Support Services
As a result of Covid-19 and for the safety of all participants, our support groups continue to be offered virtually (unless otherwise noted). Please contact To Life! by calling 518-439-5975 to connect. We are here for you.
To Life! provides group support and one-on-one for individuals facing breast cancer. To Life! also offers peer mentoring and wellness programs.
Support groups provide a safe place to share feelings and information that remains confidential. Group facilitators guide women through thoughtful discussion. To Life! offers support groups for women newly diagnosed and in treatment, women diagnosed in their 40s or younger, and women with metastatic breast cancer, as well as a one-on-one bilingual support (Spanish and English). Please call our Support Services Manager at 518-439-5975 to connect with a support group. Surround yourself with women who understand.
Newly Diagnosed/ In Treatment Breast Cancer Support Group
Meets on the Fourth Thursday of most months from 6:00 – 7:30 pm online.
Email info@tolife.org or call 518-439-5975 to learn more about the group and to join.
Positively Living Support Group
Meets first Tuesday of most months from 6:30 - 7:30 pm online.
Email Eileen at ebird@tolife.org to connect with this group.
Amsterdam Support Group - in person
Meets third Tuesday of each month from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm at New York Oncology Hematology - 1700 Riverfront Center, Amsterdam, NY
Email Meghan Alteri at meghan.alteri@usoncology.com or call Carmen Rodriguez - 518-901-6542 to connect with this group.
Saratoga Support Group
Facilitator: Jen Baldwin, MSW OSW-C
To Life!, in partnership with the Mollie Wilmot Radiation Oncology Center of Saratoga Hospital, continues to offer a monthly support group for women affected by breast cancer, as well as interested family members/caregivers.
Meets third Tuesday of each month 5:30-6:30 pm online.
Email Jen at jenn9596@gmail.com to learn more and to join.
Saratoga Body Positivity Support Group
Facilitator: Caitlin McNamee, LMHC
Hosted by Saratoga Hospital and held at the Mollie Wilmot Radiation Oncology Center this group focuses on improving how we see and feel about our bodies after a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Open to all cancer survivors.
Meets third Thursday of each month 5:30-6:30 pm.
Email Cait at cmcnamee@saratogahospital.org to learn more and to join.
MetaThriver Support Group
Facilitators: Debra Nosik, LCSW, and Martha McCormick, MS, EdS
This support group provides the opportunity for women with recurrrent and metastatic breast cancer to receive and give support.
Meets on the Third Wednesday of most months from 6:30 - 7:30 pm online.
Contact Martha McCormick at mmccormick1600@gmail.com to learn more and to join.
Bilingual Breast Cancer Support Group
Facilitators: Carmen Rodriguez
One-on-one support and peer mentoring connections for those whose lanugage preference is Spanish. Email Carmen at crodriguez@tolife.org.
Peer-to-Peer Mentoring
Tap into the To Life! survivor network by connecting to someone who can relate to what you are going through now. Please email Dana at DPleskovic@tolife.org.
Young Survival Coalition (YSC)/To Life! Collaborative Support Group
To Life! partners with the Young Survival Coalition (YSC) to support younger women dealing with breast cancer. YSC develops networks designed for breast cancer survivors diagnosed at age 40 or younger. Whether you have just been diagnosed, are still in treatment or are several years out, join us to connect with others. Find more information at http://www.youngsurvival.org or please contact To Life! at 518-439-5975 or info@tolife.org to be connected with this group.
YSC Face2Face Meetup Support Group
For more information: email AlbanyF2FCoordinator@gmail.com or info@tolife.org for more information.
Funding for the support group program is made possible in part by the NYS Department of Health and The Review Foundation. The views expressed by facilitators do not necessarily reflect the views of our contributors or the official policies of the State of NY.
Here are some additional breast cancer support and networking groups in the Capital Region:
American Cancer Society Hope Club - 518-220-6960
Nancy B. Clemente Cancer Fund - Thrivers Connection - 518-858-3738
Hope in the Boat - a dragon boat team in the Capital Region made up of breast cancer survivors (www.hopeintheboat.org)
St. Mary's Cancer Treatment Center - Integrative Wellness Programs provided by St. Peter's Health Partners - call 518-268-5060
Wellness Programs
To Life! offers wellness classes that focus on: nutrition, mindfulness, exercise, art therapy and more. Check our Calendar of Events and Facebook page for current offerings hosted by To Life! For additional community and online wellness services click HERE.
Mentoring
For women who have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer, To Life! offers the opportunity to connect with and receive individual guidance from a long-term breast cancer survivor – a mentor. Please call our Support Services Manager at 518-439-5975 to further discuss these services.
Caregivers
If you or someone you know needs support during and after cancer treatment, there are many wonderful resources. Click HERE for more information.