Cancer
—
This online group provides encouragement, hope, education, information, and support to all bladder and kidney cancer patients, family members, and caregivers. The group is available to those newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or recovering.
For questions or to register, call Erika Wong, MSW at 650-308-6274.
Second Thursday of the month
ONLINE
FREE

This online group is for patients, caregivers, and friends to share their story, get important medical updates, and learn about coping with symptoms and psychological changes.
For questions or to register, email Sharon Lamb at slamb2942@gmail.com or Joanie Taylor at momredwood@gmail.com.
For patients, caregivers, and friends:
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm PST
Fourth Thursday of the month
Dates: 7/27, 8/24
For caregivers only:
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm PST
Second Thursday of the month
Dates: 7/13, 8/10
ONLINE
FREE

People diagnosed with breast cancer may feel overwhelmed with worry and fears. This online group is for those who are just starting treatment or are currently receiving treatment.
For questions or to register, call Lee Techel at 925-416-6774 or email ltechel@stanfordhealthcare.org.
2nd and 4th Thursday of the month
ONLINE
FREE

Are you caring for a loved one with cancer? Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you want to talk to someone? Would you like to speak to others going through the same experience, or would you like to just take a moment for yourself?
The Cancer Caregiver Support Group is an online peer-led group offering emotional, educational, psychosocial, and spiritual support.
For questions or to register, call Lee Techel at 925-416-6774 or email ltechel@stanfordhealthcare.org.
1st and 3rd Thursday of the month
ONLINE
FREE

This educational and support program is designed for people with cancer and their loved ones. Participants learn how to manage their health to keep active and improve their lives.
For questions or to register, call Lee Techel at 925-416-6774 or email ltechel@stanfordhealthcare.org.
Every Tuesday
ONLINE
FREE

Meeting Dates: First and third Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Facilitated by Laura Crutchlow, LCSW
This group is for the unique experience of women anywhere in their treatment/any stage of gynecologic cancer. We provide a safe place for women to connect, share their experiences, and feel understood. You'll learn from each other, and share your thoughts and feelings about living, dying, fears, hopes, and coping skills.
If you are new to Bay Area Cancer Connections, please contact our Helpline at
650-326-6686 or info@bayareacancer.org to join the support group.
First and third Thursdays of the month
ONLINE
FREE

This online group provides information and support to those newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or recovering from treatment. Family members are welcome.
For questions or to register, email Anyani Partida at apartida@stanfordhealthcare.org.
First Tuesday of every month
ONLINE
FREE

This online support group is open to patients with leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin鈥檚 disease, myeloma, or myelodysplastic syndromes. This group is designed to provide mutual support and education to members. Caregivers, family, and friends are welcome.
For questions or to register, call Lisa Orr, LCSW at 650-683-5076.
Second Tuesday of each month
ONLINE
FREE

This online group provides encouragement, hope, education, information, and support to all lung cancer patients, family members, and caregivers in CA. The group is available to those newly diagnosed & undergoing treatment.
For questions or to register, call Lynn Chao at 650-353-8571.
First Wednesday of every month
ONLINE
FREE

Join us to learn about the latest treatment options, network with other meningioma patients, and find encouragement and support. Family members, caregivers, friends and interested persons are encouraged to attend.
These online meetings are free and co-moderated by meningioma patients. They consist of 20 minutes of speaker presentation, 20 minutes of patients' presentations of their own experiences, and an open forum for discussion. Also, leading Stanford Neurosurgeon, Steven D. Chang, MD, will join for a Q&A session at the end of each meeting.
To register, click .
Past Talks:
- The Eight Types of Meningiomas based on Anatomic Location: Presenting Symptoms and Treatment Options
- Update in the Management of Meningiomas
ONLINE
FREE

This online group provides fellowship, hope, education, and support to people with cancer of the GI tract, their family, and caregivers. The group is available to those newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or recovering. You do not have to be receiving treatment at Stanford to join this support group.
For questions or to register, call Jessica Lau, MSW at (650) 743-4672.
Second Wednesday of each month
Free

The Silicon Valley Advanced Prostate Cancer support group offers patients an opportunity to discuss their experiences, share ideas, and provide support to one another. Other available prostrate support groups offered include:
- Prostate Cancer Education and Support Group
- San Jose Prostate Cancer Support Group
For more information and to register, visit .
FREE
Cardiovascular Health
—The goal of the Peer to Peer Support Program is to broaden healthcare for patients and families through the unique support and understanding of peer-to-peer mentoring, to foster happier, healthier lives and reduce feelings of isolation.
Peers mentors are carefully selected, trained and supported volunteers. They help other patients and their support circle address the challenges related to a disease or medical condition.
In this program, you are linked with a mentor who shares similar health and life circumstances. Through these trusted relationships, mentors provide support in many ways:
- They listen to concerns
- They share personal experiences
- They serve as a resource for developing coping strategies
- They provide guidance in negotiating healthcare systems
Peer mentors help patients and caregivers during the difficult waiting period for a donor heart and throughout the transplant process and recovery time.
This is a quarterly informational session and support group. Families and caregivers are welcome. A continental breakfast will be served.
Session topics:
- Basics of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD): How it functions and other helpful facts.
- Support group: Living with your ICD.
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Free parking on Saturday
Li Ka Shing Center
Room LK308
Free registration
Chest, Lungs, and Airways
—
The Li Ka Shing Center for Learning and Knowledge is a new building located at the far end of the main hallway of Stanford Hospital (from the main entry, go right and walk all the way to the end鈥攖he building is on the left)
See monthly email for details on topic and room assignment. Download an informational PDF about the group.
Note: Patients who have B cepacia, MRSA, and multi-resistant organisms may not attend in person. WebEx available for video or teleconference.
First Friday of every month
11:30 a.m. 鈥 1 p.m.
Li Ka Shing Center for Learning and Knowledge
3rd Floor, Room 304
About our Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group
Our Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group was founded in April 2004 and is coordinated by Susan Jacobs RN, MS. Meetings are held every other month. Guest speakers have addressed topics such as:
- Experimental Therapies for IPF
- Updates from International American Thoracic Society (ATS) Meetings
- The Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis IPF Research Questionnaire Results
- All You Need to Know About Oxygen
- Exercise and the IPF Patient
- Quality of Life at the End of Life
Please call Susan Jacobs at 650-725-8083 to confirm date and time as they are subject to change.
Second Monday of every other month
11 a.m. 鈥 1 p.m.
Center for Advanced Lung Disease
300 Pasteur Drive
Stanford, CA 94305
Room H3143
This group meets every other month. Approximately 10-15 LAM patients and their families attend meetings, which usually include a guest speaker on topics of interest, as well as time to visit and ask questions.
Every other month

Lung & Heart-Lung Transplant Patients & Caregivers Welcome!
Please Join Us! Beverages will be served.
January 9: Mindfulness Techniques: Frank Kremski, MSW
March 6: Psychological Care in Transplantation: Dr. Liza Sher, Transplant Psychiatrist
May 1: Presentation by Donor Family & Donor Network West
July 10: Staying Strong Throughout Transplantation: Transplant Physical Therapist
September 4: Keeping Healthy after Transplant: Transplant Nurse Practitioner
November 6: Lung Transplant Program Update by Dr. Gundeep Dhillon, Medical Director
For more information, please contact:
Frank Kremski, MSW: 650-445-8867 or
Kelsey Winnike, LCSW 650-561-2192 or
Pali Khalsa, MSW 650-850-2049
1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Stanford Cancer Center Palo Alto
Our Adult Pulmonary Hypertension Support Group has been meeting monthly since June 2001 and is facilitated by Allyson Rupp, MSW, LCSW, ACM-SW, our Clinical Social Worker dedicated to the PH program. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of the month (unless otherwise noted). The intent of the group is to provide education and psychological support and resources to patients, caregivers and other support persons who are confronting the challenges of living with this chronic, progressive and potentially life-threatening diagnosis.
Topics discussed:
- psycho-education
- pertinent PH-related information and resources
- peer support to enhance coping and successful adjustment
- quality of life issues
- available treatment modalities
- impacts of illness on relationships
- advances in PH 糖心传媒
- caregiver stress and coping
- emergency preparedness
- advanced care planning and self-advocacy
For more information, email Allyson Rupp or call 650-683-5145.
Or the at 800-640-9255.
Contact for more details and Zoom meeting link
Meets every second Tuesday of every month (unless otherwise noted) on Zoom.
Please contact Allyson M. Rupp, MSW, LCSW, ACM-SW for any questions.
Ear, Nose, and Throat
—
Acoustic neuroma, also known as vestibular schwannoma, is a slow-growing benign tumor that develops on the nerve that connects the ear and the brain. The tumor usually starts growing in the internal auditory canal and presses against the hearing and balance nerves as it grows.
At Stanford, we have treated over 1,000 acoustic neuromas over the last 20 years with surgery and radiosurgery. The Stanford Cyberknife Program is one the most active and experienced Cyberknife programs for acoustic neuromas in the U.S.
If you have been diagnosed with acoustic neuroma and have questions or wish to explore treatment options and coping strategies with other patients and clinical experts, please join us for upcoming Stanford Acoustic Neuroma Support Group meetings.
These free online support group meetings will be co-moderated by acoustic neuroma patients. The meetings consist of 20 minutes speaker presentation, 20 minutes patients' presentations of their own experiences, and open forum for discussion. Also, leading Stanford Neurosurgeon and acoustic neuroma expert Steven D. Chang, MD, will join for a Q&A session at the end of each meeting.
For questions or to register, email veevo@stanford.edu.
ONLINE
FREE
Digestion and Metabolic Health
—Support Along the Way
Losing weight takes a strong commitment on your part, and undergoing bariatric surgery as a significant part of a weight-loss program, is a major undertaking. While it's something you can do alone, there's absolutely no reason you have to 鈥 or should. We've found that to be truly successful both in the short- and long-term, it's best to have plenty of help and support along the way. And not just from your family and friends.
The Stanford Center for Bariatric Surgery offers you the opportunity to participate in numerous meetings and support groups before and after surgery to help contribute to your successful outcome. The different groups provide a friendly forum for people who are considering or have already had weight loss surgery. We offer education about the surgery, guidelines for nutrition, exercise and emotional well-being during the preparation and recovery process. The groups also involve our patients who have gone through the procedures, or who will be soon.
Patient groups are particularly helpful as they can share their experiences and provide the encouragement and reinforcement you need to succeed in changing your lifestyle behaviors. Here is a sampling of some of the meetings and groups at your disposal. Feel free to contact us regarding any of them.
Weight Loss Surgery Support Group Meetings
The Stanford Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) Support holds meetings on the second Wednesday of each month from 6 p.m. 鈥 8 p.m., at Blake-Wilbur Conference Room. Please contact the meeting facilitator or the clinic Patient Care Coordinator for meeting specifics, confirmation of date, and location.
These meetings are facilitated by a licensed professional. Discussions includes health goals, dietary requirements, exercise expectations, psychological preparation, role of family, short and long-term challenges, pre-op and post-op phases, etc.
Event Details
Weight Loss Surgery Support Group Meetings
Location: Online via Zoom
Date: Second Tuesday of each month
Time: 6 p.m. 鈥 7:30 p.m.
For more information please contact the Stanford Bariatric team to receive schedule & zoom link. You can also request to join our Facebook Page 鈥楽tanford Bariatric Surgery鈥 & find out more information about the online meetings this way.
Weight Loss Surgery Support Group Meetings
Location: Online via Zoom
Date: Second Tuesday of each month
Time: 6 p.m. 鈥 7:30 p.m.
For more information please contact the Stanford Bariatric team to receive schedule & zoom link. You can also request to join our Facebook Page 鈥楽tanford Bariatric Surgery鈥 & find out more information about the online meetings this way.
Neurology
—
Acoustic neuroma, also known as vestibular schwannoma, is a slow-growing benign tumor that develops on the nerve that connects the ear and the brain. The tumor usually starts growing in the internal auditory canal and presses against the hearing and balance nerves as it grows.
At Stanford, we have treated over 1,000 acoustic neuromas over the last 20 years with surgery and radiosurgery. The Stanford Cyberknife Program is one the most active and experienced Cyberknife programs for acoustic neuromas in the U.S.
If you have been diagnosed with acoustic neuroma and have questions or wish to explore treatment options and coping strategies with other patients and clinical experts, please join us for upcoming Stanford Acoustic Neuroma Support Group meetings.
These free online support group meetings will be co-moderated by acoustic neuroma patients. The meetings consist of 20 minutes speaker presentation, 20 minutes patients' presentations of their own experiences, and open forum for discussion. Also, leading Stanford Neurosurgeon and acoustic neuroma expert Steven D. Chang, MD, will join for a Q&A session at the end of each meeting.
For questions or to register, email veevo@stanford.edu.
ONLINE
FREE

The Stanford Parkinson's Community Outreach program offers a variety resources for patients, caregivers, family, and friends in need of support.
Click for patient and caregiver support groups for:
- Lewy body dementia (LBD)
- Multiple system atrophy (MSA)
- Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)
- Corticobasal degeneration diagnosis (CBD)
ONLINE
FREE

This online group is for patients, caregivers, and friends to share their story, get important medical updates, and learn about coping with symptoms and psychological changes.
For questions or to register, email Sharon Lamb at slamb2942@gmail.com or Joanie Taylor at momredwood@gmail.com.
For patients, caregivers, and friends:
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm PST
Fourth Thursday of the month
Dates: 7/27, 8/24
For caregivers only:
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm PST
Second Thursday of the month
Dates: 7/13, 8/10
ONLINE
FREE

If you have Huntington鈥檚 disease or are a family member or caregiver of someone with Huntington鈥檚 disease, we welcome you to join our monthly virtual support group. We will discuss experiences and challenges of living with Huntington鈥檚 disease, provide opportunities to ask questions and share available resources.
Second Tuesday of the month
ONLINE
FREE

This online discussion group seeks to explore, learn, and grow from talking all about the 鈥淢S in the room.鈥 You are invited to connect with others living with MS in a friendly environment, where we share, discuss, and support each other鈥檚 efforts to manage our health and wellness. Guest speakers for some of the meetings include Stanford medical professionals and MS community resources. Join us as we strategize how to live fully and live well with MS.
For questions or to register, call or email Susan Steakley at 415-999-7378 or susansteakley@gmail.com.
Every Thursday
ONLINE
FREE

Join us to learn about the latest treatment options, network with other meningioma patients, and find encouragement and support. Family members, caregivers, friends and interested persons are encouraged to attend.
These online meetings are free and co-moderated by meningioma patients. They consist of 20 minutes of speaker presentation, 20 minutes of patients' presentations of their own experiences, and an open forum for discussion. Also, leading Stanford Neurosurgeon, Steven D. Chang, MD, will join for a Q&A session at the end of each meeting.
To register, click .
Past Talks:
- The Eight Types of Meningiomas based on Anatomic Location: Presenting Symptoms and Treatment Options
- Update in the Management of Meningiomas
ONLINE
FREE

This is an informative meeting for those living with Myasthenia Gravis (MG), and their loved ones. We offer a welcoming place to ask questions regarding care management techniques, new drugs, clinical trials, and living life to the fullest. We will be transitioning to a hybrid meeting starting in May 2025.
San Francisco Bay Area Community Health Fair
MGFA San Francisco Bay Area Health Fair (Feb. 15), 9am-1pm
To register, click .
For questions, call 650-725-4341 or email NeuromuscularResearch@stanford.edu.
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
FREE

The Stanford Parkinson's Community Outreach program offers a variety resources for patients, caregivers, family, and friends in need of support.
Click for Palo Alto Parkinson's Support Group.
Click for Young Onset Parkinson's Support Group.
Click for Parkinson's Caregiver-Only Support Groups.

The Speech Communication Group was created for individuals who have experienced a stroke or other neurological impairment. In a relaxed and informal setting, Stanford鈥檚 highly skilled speech language pathologists facilitate the group and provide participants with the opportunity to practice speech and language skills experience the camaraderie of those with similar challenges, take pleasure in the social aspect of the group and have fun. These sessions are currently offered online.
For questions or to register, please contact Julia Martin, SLP at SHC-CG@stanfordhealthcare.org
2nd Tuesday of the month
ONLINE
FREE

This is a free, online support group for stroke survivors and caregivers, designed to promote learning through practical information and inspiration. The program is structured to create a supportive and healing experience for attendees. The agenda includes Narrative Medicine exercises, educational topics, mindfulness exercises, and chair yoga.
For questions or to register, call Janis Emery at 925-724-9360 or email VCstrokesupport@stanfordhealthcare.org.
FREE

If you have been diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia and have questions or wish to explore treatment options and coping strategies with other patients and clinical experts, please join us for upcoming meetings.
The meetings are free and are a great resource for patient and family education. The meetings consist of 20 minutes speaker presentation, 20 minutes patient presentations of their own experiences, and open forum for discussion. Also, leading Stanford Neurosurgeon Steven D. Chang, MD, will join for a Q&A session at the end of each meeting.
Past Talks
- Whole Person Pain Care: Latest 糖心传媒 and scalable treatments for pain and opioid reduction
- Interventions to Treat Trigeminal Neuralgia and Other Pain Conditions
- Trigeminal Neuralgia Case Presentations
- Facial Pain 101 & Case Presentations
- Trigeminal Neuralgia Case Presentations
- Interventions to Treat Trigeminal Neuralgia and Other Pain Conditions
- Current Medical Management of Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Classification of 7 Face Pain Types
- The Importance of Radiographic Imaging of the Trigeminal Nerve in Patients with Trigeminal Neuralgia Secondary to Vascular Compression
- Experiencing new onset of facial pain symptoms? Know the facts of the different types of facial pain before making a decision for any surgical procedures.
- Understanding Microvascular Decompression Surgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia
ONLINE
FREE
Sexual and Reproductive Health
—
Penny Donnelly, RN, LMFT is the director of the support programs at Stanford's Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Center. She has developed and led a number of counseling and health education programs for patients and facilitates support groups for infertility, third party reproduction (donor egg, donor sperm, use of gestational carrier), and weight loss. Her programs reflect genuine caring, support and guidance. We have also recently implemented a designated group for single women exploring fertility preservation or parenting.
This group is for those exploring or moving towards using donor egg, donor sperm, or using a gestational carrier. We explore the many educational, emotional, ethical, and logistical considerations.
For more information, please navigate to the Stanford Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Center. If you are interested in more personalized information about our programs, please email IVFnurse@stanfordmed.org.
Private and couples counseling also available, with NO charge for the first session.
Dates and Times TBD
Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Center
Suite 200
900 Welch Road
Palo Alto, CA 94304
Free Event

Penny Donnelly, RN LMFT is the director of the support programs at Stanford's Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Center. She has developed and led a number of counseling and health education programs for patients and facilitates support groups for infertility, third party reproduction (donor egg, donor sperm, use of gestational carrier), and weight loss. Her programs reflect genuine caring, support and guidance. We have also recently implemented a designated group for single women exploring fertility preservation or parenting.
This group is for women (or couples) that would like support as they negotiate the "ups and downs" of fertility treatments. We will share strategies for improved coping including some mind/body modalities. Sharing, restructuring negative or distorted thinking patterns, improving communication skills, and learning the gift of forgiveness and resilience are some sample agendas. The spirit of this on-going and open group is to provide the attendees with a sense of optimism and emotional stability as they undergo treatments and make decisions about fertility options.
8/12/14 Stress Reduction Strategies
- Eliciting the Relaxation Response
- Twenty things that bring you joy
- Being "in the flow"
- Mindfulness 鈥 focusing on the present and the foundations of a mindfulness practice
- Taping into your "inner" wisdom
9/9/14 Making the Most of Your Fertility Treatments
- Lifestyle Guidelines
- Staying connected
- Life Balance
- Positive thinking and optimism
- Finding the best in your partner
For more information, please navigate to the Stanford Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Center. If you are interested in more personalized information about our programs, please email IVFnurse@stanfordmed.org.
Private and couples counseling also available, with NO charge for the first session.
Dates and Times TBD
Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Center
Suite 200
900 Welch Road
Palo Alto, CA 94304
Free
听
听
糖心传媒's Resource Hub
Explore 鈥 an online database for you to search and connect with听free and reduced-cost听health resources and services both within the community, and at 糖心传媒, Stanford School of Medicine, and Stanford University.
Features:
- Search by keyword or location (zip code, city, state).听
- Get full description of program services, cost (if applicable), target population, schedule, contact information, location and more!
- Share or email to caregivers, friends and family.听