Cancer Patient Support Program

Resources & Programs

CPSP Staff …

Psycho-Oncology
Rose Colletti, PhD
Kathy McBeth, M.A., Coordinator
802-847-4848
Consultation for individuals and families by appointment.

Nutritional Counseling
Jennifer Ohler-May, RD, CD
802-847-4649
Nutritional consultation available by phone or by appointment.

Emergency Fund Coordinator
Stephanie Fraser, MSW
802-847-3234

Consultations available by phone or appointment through Fletcher Allen Health Care.


Licensed clinical psychologists provide counseling to patients and family members without charge. Private consultations are available for individuals, couples and families to help them cope with the stress of diagnosis, treatment and other cancer-related life issues. Support Groups offer the opportunity to meet others with similar experiences and concerns. Counselors are also available by phone.

A Lending Library is located in the Frymoyer Community Health Resource Center on Level 3 of the Ambulatory Care Center at Fletcher Allen Health Care. Books, pamphlets, videos and computer web sites are there for you to use to help you learn about and deal with the physical and emotional aspects of cancer.

Summer/Fall 2007 Resources and Programs Flyer (click here)

CPSP Support Groups

Coping Together Support Group
For women diagnosed with breast cancer
When: 12-week group, days and times decided for each group
Where: Hematology/Oncology Ambulatory Care Center
Call: Rose Colletti, PhD, at 802-847-4848 for more information on dates and times.

Getting Back To Health
A Nutritional Support Group for Breast Cancer Patients
When: Please call for meeting times and dates
Time:
Where: Frymoyer Community Health Resource Center, FAHC/ACC, Level 3
Call: Jennifer May, R.D.C.D. at 802-847-4649

Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma Family Support Group
When: 1st Wednesday of the month
Time: 6-7:30 pm
Where: call for location and directions
Call: Rose Colletti, PhD, at 802-847-4848

Women’s Cancer Support Group
For women with all types of cancer
When: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month
Time: 5-6:30 pm
Where: Frymoyer Community Health Resource Center, FAHC/ACC, Level 3
Call: Rose Colletti, PhD, at 802-847-4848

The Mets Hope Chest
Advanced Breast Cancer Group for Women with Stage IV Breast Cancer
When: Every Tuesday
Time: 11 am-12:30 pm
Where: Frymoyer Community Health Resource Center, FAHC/ACC, Level 3
Call: Rose Colletti, PhD, at 802-847-4848

Multiple Myeloma Support Group
When: 3rd Tuesday of the month
Time: 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Where: call for location and directions
Call: JoAnn Nielson, RN at 802-847-5649

Colorectal Liver Metastases Study Support Group
When: 2nd Thursday of the month
Time: 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Where: call for location and directions
Call: Kathy McBeth, M.A., at 802-847-4848

Young Survivors Support Group
When: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month
Time: 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Where: Frymoyer Community Health Resource Center, FAHC/ACC, Level 3
Call: Kathy McBeth, M.A., at 802-847-4848

Mentoring Program for Cancer Patients

Mentoring Program: Cancer mentoring programs are based on the idea that support support from others who have been through a similar experience can help reduce the negative impacts of this disease.

Mentors: Are you a cancer survivor who would like to help support and guide another person through the cancer experience?

Mentees: Are you a cancer patient who might benefit from being able to speak with someone who has faced a simlar set of symptoms, challenges and uncertaintees?

Please contact CPSP for more information: Jess DiGiorgianni (847-8400) or Kathy McBeth (847-5715)

Support Servives funded by the Victoria Buffum Endowment Fund, Fletcher Allen Health Care


Chemotherapy Education Class
Fletcher Allen Oncology Nurses. By appointment only.
Referral by Medical Oncologist.

Healing Yoga
For those touched by Cancer at all stages of illness or recovery, for all ages, all body types.
When: Wednesdays, 2-4 p.m., and 5:15 - 7 p.m., Thursdays, 9-11a.m., and *Monday, 1-3 p.m. (*for beginners).
Where: Fletcher Allen Health Care (call for location)
Call: Theora Ward, Med, RN, CKYT, at 802-482-5455 for details and to register.

Happy Hands Massage Therapy
Chair massage therapy for cancer patients before and during treatments.
When: Tuesday – Thursday (outpatients)
Friday (inpatients) Time: 9 a.m. – 12 noon
Where: Hematology/Oncology Clinic
Call for an appointment: Cindy at 425-3460, or Sharon at 864-9392

 

Educational Events & Programs



 

Cancer Support Groups by County

Addison County

Nola Kevra
(802) 388-6107
Call for meeting time and place
Ripton, VT

Bennington County
Leslie MacMurtry, RN, OCN
Celia Bandman
Southwestern Vermont Regional Cancer Center
(802) 447-1836
* Women With Cancer
Every other Monday,
* Open Group (patients, family, friends)
Third Wednesday of every month,

 


Caledonia & Northern Counties
Betsy Merrill
Caledonia Home Health
Look Good, Feel Better: for women in active cancer treatment & in charge of their lives
NVRH Conference Center room 126
Janine, (802) 626-0826 or Betsy, (802)748-7501
3rd Tuesdays: Jan, March, May, July, Sept, Nov. 4:00pm. 

Chittenden County
Coping Together Support Group
For women diagnosed with breast cancer
When: 12-week group, days and times decided for each group
Where: Hematology/Oncology Ambulatory Care Center
Call: Rose Colletti, PhD, at 802-847-4848 for more information on dates and times.

Getting Back To Health
A Nutritional Support Group for Breast Cancer Patients
When: Please call for meeting times and dates
Time:
Where: Frymoyer Community Health Resource Center, FAHC/ACC, Level 3
Call: Jennifer May, R.D.C.D. at 802-847-4649

Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma Family Support Group
When: 1st Wednesday of the month
Time: 6-7:30 pm
Where: call for location and directions
Call: Rose Colletti, PhD, at 802-847-4848

Women’s Cancer Support Group
For women with all types of cancer
When: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month
Time: 5-6:30 pm
Where: Frymoyer Community Health Resource Center, FAHC/ACC, Level 3
Call: Rose Colletti, PhD, at 802-847-4848

The Mets Hope Chest
Advanced Breast Cancer Group for Women with Stage IV Breast Cancer
When: Every Tuesday
Time: 11 am-12:30 pm
Where: Frymoyer Community Health Resource Center, FAHC/ACC, Level 3
Call: Rose Colletti, PhD, at 802-847-4848

Multiple Myeloma Support Group
When: 3rd Tuesday of the month
Time: 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Where: call for location and directions
Call: JoAnn Nielson, RN at 802-847-5649

Colorectal Liver Metastases Study Support Group
When: 2nd Thursday of the month
Time: 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Where: call for location and directions
Call: Kathy McBeth, M.A., at 802-847-4848

Young Survivors Support Group
When: Please call for meeting times and dates
Time:
Where: Frymoyer Community Health Resource Center, FAHC/ACC, Level 3
Call: Kathy McBeth, M.A., at 802-847-4848

Lamoille County
Jill Baker (802) 888-4231
Claire Hancock  (802) 888-8311
First Monday
5:00-6:30 PM
Copley Hospital
Board Room
Morrisville, VT

Orange County
Sandy Conrad, SW
(802) 728-2270
Call for meeting time & place
Gifford Medical Center
Randolph, VT

Orleans County
Laurie Gray
(802) 895-4015
call for meeting time and place
North Country Hospital
189 Prouty Drive
Newport, VT

Washington County
I Can Cope
The "I Can Cope" program is a series of classes taught by doctors, nurses, social workers, and other health care professionals or community representatives. The sessions help dispel cancer myths by presenting straightforward facts and answers to cancer-related questions. Cancer patients and their loved ones will gain insights to maximize their quality of life throughout the cancer experience.
Elaine Owens, Central Vermont Coordinator
802-223-6196 or 1-800-ACS-2345 

Betty Blouin
(802) 223-7342
Every Wednesday

Every Wednesday,
Bethany Church Parlor
Main Street
Montpelier, VT

Windsor County
Anne Waldman
(802) 885-3672
3rd Thursday of each month

Library Springfield Hospital
Springfield, VT

Windham County
Healing Tools Support Group
for anyone with critical or chronic illness.
Information: Esha Dakavana, (802) 254-6860

Plattsburgh, NY
Stacey LaFave, MSW
(518) 562-7100
"I Can Cope"
Fitzpatrick Cancer Center
100 Beekman St.
Plattsburgh, NY

Time Out For Caring:
Education and Support for Family Caregivers
This program provides comprehensive education and support to families, teaching them how to cope with the emotional strain, where to seek outside help, and ways to perform everyday caregiving with greater ease. It is a six-hour program offered four times a year and is facilitated by a nurse and social worker.

Call Stacey LaFave at (518) 562-7534 for future dates and more information.

Plattsburgh, NY


Leukemia, Hodgkins and non-Hodgkins lymphoma,
Myeloma and other blood cancers

Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma Family Support Group
When: 1st Wednesday of the month
Time: 6-7:30 pm
Where: call for location and directions
Call: Rose Colletti, PhD, at 802-847-4848

Multiple Myeloma Support Group
When: 3rd Tuesday of the month
Time: 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Where: call for location and directions
Call: JoAnn Nielson, RN at 802-847-5649

Breast Cancer Support Groups

Caledonia & Northern Counties
Betsy Merrill
Caledonia Home Health
(802) 748-7501
Breast Cancer Support
Third Saturday of every month, 10-11:30 AM.

Chittenden County
Coping Together Support Group
For women diagnosed with breast cancer
When: 12-week group, days and times decided for each group
Where: Hematology/Oncology Ambulatory Care Center
Call: Rose Colletti, PhD, at 802-847-4848 for more information on dates and times.

Getting Back To Health
A Nutritional Support Group for Breast Cancer Patients
When: Please call for meeting times and dates
Time:
Where: Frymoyer Community Health Resource Center, FAHC/ACC, Level 3
Call: Jennifer May, R.D.C.D. at 802-847-4649

The Mets Hope Chest
Advanced Breast Cancer Group for Women with Stage IV Breast Cancer
When: Every Tuesday
Time: 11 am-12:30 pm
Where: Frymoyer Community Health Resource Center, FAHC/ACC, Level 3
Call: Rose Colletti, PhD, at 802-847-4848

Reach to Recovery
The American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery program has helped people (female and male) cope with their breast cancer experience for more than 35 years. This experience begins at the moment someone is faced with the possibility of a breast cancer diagnosis, and continues throughout the entire period that breast cancer remains a personal concern. There are seven trained Reach to Recovery volunteer visitors in Chittenden County. Contact:
Bee Tabakin, Coordinator in Burlington at (802) 864-0868 or 1-800-ACS-2345.

Caledonia County
Linda Hall
(802) 748-5151
for phone support

Franklin County
Olivia Weed, MSW 524-8479
Celeste Kane-Stebbins 933-4975
Linda Sturges 527-1084
1st Tuesday of each month, (starts 9/5)
Healing Circle Breast Cancer Network
Northwestern Medical Center
Fairfield Street
St. Albans, VT

Lamoille County
Mary Hoisington, (802) 888-4051
Carol Young, (802) 888-4675
1st Tuesday of each month,
Sterling View Community Room, Hyde Park
Call first for information

Orleans County
Joan Toll  (802) 334-2661
3rd Tuesday, 7:00 PM
Call for information
North Country Hospital
Room 221
189 Prouty Drive
Newport, VT

Washington County
Reach to Recovery
The American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery program has helped people (female and male) cope with their breast cancer experience for more than 35 years. This experience begins at the moment someone is faced with the possibility of a breast cancer diagnosis, and continues throughout the entire period that breast cancer remains a personal concern. There are four trained Reach to Recovery volunteer visitors in Washington County. Contact:
Jennifer Blacklock, Coordinator (802) 872-6308 or 1-800-ACS-2345.

Windham County
Carol Westing
(802) 387-2152
1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital
Tyler Conference Room

Plattsburgh, NY
The “Treasure Chests”
Elli Collins, RN, MS, OCN
(518) 562-7148
ecollins@cvph.org
call for monthly meeting place and time
Fitzpatrick Cancer Center
100 Beekman Street
Plattsburgh, NY

Other Prostate Cancer Support Groups

Chittenden County
Darla Osgood, EdD
(802) 879-1207
Support groups for wives of prostate cancer survivors.
2nd Wednesday of each month
7 pm
The Growth Center
8 Pearl Street
Essex Jct., VT 05452

Mary Guyette - Chittenden County Coordinator
(802) 658-5578
Man to Man
This prostate cancer education and support program provides a forum for men to learn about prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment options, as well as coping and everyday living skills. The program provides men and their families with a comfortable and confidential meeting environment for discussion, education and support.
2nd Tuesday of each month
5-6:30 pm
Board Room of the Fannie Allen Campus of Fletcher Allen Health Care.

Franklin County
Fern Mercure, RN
(802) 524-0719
Oliva Weed, SW
(802) 524-8479
1st Wednesday of each month

Northwestern Medical Center
Cobblestone Commons
Conference Room A
St. Albans, VT

Washington County
Fred Cook - Washington County Coordinator
(802) 223-2933
Man to Man
This prostate cancer education and support program provides a forum for men to learn about prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment options, as well as coping and everyday living skills. The program provides men and their families with a comfortable and confidential meeting environment for discussion, education and support.
3rd Wednesday of each month
6-7:45 pm
Conference Room #3, Central Vermont Medical Center, Fisher Road, Berlin


Brian Tumor

Brain Tumor Support Group of Vermont
Contact CPSP
802-847-4848
Fletcher Allen Health care


Women with Cancer

Bennington County
Sherri Alper, LICSW
802-384-5505
Leslie MacMutry, RN ONP
1st Wednesday of each month
5:30 –7:30 pm
Northshire Women's Group
corporate office of the Vermont Country Store,
Route 7 North, Manchester Center, VT

Chittenden County
Women’s Cancer Support Group
For women with all types of cancer
When: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month
Time: 5-6:30 pm
Where: Frymoyer Community Health Resource Center, FAHC/ACC, Level 3
Call: Rose Colletti, PhD, at 802-847-4848

Look Good, Feel Better
Is a community-based, free, national service that teaches female cancer patients beauty techniques to help restore their appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
3rd Wednesday, 3:00-4:30 PM
The American Cancer Society
121 Connor Way (2nd floor)
Williston, VT
ACS office 802-655-2000 or 1-800-698-6634

Washington County
Look Good, Feel Better
Jan and Ruthie of Jan’s Beauty Boutique hold a group session
Last Monday of each Month
5pm-6:30
Central Vermont Medical Center
Please call 229-0366 or 1-800-ACS-2345 to register or for more information.

Plattsburgh, New York
Look Good...Feel Better
2nd Monday of every month -
FitzPatrick Cancer Center's Conference Room
Call 562-7100 for more information.

I Can Cope
Classes help the patient, family members, and friends with the day-to-day issues of living with a chronic disease like cancer. It is a four-week program that is offered twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall. Call Stacey LaFave at 562-7534 for future dates and more information

Chittenden County
VNA Family Caregiver Support Group
Contact Tanya Morris
860-4440 ext 2402
4th Wednesday of the month
Fanny Allen Campus
Fletcher Allen Health Care
Call for info regarding room.

Young Survivors Support Group

Chittenden County
Young Survivors Support Group
When:Please call for meeting times and dates
Time:
Where: Frymoyer Community Health Resource Center, FAHC/ACC, Level 3
Call: Kathy McBeth, M.A., at 802-847-4848


Cancer Support Services

Cancer Patient Support Program

The Cancer Patient Support Program has been established to provide emotional and educational support for cancer patients and their families. CPSP was created by a group of cancer survivors and others who have been touched by this disease. Their collective experience and first-hand knowledge led to the design of the program. For information, call (802) 847-4848, or (800) 358-1144, ext. 4848.

Healing Legacies
 Healing Legacies promotes breast cancer education and increases social awareness by providing women facing breast cancer with the opportunity to exhibit their artistic work, and by promoting the transformative quality of art & writing to the healing process.

I Can Cope
This is an American Cancer Society (ACS) patient education course provided in a supportive environment for adults with cancer and their family members and friends. It is designed to help participants with their cancer experience by increasing their knowledge, positive attitudes, and skills. Experience has shown that individuals who know more about their disease can make informed decisions with their doctors and become partners in the treatment team. This program helps the patient and the family understand the feelings of fear and frustration so often encountered with a cancer diagnosis. For more information, contact your local ACS office at (802) 872-6399 or (866) 466-0626 (press 3).

Look Good Feel Better
 Sponsored by the National Cosmetology Association and the American Cancer Society (ACS), this program, available at several sites around the state, helps people with cancer look better and feel more comfortable with their self-image during treatment. For more information, contact your local ACS office at (802) 223-2348 or (800) 639-1888.

Lymphedema Network, Vermont Regional
Lee Nelson, PT
University of Vermont
Dept. of Physical Therapy
305 Rowell
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 656-2245

Good Samaritan Network
Dick LaBelle
Fletcher Allen Health Care
790 College Parkway
Colchester, VT 05446
(802) 847-1447
Mon.-Fri., flexible hours

The Vermont Healing Tools Project
This private, nonprofit agency offers resources, support, and education for people with critical or chronic illnesses.
Located in Brattleboro, VT
For information and services call
(802) 254-1250


Cancer Information Websites

The American Society of Cinical Oncologists
Website (www.cancer.net) with indepth Oncologist-approved cancer information, made possible by the ASCO Cancer Foundation.

The Asbestos and Mesothelioma Center - Committed to providing the latest, up-to-date information to their visitors in hopes of creating awareness about the dangers of asbestos and mesothelioma cancer.



Transportation

The following local and national organizations provide transportation support for individuals with cancer and their families.

Road to Recovery
Road to Recovery is the American Cancer Society service program that provides ground transportation for cancer patients to their treatments and home again. There are 32 trained volunteer drivers. Last year, these volunteer drivers gave 147 free rides to Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington.

Jennifer Blacklock, Chittenden County Coordinator (Williston)
(802) 872-6308 or 1-800-ACS-2345

Brandi Brooks- Jagemann, Washington County Coordinator
802/229-6289 or 1-800-ACS-2345

Vermont Public Transportation Association
Offers ground transportation services for cancer patients and/or their family member.
Patricia Crocker, Director
212 Holiday Drive, Suite 1
White River Junction, VT 05001
Ph: 1-800-685-7433
Hours: M-F, 8 am-5 pm
 

Chittenden County Transportation Authority (CCTA)
Offers ground transportation for cancer patients and/or their families. For more information call the CCTA.
PO Box 609
Burlington, VT 05401
Ph: (802) 864-0211
Hours: M-F, 8 am-5 pm
 

National Patient Air Transport Helpline
Offers air transportation to cancer patients and/or their families. Call their 24-hour hotline for more information.
Ph: 1800-296-1217
 

Angel Flight New England
Offers free air transportation to patients whose financial resources do not permit them to travel to their treatments, are unable to use public transportation because of their medical condition, or are living in remote areas without access to commercial transportation.
Larry Camerlin, President
492 Sutton St.
Andover, MA 01845
Ph: (978) 974-6868
Hours: M-F, 9 am-5pm
 

AirLifeLine
This nonprofit charitable organization provides free flights to patients who cannot afford the cost of commercial airfare when traveling to a medical facility. To qualify for the service, patients must meet certain criteria. For more information or to make a request for transportation, call or write AirLifeLine.
50 Fullerton Court, Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95825
Ph: 1-877-AIR-LIFE


Lodging

For people receiving treatment in the Burlington area, the following are lodging options.


Hope Lodge
This lodge houses people with cancer and their families.
Angela Dennis, Director
211 East Avenue
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 658-0649
M-F, 9am-4 pm
E-mail: angela.dennis@cancer.org
 

Ronald McDonald House
A place for families who have traveled a long way from home to seek medical treatment for their seriously ill children.
Pamela Fenimore, House Manager
16 South Winooski Avenue
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 862-4943
Fax: (802) 862-2175
7 am-9 pm
E-mail: pfenimore@aol.com


Patient Advocacy

Listed below are organizations providing legislative, community, or personal support to patients in need.
 

American Cancer Society (ACS)
Northwest Region of the New England Division
The ACS is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer. Hours for all Vermont locations: Mon.-Fri., 8:30 am-4:30 pm.
Toll free number for Vermont office 1-866-466-0626
National ACS office 1-800-ACS-2345

Williston
150 Kennedy Drive
121 Connor Way, Suite 240
PO Box 1460
Williston, VT 05495
Ph: (866) 466-0626 (Press 3)
(802) 872-6399
Fax: (802) 872-6308
Jennifer Blacklock


New England Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
c/o American Cancer Society
6 Strathmore Rd
Natick, MA 01760
Phone: 508-655-3329
This is a coalition of survivors, family members, friends, caregivers, and cancer-related organizations from all over New England, working together to provide a better quality of life and fair treatment for cancer survivors in New England.


Home Health Care & Hospices of Vermont

The following organizations provide home care or assist in the care of cancer patients.


Addison County Home Health & Hospice
P.O. Box 754
Middlebury, VT 05753
Ph: (802) 388-7259 / Fax: (802) 388-6126
 

Bennington Area Home Health
100 Hospital Drive, Suite 126
Bennington, VT 05201
Ph: (802) 442-5502 / Fax: (802) 442-4919
 

Caledonia Home Health Care & Hospice
PO Box 383
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Ph: (802) 748-8116 / Fax: (802) 748-4628
 

Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice
600 Granger Road
Barre, VT 05641
Ph: (802) 223-1878 / Fax: (802) 223-2861

Dorset Nursing Association
PO Box 549
Dorset, VT 05251
Ph: (802) 867-5922 / Fax: (802) 867-0115
 

Franklin County Home Health
3 Home Health Circle
St. Albans, VT 05478
Ph: (802) 527-7531 / Fax: (802) 527-7533
 

Lamoille Home Health & Hospice
54 Farr Avenue
Morrisville, VT 05661
Ph: (802) 888-4651 / Fax: (802) 888-6423
 

Manchester Health Services, Inc.
PO Box 1224
Manchester Center, VT 05255
Ph: (802) 362-2126 / Fax: (802) 362-4884
 

Orleans-Essex VNA & Hospice
46 Lakemont Road
Newport, VT 05855
Ph: (802) 334-5213 / Fax: (802) 334-8822
 

Rutland Area VNA & Hospice
PO Box 787
Rutland, VT 05701
Ph: (802) 775-0568 / Fax: (802) 775-2304

 

Southern Vermont Home Health
1 Holstein Place, Suite 311
Brattleboro, VT 05301
Ph: (802) 257-4390 / Fax: (802) 257-2188
 

Visiting Nurse Alliance of VT & NH
46 South Main Street
White River Junction, VT 05001
Ph: (802) 295-2604 / Fax: (802) 295-3163
 

Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Chittenden and
Grand Isle Counties
1110 Prim Road, Suite 1
Colchester, VT 05446
Ph: (802) 658-1900 / Fax: (802) 860-6149
 

Vermont Respite House (a program of the VNA of Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties)
99 Allenbrook Lane
Williston, VT 05495
Ph: (802) 879-0943 / Fax: (802) 872-8561
 



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