ESCANABA — For the last 25 years OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital and Medical Group has been providing complex cancer care in Delta County through a partnership with Green Bay Oncology. They have announced the addition of a cancer support group to their oncology services.

Beginning Tuesday, March 10, OSF St. Francis will host a monthly support group. They will be held on the second Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise noted. Members will meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the second floor conferences rooms at OSF St. Francis Hospital.

The support group is available to all cancer patients and survivors, regardless of where they have received or are receiving treatment. Support persons or caregivers are welcome to attend as well. The group will be facilitated by Jill Deno, oncology nurse navigator, and Ashley Peterson, manager of oncology and ambulatory care. The two facilitators will bring a unique level of understanding and knowledge to the group, as both are also cancer survivors.

Both were passionate about getting a cancer support group started at OSF St. Francis. “I want cancer patients, survivors and support people to know they are never alone,” said Peterson. “As a survivor, I have juggled the thoughts and fears associated with cancer and I want to ease the way for those facing this journey, past and present.”

Deno says she thinks the Delta County area will benefit from the communication, encouragement and comrade that cancer support groups create. “So many cancer patients do not want to burden family or friends with the fears and concerns that come with a cancer diagnosis. I think that bringing a support group to our community is vital in bridging that gap so that cancer patients and survivors have an outlet to go to.”

OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group – Oncology serves patients Monday through Friday and is staffed with three Green Bay Oncology providers and 10 chemotherapy certified registered nurses. For more information about cancer care and support groups at OSF HealthCare, call (906) 233-4140 or visit www.osfstfrancis.org/events.