Finding Strength Together: Community Cancer Survivorship Support Group at Wilson Medical Center

At Wilson Medical Center, our cancer support groups are about so much more than meetings on a calendar. They are about people, connections, and walking through life together during some of its hardest moments. These groups are a place for anyone touched by cancer: individuals currently going through treatment, survivors, family members, caregivers, and others in our community who have been closely affected by a cancer journey. 

Cancer can feel overwhelming and isolating, but no one should face it alone. Our support groups offer a safe space to share experiences, ask questions, listen, and simply be understood. Whether you are newly diagnosed, years into survivorship, caring for a loved one, or supporting someone close to you, there is a seat for you at our table. We restarted these gatherings in 2022 as we expanded our Wilson Oncology Program and have grown from nine attendees to more than 50 at meetings held every other month. 

One of the most amazing things about these meetings is the sense of community, love, and support that fills the room. It is a place where tears are welcomed, laughter is common, and the hope of the journey is shared. These groups are not only for patients receiving care at Wilson Medical Center, but they are also open to anyone in the surrounding community, even if they receive treatment at another facility. Cancer affects us all, and support should never be limited by where care is provided. 

Our meetings are a time of true connection. We enjoy light refreshments, meaningful conversations, and guest speakers who share helpful information on health topics, resources, and services available right here in our community. Most importantly, there is time to talk openly about the realities of cancer, the fears, the victories, the exhaustion, and the strength it takes to keep going. Hearing “me too” from someone who understands can make all the difference. 

Joining our group allows patients and their families to make lasting connections throughout their personal journeys. Some start out hesitant, almost skeptical, but taking that first step into our welcoming community offers unexpected joy. One of our favorite stories began in October 2022, when we met a patient and his wife for the first time. The day we met just happened to be the day of a support group meeting. They were immediately invited to join us. He was hesitant, but his wife was enthusiastic about the group. She shared that her husband was not a very sociable guy, but she would try to talk him into coming.  

Not only did this couple attend; they were the last to leave our pumpkin-painting activity. At our next meeting, they were some of the first to arrive. They both enthusiastically took part in that night’s activity – learning to dance the Hokey Pokey. They continued to come to our group as his disease took its toll. His wife still regularly attends our meetings to support us and other patients.  

It's gratifying to see connections form, friendships grow, and confidence return. We love watching survivors encourage those newly diagnosed and caregivers to feel seen and supported. We love the moments when someone walks in feeling alone and leaves knowing they are not. 

These groups remind us why we do what we do. They are filled with courage, compassion, faith, and resilience. They show the power of community and the healing that comes when people come together with open hearts. At Wilson Medical Center, our cancer support groups are more than support; they are family, and we are honored to be part of every journey shared within them. 

Our next Community Cancer Survivorship Support group meeting is February 19. We will meet every other month this year. Survivors, patients, and anyone caring for a survivor are welcome to attend. Contact Lisa Herndon, our patient navigator, at 252-399-7470 for more information. My team of Lisa, Nurse Navigator Jenn Sherrod and our Research Coordinator Maggie Clark and I look forward to our next community gathering. 
 
Leighanna Martin, MSN, FNP-C, is Director of Oncology Services at Wilson Medical Center.