverse speakers. All of these programs are designed to improve your quality of life. While most of our programs are virtual, some are in person or hybrid.
View our events calendar page for date/time details and updates.
For Patients, All Cancer Types
Journaling Workshops
Join one or all of our writing workshops via Zoom. We send out prompts the night before and encourage you to take a moment, whether 10 minutes or an hour, to write something. Then we gather on Zoom to share what we have written.
When: Wednesdays, 3-4 pm
RSVP: Email Emily at write.treat@gmail.com
Knitting Group
Knitting and crocheting can lower heart rate and blood pressure and reduce harmful levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Enjoy friendly conversation while you work on your yarn projects. Anyone in need of supplies please contact cssevents@mountsinai.org.
When: Thursdays, 1-2 pm
RSVP: Email cssevents@mountsinai.org
Meditation With Alice
Join Alice Fox for her virtual guided meditation. Evidence supports the healing benefits of meditation for cancer patients. Learn to connect and enjoy a sense of inner peace and let go of stress.
When: Mondays and Wednesdays, 11 am-12:30 pm
RSVP: Email Alice Fox at alicebfox@gmail.com
Relaxation Techniques to Prepare for Cancer Surgery
Connecting mind and body with meditation and hypnosis can be helpful. Benefits have been reported to include reduced levels of stress and anxiety, improved sleep, less pain, and shorter recovery time.
RSVP: Email Mary Vu, LCSW, at mary.vu@mountsinai.org or call 347-920-7634.
Ostomy Support Group
Got a stoma? Getting a stoma? Join us to connect with others and share your experience.
When: 2nd Thursday of the month, 3-4 pm
RSVP: Email Taemin Ahn at gioncsw@mountsinai.org
Vocal Ensemble
Join our Mount Sinai Vocal Ensemble for a little musical delight, whether to sing yourself or enjoy a little music from the comfort of your home. The group meets on Zoom and is led by the talented Michael Inge.
When: Mondays, 1 pm
RSVP: No RSVP needed. Zoom Link - https://bit.ly/3mxB9Cy (Meeting ID is 448 800 2565 and Passcode is 506560)
Yoga For Men Who Are Cancer Survivors
Join Jerry Snee, CYI, at the Jewish Community Center for in-person or virtual community and yoga practice. This class is open to those in treatment and who have completed treatment.
When: Wednesdays, 3-4:30 pm
RSVP: Email jerrysnee@msn.com for more information.
Crafts and Conversation Group
Have you recently been diagnosed with cancer? Join us to learn techniques to cope with anxiety, such as mindfulness, and other meditations for relaxation, and talk to other patients about what they are doing to handle their new diagnosis. This group meets in person in the main conference room at The Blavatnik Family Chelsea Medical Center, 325 West 15th Street.
When: 2nd Wednesday of the month, 11 am-12 pm
RSVP: Email liza.lundgren@mountsinai.org for more information.
Cedar Club: Chinese-Speaking Cancer Support Program
The Cedar Club – Chinese Speaking Cancer Patients Support Group is a culturally tailored group for Chinese speaking patients. This group meets virtually on a monthly basis, and offers psychoeducation on a variety of topics that aim to enhance the well-being of cancer survivors. Speakers include nutritionists, medical doctors, physical therapist, medical interpreters, and licensed acupuncturists. This support group offers a safe space for Chinese speaking cancer patients to share their experiences with their peers and support each other. The support group is offered in Mandarin and/or Cantonese, depending on the needs of participants. It is facilitated by Mi (Emma) Zhou, LCSW, who is fluent in both Mandarin and Cantonese. Special cultural events are offered during major Chinese holidays, including Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival.
RSVP: For more information, phone 212-604-6095.
雪松会-华人癌友互助会是一个针对华人移民需要建立的癌症支持小组。这个小组每个月在线上进行，小组包含一些不同话题的讲座，旨在提高癌症患者的身心健康。在这个小组演讲过的专业人员包括营养师、医生、物理治疗师、医务翻译以及执照针灸师。除此之外，这个小组为华人移民癌症患者提供了一个安全的空间，让他们和拥有相似经历的病友分享自己的经历，并且互相支持。根据参与者的语言上的需要，这个小组的语言是普通话或者/以及广东话。这个小组由执业临床双语社工周宓小姐主持，她可以讲普通话和广东话。在一些华人传统节日，包含农历新年、中秋节、以及端午节，小组也会提供一些特别的庆祝活动。需要知道更多信息，请联络212-604-6095. 线上小组的链接是
Talleres Mensuales en Espanol para Pacientes en Tratamientos Oncolgicos
El objetivo de los talleres es crear una conexión entre los pacientes y el equipo de salud. Es un espacio creado para compartir preguntas para apoyo financiero, comunicación con equipo médico y apoyo para obtener calidad en el proceso de los tratamientos. El taller será facilitado por una trabajadora social el último miércoles de cada mes.
Monthly Workshops in Spanish for Patients in Cancer Treatment
The objective of the workshops is to facilitate communication between the medical team and patients. It is a safe space to share questions and obtain support.
When: Last Wednesday of every month, 4-5 pm
RSVP: Email maria.amado@mountsinai.org for Zoom link.
For Patients, Cancer-specific Programs
Surviving Survivorship: Managing Life During and After a Blood Cancer Diagnosis
Join an oncology social worker for a monthly meeting for education, support, and information sharing. The group is open to leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma patients and survivors, their adult family members, partners, and friends.
RSVP: Call 914-496-3902 or visit www.lls.org/metny
Post-Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplant Support Group
Join this group to connect with and learn from others who are also recovering from an allogeneic bone marrow transplant.
RSVP: Email Ryan Dritz at ryan.dritz@mountsinai.org
Brain Tumor and Glioblastoma Support Group
Seeking support for yourself or a loved one with a brain tumor?
RSVP: Email Kat Safavi, LCSW, at kat.safavi@mountsinai.org
Dubin Zoom Meditation for Breast Cancer Patients
Join the Dubin Breast Center for a weekly meditation class led by Laura Teusink.
When: Wednesdays, 6-6:45 pm
RSVP: Email DubinNutritionist@mountsinai.org
Dubin Zoom Pilates for Breast Cancer Patients
Join the Dubin Breast Center for a weekly Pilates class led by Melissa Miles.
When: Thursdays, 5-6 pm
RSVP: Email DubinNutritionist@mountsinai.org
Dubin Zoom Yoga for Breast Cancer Patients
Join the Dubin Breast Center for a weekly yoga class led by Jana Hicks.
When: Tuesdays, 5:45-6:45 pm
RSVP: Email DubinNutritionist@mountsinai.org
Healing Through Journaling for Breast Cancer Patients
Join this journaling session via Zoom. It is open to all breast cancer patients and is facilitated by Lori Perkins, breast cancer survivor, editor and author. Participants receive writing prompts during the session and have time to write and share with the group.
When: 1st Tuesday of the month at 1:30 pm and 3rd Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm
RSVP: Phone Jessica Kreitman at 212-241-8765 for Zoom link.
Young Adult Breast Cancer Support Group
This group meets via Zoom. It is open to patients, ages 20 to early 50s, at all stages of breast cancer, including survivorship. Participants are able to share their experiences and emotions in a non-judgmental space, fostering a special sense of community.
When: Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm
RSVP: Call 212-241-7748 for Zoom link.
Woman to Woman Program for GYN Cancers
We offer support groups and robust programming to provide emotional support, foster connection, and share practical resources for patients with gynecologic cancers. Our monthly programming schedule includes guest speakers and discussion groups tailored to specific interests and backgrounds, with topics ranging from clinical trial participation to sex after cancer. We also have programming for specific communities, including young persons, Latinos, LGBTQIA+ individuals, long-term survivors, newly-diagnosed individuals, those dealing with COVID-19 and cancer, those experiencing recurrences, and more. In addition, we hold two reunions each year in the fall and spring and have an active Facebook group.
Lung Cancer Support Group
Join this drop-in group for patients with lung cancer. Share, connect, and learn from each other in a supportive atmosphere. This group is facilitated by a licensed social worker.
RSVP: Email Mae Ryan at mae.ryan@mountsinai.org
Multiple Myeloma Mindful Journaling Group
Join us in a creative and therapeutic process of mindful journaling. Mindful journaling allows our thoughts, feelings, and experiences to take tangible form on paper, which helps us become better listeners to ourselves during times of stress. No experience required.
When: Tuesdays, 4 - 5 pm
RSVP: Email Rachel Wangler, LMSW, at rachel.wangler@mountsinai.org or call 212-824-8759.
BIPOC Multiple Myeloma Support Group “One Day at a Time”
This is a support group for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color diagnosed with multiple myeloma.
When: Mondays, 2-3 pm
RSVP: Email Yu Mee Song at yumee.song@mountsinai.org or call 212-824-8771.
Grupo de Apoyo Para Pacientes y Familias con Mieloma
Los pacientes y sus cuidadores están invitados a compartir sus inquietudes, temores y experiencias en un entorno cómodo, empático y de apoyo mutuo en este grupo mensual gratuito. El cuarto martes de cada mes.
RSVP: Email Charlotte McDermott at charlotte.mcdermott@mountsinai.org, call 914-496-3902, or visit www.lls.org/metny.
Special Groups
For Men
Yoga for Men Who Are Cancer Survivors With Jerry
Join Jerry Snee for an in-person or virtual yoga practice. This class is open to patients in treatment and those who have completed treatment.
When: Thursdays, 3-4:30 pm
RSVP: Email Jerry at JerrySnee@MSN.com.
For Non-English Speaking Patients
Cedar Club: Chinese-Speaking Cancer Support Group
Let us read a heart-warming book, More Than a Little by M.H. Clark and Cecile Metzger. 和我們⼀起來讀⼀本暖⼼的書，由 M.H. Clark 和 Cecile Metzger 所作的《不⽌⼀點點》Let us learn to express how much we appreciate our loved ones. 讓我們⼀起學習怎樣表達對重要的⼈的珍惜之⼼。
RSVP: Email Emma Mi Zhou, LCSW at mi.zhou@mountsinai.org or call 212-604-6095.
Grupo de Apoyo Para Pacientes y Familias con Mieloma
Los pacientes y sus cuidadores están invitados a compartir sus inquietudes, temores y experiencias en un entorno cómodo, empático y de apoyo mutuo en este grupo mensual gratuito. El cuarto martes de cada mes.
RSVP: Email Charlotte McDermott at charlotte.mcdermott@mountsinai.org, call 914-496-3902, or visit www.lls.org/metny.
Woman to Woman Programs
Woman to Woman: Book Club
Each month the book will be chosen by a book club member. All are welcome, whether you’ve had a chance to finish the book or not. (Just be mindful that you may encounter some spoilers.)
RSVP: Email womantowoman@mountsinai.org.
Woman to Woman: Cancer Related Lower Extremity Lymphedema
Berfin Mahmut, PT, DPT, will discuss lymphedema and how it can impact gynecologic cancer patients and how to alleviate symptoms. She is a physical therapist specializing in oncology and lymphedema therapy. She is also a cancer exercise specialist, who has been with Mount Sinai for almost four years. Also, she developed the lymphedema and oncology physical therapy program at Mount Sinai Downtown. Seeing her patients get better is what drives her passion.
RSVP: Email womantowoman@mountsinai.org.
Woman to Woman: Gynecologic Cancer Support Group
Meet other women who have been diagnosed with this life-changing disease and share your story. The goal is to reduce isolation, share resources, feel empowered, and learn ways to cope. We will be joined by guest speakers who are specialists in their fields.
When: Wednesdays, 12-1 pm Please note that there will be no group on August 23.
RSVP: Email womantowoman@mountsinai.org.
Woman to Woman: Now What? Long-Term Gynecologic Cancer Survivor Group
This monthly group is for long-term (2+ years) survivors of gynecologic cancer. The purpose is to connect with other women to share unique experiences of long-term survivors in a supportive setting.
RSVP: Email womantowoman@mountsinai.org.
Woman to Woman: Sound Frequency as a Therapeutic Tool
The sound waves or vibrations created by certain tools, such as gongs, tuning forks, and singing bowls can actually alter your brainwave frequencies. You can use different sound frequencies to "hack" your brainwaves and potentially promote physical and emotional healing. Join graduate student Anika Jagasia to learn about how sound frequency can be a helpful tool for cancer patients. The session will conclude with a frequency music therapy session so participants can experience the benefits firsthand.
RSVP: Email womantowoman@mountsinai.org.
Woman to Woman: Spirituality Group
This group meets periodically to reflect on spirituality as a source of both strength and struggle. Spirituality is understood very broadly, and participants of all belief systems are welcome. You do not have to be religious to participate in this group. Content varies based on participant interests but may include discussion of spiritual themes (gratitude, forgiveness, the transcendent, etc.), sharing of spiritual journeys, exploration of spiritual struggles, and/or reflection on a poem, song, image, or other text. The group is facilitated by a board certified interfaith chaplain.
RSVP: Email Chaplain Karen Terry at karen.terry@mountsinai.org or call 212-824-8129.
Woman to Woman: What to Read/Watch/Listen to Right Now!
Of our favorite books, must-see television shows and movies, can’t-miss podcasts, and more. Crowdsource ideas about how to stay entertained from your fellow Woman to Woman community members. We will put suggestions in real time into a shared document that will be distributed to attendees after the session. Come prepared to share your recommendations.
RSVP: Email womantowoman@mountsinai.org.
Woman to Woman: LatinaSHARE Support Group
Join LatinaSHARE for a support group in Spanish for patients with breast or ovarian cancer.
RSVP: Email Jennie Santiago at jsantiago@sharecancersupport.org or call 212-221-1750.
For Caregivers
Multiple Myeloma Caregiver Support Group
Join this support group for caregivers of patients with multiple myeloma to connect with others, share experiences, learn about resources, and reduce stress and isolation.
RSVP: Email Jaclyn Zingman, LMSW, at jaclyn.zingman@mountsinai.org or call 212-824-8745.
Young Adult Caregiver Support Group
This is a drop-in group for young adults who are caring for a loved one with cancer. The group is a place to share, connect, and learn from others in a supportive atmosphere.
RSVP: Email Oscar Duran at oscar.duran@mountsinai.org or call 212-824-9273.
One-On-One Peer Support
Chemo Companions
Chemo Companions pairs up patients with medical and graduate school students who regularly attend appointments to provide support throughout patients’ chemotherapy treatment at the Ruttenberg Treatment Center.
RSVP: Email Anna Gribetz at anna.gribetz@mountsinai.org
Peer to Peer Prostate Support
Have you been diagnosed with prostate cancer? Would you be interested in being matched with our peer mentor, Jean Claude? He was treated at The Mount Sinai Hospital for prostate cancer in 2005. Since 2007, Jean Claude has worked as a volunteer with cancer patients at Mount Sinai’s Ruttenberg Treatment Center.
RSVP: Email Anna Gribetz at anna.gribetz@mountsinai.org