Roper St. Francis Cancer Center Announces New Fall Schedule for Support Groups and Education

Charleston, SC - Roper St. Francis Cancer Center invites area residents to take part in FREE support groups and educational meetings this fall. Anyone interested in more information or registering for these programs is encouraged to call (843) 402-CARE (2273).

• Expressions of Healing Support Group, presented by Marjory Wentworth, South Carolina Poet Laureate, and Nancy Hackard, Art Therapist. This group will meet weekly on Thursdays beginning September 25 through November 13 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Roper Hospital, 316 Calhoun Street. Expressions of Healing is designed to encourage people with cancer as well as their family members and friends express their feelings through poetry, journaling and art. Over the course of the 8-week session, participants will create a journal and original artwork. The program, offered free of charge, includes materials, a light dinner, and parking.



• Breast Cancer Support Group. This group, which meets the fourth Monday of each month, provides encouragement, support and information for both those currently in treatment as well as survivors. Each session includes an educational presentation on a topic of special interest to the group and sharing time. Upcoming meetings will be held on September 22, October 27, November 24 and December 29 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Conference Room #1 at Roper Hospital, 316 Calhoun Street.



• Colorectal Cancer Support Group. The Roper St. Francis Cancer Center welcomes colon cancer patients, loved ones and survivors to join its ongoing Colorectal Cancer Support Group. It is designed as a forum for participants to bring questions and concerns and gain strength and encouragement from others who are facing similar challenges. This group meets from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. Meeting dates through the balance of 2008 are set for: September 3, October 1, November 5 and December 3. Meetings are held in Mall Classroom #3, Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, 2095 Henry Tecklenburg Drive, West Ashley.



• I Can Cope. Roper St. Francis Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society co-sponsor this four-session educational program for cancer patients and their families or caregivers. Each program features guest speakers, education and support and is designed to help participants cope with their cancer experience by empowering them with the knowledge to make informed decision.  Sessions take place the first Tuesday of each month. Upcoming meetings: October 7, November 4, December 2 and January 6  from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Roper Hospital's Edward Parker Boardroom (7th floor, Heart & Vascular Tower), 316 Calhoun St., Charleston. A light dinner and free parking are provided.

At Roper St. Francis Cancer Center, patients are offered a comprehensive team approach, including state-of-the-art technology for diagnosis and treatment, participation in ongoing clinical trials and access to a wide range of cancer-related education and support services.  Roper St. Francis Cancer Center has been awarded Accreditation with Commendation by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer. Three-year accreditation is bestowed on only the finest programs in the country with just 25 percent of hospital cancer programs in receipt and a smaller subset receiving commendation.

Check it out! A newly expanded, enhanced Roper St. Francis Cancer Center website is now available: http://www.ropersaintfrancis.com/cancer/default.asp

New features include helpful “fingertip resources,” which allow people to search and access information by cancer type as well as the latest on available treatment options and clinical trials.

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The Roper St. Francis Healthcare Mission:

Healing All People with Compassion, Faith and Excellence.