Support Groups

Empowering Brain Tumor Patients Through Support Group Programs

Brain tumor support group meetings provide an opportunity to share experiences, to learn about current therapies, and to receive information about various aspects of a brain tumor diagnosis and treatment. Currently, all support group meetings offered by the SBTF are conducted virtually via the Zoom web conference platform. This has allowed many more to join the conversation and gain a community of support. All SBTF hosted or co-hosted events are listed in our Event Calendar. Participants do not have to reside in the Southeast nor be a patient at the facility hosting the group to attend. Everyone is welcome! Questions can be sent to supportgroups@sbtf.org

Support group for women affected by partner's suicide.

Brain Tumor Support Group for Adult patients/survivors & Caregivers

This Brain Tumor Support Group (BTSG) for Adult brain tumor patients and Caregivers is offered in partnership with Emory Healthcare. The group meets virtually on a bi-weekly basis. Meetings are facilitated by Farnaz Arabshahi, RN, NP-C, Emory Johns' Creek Hospital and co-facilitated by Geri Shaffer, SBTF Patient Advocate.   Hosted by the SBTF, we aim to provide an opportunity for information sharing and support for brain tumor patients, as well as their family, their friends, and their caregivers.   The meeting is available to members of the brain tumor community residing within the continental US. You do not have to be affiliated with this facility to participate. All are welcome!

Where: Via Virtual Online Platform (Zoom)
When: Every other Thursday
Facilitators: Farnaz Arabshahi, RN, NP-C
RSVP: supportgroups@sbtforg
Logo of Northside Hospital Cancer Institute with a tagline.

Northside Hospital - Brain Cancer Support Group

Have you been diagnosed with a brain tumor OR are you a caregiver for someone who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor? Our patient and caregiver groups provide support, information and the opportunity to meet with others who understand. The meeting is open to members of the brain tumor community residing within the continental US. You do not have to be affiliated with this facility to participate. All are welcome!

Where: Meetings occur virtually
When: 4th Tuesday of every month 11:30a-12:45p
Facilitators: Laura Karfeld, LCSW, OSW-C
RSVP: 3 days prior to event
Flyer promoting brain tumor support group for patients with aphasia.

SBTF Aphasia Support group

Aphasia (uh*fay*zhee*uh) occurs in 30-50% of people with brain tumors and brain cancer. Did you know, aphasia from a brain tumor is different than aphasia caused by a stroke?  People with brain tumors who have difficulty thinking of words and naming items, they may be experiencing “anomic” aphasia.  Our Aphasia support group provides insights, helps identify tips and tricks of working through this diagnosis, and provides a sense of community where we work together to improve language & communication skills. The meeting is open to members of the brain tumor community residing within the continental US. You do not have to be affiliated with this facility to participate. All are welcome!

Where: Meetings occur virtually
When: Every Other Thursday
Facilitator: Erica Johns-Freestone, MS, CCC-SLP
RSVP: supportgroups@sbtf.org

Piedmont’s Brain Tumor Center currently offers TWO monthly brain tumor support group meetings; both are conducted virtually via the Zoom Platform. The meeting is open to members of the brain tumor community residing within the continental US. You do not have to be affiliated with this facility to participate. All are welcome!

The Young Adult Survivor support group meeting provides the young adult brain tumor patient an opportunity to meet other Young adult brain tumor survivors, discuss or share experiences, and ask questions about treatment plans or effects of treatment on your physical & emotional health. 

Brain Tumor Caregivers need a support team too. Caring for a sick or disabled individual is complex. When the illness lasts for weeks, months or years, the complexity is heightened. Our Caregivers support group meeting will provide education, insights, and an opportunity for asking questions and receiving answers.  

Where: Via Virtual online platform (Zoom)
When: Monthly
Facilitator: Brittany Lawton, LMSW
RSVP: brittany.lawton@piedmont.org
Flyer for young adult support group at Piedmont, ages 18-30, focusing on mental health.
Caregivers meeting for brain tumor support on April 2nd, 7-8 PM ET.

Other Programs:

myCancerConnection

Is a cancer support community that offers free, one-on-one support. Support is open to patients, caregivers, and survivors regardless of where they receive treatment. Trained survivor and caregiver volunteers are available to share their cancer experience with you. Call (800) 345-6324.

Children's Brain Tumor Foundation (Network for Good)

CBTF offers several online support groups including:

  • Young Adults 18+
  • Young Survivors (8-15)
  • Spanish Speaking Parents
  • Parents of Young Survivors
  • Bereaved Sibling Group
  • DIPG/DMG Caregivers
  • Bereaved Parent Facebook Group

They also offer virtual activities and workshops such as a cooking class, create a snow globe, read to dogs and art. 

To learn more, email mail@networkforgood.com

American Brain Tumor Association

The ABTA offers groups for caregivers and patients in similar life situations. You can use their site to locate a group in your area or online and some are specific to a diagnosis.

Learn More

Wellstar Cancer Center- metro Atlanta

While you navigate your diagnosis and treatment, cancer support groups, one-on-one support and education can improve your quality of life in many ways. Wellstar also offers arts and craft classes for brain cancer patients.

Learn More

The Brain Tumor Support Group of Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia

Convenes either in the Adam W. Herbert University Center at the University of North Florida, or virtually on Zoom. This group takes place on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 10:00 am – 11:30 am. Meetings are open to patients with primary brain tumors, their caregivers, and loved ones. Ages 18 and over.

To confirm meeting time and location, as well as to RSVP, please contact SupportGroup@BrainTumorNetwork.org or call Brain Tumor Network at (844) 286-6110.

Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation

PBTF offer support groups for newly diagnosed patients and bereavement support. They also have other programs with resources for families. 

Learn More 

Cancer Support Community

CSC Atlanta provides a variety of support services for cancer patients and their families. All programs are led by licensed therapists and professionals with years of experience in offering encouragement and hope. Affiliated with Northside Hospital, CSC-Atlanta offers classes to all people affected by cancer, regardless of where their treatment is being managed. Weekly support group meetings as well as classes like “Grief & Loss” are held monthly and require an RSVP. The Cancer Support Community is within easy walking distance of the Medical Center MARTA Station. While they do not have a brain cancer specific group many of their groups would welcome our community.

National Brain Tumor Society

The Brain Tumor Support Conversations are an online support group run by the brain tumor community for the brain tumor community. This group is attended and run by patients and care partners who have had firsthand experience with the challenges and effects of a brain tumor diagnosis.

This support group is a safe space where patients and loved ones can talk about the feelings and emotions that accompany any aspect of the brain tumor experience.