Legal Guide

What Are The 7 Cancer Support Groups in Rochester, New York

Last Updated on Originally published January 31, 2024
Cancer support community Rochester helping patients and families during treatment and care.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be devastating. Along with the physical and emotional toll, cancer support groups, as well as practical concerns about treatment, finances, and more, can weigh heavily. Connecting with others going through similar challenges can provide needed empathy, advice, and hope.

In the Rochester area, several excellent support groups offer a community for those impacted by cancer. 

If you or a loved one was diagnosed with cancer later than you should have been due to negligence, the Porter Law Group is here to assist you and may be able to recover compensation on behalf of negligent medical staff.

Contact us at 833-PORTER9 or email info@porterlawteam.com to see how we can help.

1. Cancer Support Community at Gilda’s Club Rochester

Website: https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/location/cancer-support-community-rochester 

Address: 255 Alexander Street, Rochester, NY 14607

Contact: 585-423-9700

The Cancer Support Community at Gilda’s Club in Rochester has been a pillar of support since 1959. Offering over 1,200 free programs annually, they cater to men, women, teens, and children affected by cancer

Their comprehensive approach includes cancer support groups, art classes, cooking lessons, exercise programs, and informative lectures. Inspired by the legacy of Gilda Radner, this club fosters a community filled with love, laughter, and mutual support. Visit cscrochester.org or call for more information.

2. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Rochester Support Group

Website: https://www.lls.org/

Address: Gilda’s Club Rochester, 255 Alexander Street, Rochester, NY 14607

Contact: 585-613-6292

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) Support Group stands as the largest voluntary health organization dedicated to combating blood cancers globally. Renowned for funding groundbreaking blood cancer research and offering a wealth of free information and support services, LLS is a beacon of hope for patients and their families. This group provides cancer support groups, including both face-to-face support meetings and online or telephone-based peer support, ensuring comprehensive care for those affected by these illnesses.

3. Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester

Website: https://bccr.org/

Address: 1048 University Ave, Rochester, NY 14607

Contact: 585-473-8177

Unique in its scope and independence, the Breast Cancer Coalition is the sole organization in Central and Western New York devoted entirely to supporting survivors of breast and gynecologic cancers. As a grassroots, community-based entity, its mission is to eliminate breast cancer through focused research and advocacy efforts. 

The Coalition offers a range of supportive and educational programs specifically tailored for survivors of breast and gynecologic cancers. Comprising a diverse mix of activists, survivors, warriors, and advocates, including women, men, families, and friends, the Coalition is steadfast in its commitment to its cause.

4. PLUTA Integrative Oncology & Wellness Center

Website: https://plutacancerfoundation.org/

Address: 125 Red Creek Drive, Rochester, NY 14623

Contact: 585-486-0607

At the forefront of patient-centered cancer care, the PLUTA Integrative Oncology & Wellness Center specializes in integrative oncology. This field, known for its evidence-based approach, complements traditional cancer treatments by focusing on enhancing patients’ health, quality of life, and clinical outcomes throughout their cancer journey. 

The PLUTA Cancer Foundation supports patients before, during, and after cancer treatments, offering a variety of programs and services funded by the Foundation. These initiatives are continually evolving, providing personalized options to meet the unique needs of each cancer patient.

5. American Cancer Society Hope Lodge – Rochester

Website: https://www.cancer.org/

Address: 1120 Goodman Street South, Rochester, NY 14620

Contact: 585-224-4900

The B. Thomas Golisano Hope Lodge, a program of the American Cancer Society, offers cancer patients and their caregivers a complimentary, nurturing home environment during their treatment journey. More than just accommodation, Hope Lodge fosters a supportive community where guests can engage in shared meals, participate in evening activities, or relax in their private rooms. This unique facility is dedicated to those undergoing active cancer treatment, providing a space of comfort and camaraderie.

6. Wilmot Breast Cancer Support Group

Website: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/cancer-institute.aspx

Address: 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642

Contact: 585-275-5830

The Wilmot Cancer Institute’s Breast Survivorship Program, housed at Pluta, delivers specialized care for breast cancer survivors. This program is led by a skilled team of advanced practice providers who focus on addressing the specific needs of survivors, including breast exams and surveillance imaging. 

Designed to ensure a smooth transition from primary treatment to a dedicated survivorship team, the program emphasizes not just surviving but thriving post-treatment.

Key aspects covered include diagnosis and treatment history, treatment-related side effects, general health maintenance, strategies for reducing the risk of secondary cancers, sexual wellness, and access to community resources for ongoing support.

7. Wilmot GI Cancer Support Group

Website: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/cancer-institute.aspx

Address: 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642

Contact: 585-275-5908

The Wilmot Cancer Institute offers a unique support group for individuals with gastrointestinal cancers, including pancreatic, colorectal, liver, esophageal, and stomach cancers, as well as their care partners. Integral to this group are the physicians from UR Medicine’s Palliative Care Program, who play a crucial role in the care team. 

Palliative care, often misunderstood as hospice care, is available alongside any cancer treatment and focuses on relieving symptoms like pain, nausea, and shortness of breath associated with serious illnesses. This support group is dedicated to improving the quality of life for cancer patients and their families during the treatment process, providing a supportive community and specialized care.

Get Legal Support After a Cancer Diagnosis in Rochester, New York

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and needs assistance protecting rights regarding health insurance, employment, or personal injury, the Porter Law Group can help. Our attorneys have successfully represented numerous cancer patients, securing maximum compensation in Rochester and beyond. We understand the immense physical, emotional, and practical challenges cancer brings.

Our cancer lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis with no upfront costs to you. We are fully committed to advocating for cancer patients and maximizing your settlement. With years of experience holding corporations accountable after toxic exposures and negligence, we fight relentlessly for your best interests.

If you or someone you love faces cancer and related legal issues, contact the Porter Law Group for dedicated support. Call us at 833-888-LATE or email info@porterlawteam.com to discuss your situation in a free, no-obligation consultation. Let our team stand by you and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve during this difficult time.

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The experts behind this article

Every Porter Law Group guide is written and reviewed by experienced New York personal injury attorneys.

Eric C. Nordby
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Eric C. Nordby
Personal Injury Attorney

Eric, with nearly three decades of experience in personal injury litigation, holds a law degree with honors from the University at Buffalo School of Law and a Bachelor's Degree from Cornell University. His extensive career encompasses diverse state and federal cases, resulting in substantial client recoveries, and he actively engages in legal associations while frequently lecturing on legal topics.

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Michael S. Porter
Legally Reviewed on January 19, 2024
Michael S. Porter
Personal Injury Attorney

Originally from Upstate New York, Mike built a distinguished legal career after graduating from Harvard University and earning his juris doctor degree from Syracuse University College of Law. He served as a Captain in the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, gaining expertise in trial work, and is now a respected trial attorney known for securing multiple million-dollar results for his clients while actively participating in legal organizations across Upstate NY.

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This page was legally reviewed by Michael S. Porter on January 19, 2024. Our experts verify everything you read to make sure it's up to date. Read our editorial guidelines or contact us.