A cancer diagnosis can bring a wide range of emotions, including feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Many patients often find themselves navigating an experience that family and friends, despite their best intentions, may not fully understand. While these feelings are common, the care teams at Shady Grove Aquilino Cancer Center and White Oak Cancer Center have created programs designed to help patients feel connected, supported and less alone throughout their cancer journey.
The Wellness for Cancer Care program at Aquilino Cancer Center and White Oak Cancer Center is designed to support patients and their loved ones through every stage of care. Grounded in a whole-person approach, the program offers opportunities that nurture the mind, body and spirit while creating meaningful connections with others who understand the challenges of living with cancer.
A Different Approach to Support
Support is essential during this time, and it can take many forms. Sometimes it comes through a conversation. Other times, it’s from simply being in the presence of people who understand exactly what you're going through without needing an explanation.
When people hear the term "support group" they picture a structured, facilitator-led discussion focused on coping strategies, treatment challenges or side effects. While those groups can be incredibly valuable, the Wellness for Cancer Care program takes a different approach.
Creating Community Through Shared Experience
Programs such as Writing Your Story, Meaning-Centered groups, Create & Connect, SoulCollage® and Young Women's Meetups are intentionally designed to create opportunities for connection, belonging and shared experience. Participants are welcome to come exactly as they are. There is no expectation to share personal details or participate in a particular way.
Sometimes participants openly discuss their emotions, fears or experiences with treatment. Other times, they spend time writing, creating, reflecting, laughing, crying or simply sitting quietly among people who "get it."
The support happens through community.
These programs create space for patients to connect with others facing similar circumstances while honoring the unique ways people process their experiences. Activities such as journaling, storytelling and art can be therapeutic, but the goal is not to teach coping skills in a traditional sense. Instead, participants are offered a place to explore meaning, foster connection and experience a sense of belonging during a difficult season of life.
Connection Beyond the Program
At their best, these gatherings feel authentic and human. Sometimes they are joyful. Sometimes they are raw. There may be tears, laughter or moments of silence when words are not enough. What matters most is creating a space where people can show up exactly as they are.
One participant in a Young Women's Meetup captured the impact of these experiences, sharing:
"I like being in this group because I feel seen. When I have told others my diagnosis, they show me pity. I don't need pity. I just want to be seen. When I am with you ladies, I am seen."
For Paula Ernst, Wellness Program Manager at Adventist HealthCare, that sentiment reflects the heart of the program.
"These programs are not about asking people to fit into a particular model of support," Ernst said. "They're about creating opportunities for connection, meaning and community. We hold space for people to come exactly as they are and to engage in whatever way they feel is right for them. Many of our cohorts continue to meet after the session ends. There is a real connection that extends beyond the support group and treatment."
She recalls a recent Create & Connect session where one participant chose to sit quietly at a nearby table and paint by themselves while remaining close to the group.
"They didn't join the conversation, but were present with us," Ernst said. "That experience reminds us that connection doesn't always require words. Sometimes just being together is enough."
Complementing Traditional Support Resources
This distinction is intentional. While partner organizations such as Hope Connections offer excellent traditional support groups and are often recommended to patients seeking that format, Adventist HealthCare's wellness programs are designed to provide something different. Creating spaces where people can find connection, meaning, community and companionship throughout their cancer experience.
A variety of free wellness programs, gatherings and classes are offered each month for patients and their loved ones. To explore upcoming classes and support group opportunities, view the schedule of wellness programs and events here.
The Wellness for Cancer Care program is provided free of charge thanks to the generosity of grateful patients and community supporters. To learn more about supporting these programs or to make a donation, visit AdventistHealthCare.com/Give.
