Fred Hutch Social Work and Support
Fred Hutch social workers are a great source of support as well as referrals to support groups. They can be reached at 206.606.1076.
More information about support groups also is available from the Patient and Family Resource Center at 206.606.2081.
Facing the challenges of cancer can leave you feeling overwhelmed, frightened, and alone. A support group can help by providing a place to discuss your feelings, share information, and talk about coping with cancer.
Online social support tools are another way to get support and stay in touch with friends, family, and other patients and caregivers.
Fred Hutch Support Groups
All Fred Hutch support groups are free and are facilitated by Fred Hutch staff. Groups are open only to Fred Hutch patients and their family members and caregivers.
Living with Colorectal Cancer
A networking and sharing group, for patients, caregivers, families, and friends. Everyone is welcome, regardless of where care is received. One-on-one support is also available.
- When: There are two groups that meet each month and people may attend one meeting or both meetings:
The Seattle area group meets the second Wednesday of each month from 7 - 9 p.m.
The Everett area group meets the first Wednesday of each month from 6 - 8 p.m. - Where: Due to COVID-19 this group is now meeting virtually through Zoom. Contact Anita Mitchell: anita@colonstars.org or 206.778.3532.
Support Group for Young Adults with Cancer
Are you a young adult (ages 18-40) currently in active treatment at Fred Hutch for any cancer or potentially malignant disorder? Please join us and meet other young adults undergoing treatment, share your experiences and learn more about living with this diagnosis.
Registration is required. To register, please call Social Worker Ashley McLoud at 206.606.4365.
- When: Facilitated group meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 4 – 5:15 p.m. Please check the Events Calendar for updates. This group is currently meeting virtually due to COVID-19.
- Where: Resource Center on the 3rd floor at the South Lake Union Clinic Building 1.
Kidney and Bladder Cancer Support
Join Julia and Art Chmura for presentations and discussions. Light refreshments provided.
- When: Saturdays, 1 - 3 p.m. every few months; contact for more information
- Where: South Lake Union Clinic, Seattle
Email: juliachmura@comcast.net
Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE)
For women of all ages at high risk of breast or ovarian cancer.
- Where: Due to COVID-19 this group is now meeting virtually. Please contact Krystin for more information.
Email: krystint@facingourrisk.org
FORCE Empowered Young Women's Group
For women under age 40 at high risk of breast or ovarian cancer.
- Where: Due to COVID-19 this group is now meeting virtually. Please contact Krystin for more information.
Email: krystint@facingourrisk.org
ITP Support Group
Listen to speakers, get to know each other, share stories of your experience with low-blood platelets, exchange information and plan future meetings with the Platelet Disorder Support Association.
- When: The fourth Sunday in January, April, July, and October, 1 - 3 p.m.
- Where: Due to COVID-19 this group is now meeting virtually through Zoom.
Email: Tammy Fassett at mtcfassett@gmail.com for more information.
More Support at Fred Hutch
Fred Hutch social workers are a great source of support as well as referrals to support groups. They can be reached at 206.606.1076.
More information about support groups also is available from the Patient and Family Resource Center at 206.606.2081.
Support for Children and Families at Seattle Children's Hospital
Seattle Children’s sponsors and hosts a variety of support groups and networks for families of children with special health care needs. Most of the groups are led by a social worker or nurse. Parents or parent-staff partnerships facilitate some groups.
View a list of Seattle Children's Support Groups
Support Services Outside Fred Hutch
Cancer Lifeline
Cancer Lifeline’s Support Groups work to meet the needs of patients, survivors, caregivers, family and friends.
View a list of Support Groups
Cancer Pathways
Cancer Pathways, formerly known as Gilda's Club Seattle, offers support groups for both men and women. There are support groups for newly diagnosed patients, caregivers, bereavement and patients living with cancer for two or more years. Free of charge and nonprofit, Cancer Pathways offers support and networking groups, lectures, workshops, and social events in a homelike setting.
Adult support groups
Family support programs
Phone: 206.709.1400
Crisis Connections
Crisis Connections offers 24-hour telephone support for people who are in crisis, as well as referrals to community resources. Call 206.461.3222 (voice and TDD).
Patient Power®
Patient Power® is a trusted name among cancer patients, researchers, doctors, patient advocates, and care partners reached via website, Facebook, and other social channels. The Patient Power® website is organized by cancer type – added to daily – with news from medical conferences, expert interviews, and live chats on social media. Programs feature top global medical experts, dedicated advocates, and inspiring, knowledgeable patients.
Patient Power®
Young Survival Coalition Support Group
This group offers support for women diagnosed with breast cancer before age 40.
Online Social Support Tools
Fred Hutch has teamed up with CaringBridge and CancerConnect to help patients and caregivers use the web to communicate with friends, family, and other patients and caregivers while going through treatment.
CaringBridge
CaringBridge is your free, personal, and private journal, guestbook, and photo album — all in one place. Share your CaringBridge website with your friends and family.
CancerConnect
CancerConnect allows you to connect with fellow cancer patients and survivors. CancerConnect forums are moderated by Fred Hutch patient navigators.
A Note About Your Privacy
At no time does Fred Hutch, or UW Medicine, divulge or provide any patient information for the purpose of these services. These services are provided solely by CaringBridge.com and CancerConnect.com.