Our cancer support offerings expanded in 2025 with a new peer-facilitated meeting, the hematologic cancer support group. This group was spearheaded by cancer survivor Bob Jones, who recognized a gap in our support groups for blood cancer survivors and their care partners.  

Bob is supported by co-facilitators JoAnn Tongue (cancer survivor) and Mary Suppola (care partner). Together they host a monthly meeting for open discussion of all topics related to the cancer experience, including coping strategies for anxiety, considerations for end-of-life planning and facing mortality, the importance of establishing a trusted medical team, and the ways diagnosis and treatment impact close relationships and care partners.

They welcome all community members with a blood cancer diagnosis as well as their care partners. Please help us spread the word as they continue to grow their group.

Learn more and see a full list of our active support communities onour support group page.

A one-on-one face for support

Our peer support volunteer program continued to thrive in 2025, with 14 cancer survivor community members serving as an extension of our support services team.

These volunteers are trained to connect with recently diagnosed patients to offer validation and support from their own lived perspective. Along with communicating with patients via phone and text, volunteers may also meet patients in-person or visit during treatments. Volunteers are invited to quarterly meetings with Cancer Center staff, which offer space to process their interactions with other patients as well as to provide feedback regarding our Cancer Center.

If you’re interested in learning more or becoming a Peer Support Volunteer call 503-814-1449, option 5.