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Cancer Support and Programs


We offer a number of support groups and other programs for those with cancer as well as their loved ones. Registration is required for all support groups and classes. See descriptions for details and location.

Location Key for In-Person Options

  • MHW - Marian Health & Wellness Center, 1207 East Main Street, Santa Maria
  • MHCC-SM - Mission Hope Cancer Center, 1325 East Church Street, Santa Maria
  • MHCC-AG - Mission Hope Cancer Center, 850 Fair Oaks Avenue, Arroyo Grande

GETTING STARTED

Get to know us and the services we provide so we can better support your journey. 

MHCC, SM 
By appointment: 805.219-HOPE (4673) 

MHCC, AG 
By appointment: 805.474.5303

SUPPORT GROUPS

Established to help individuals and their families cope with diagnosis, before, during and after treatment.

JAN 14, FEB 11, MAR 11; 1:00 PM

Virtual/Zoom Meeting

Please call HCRC at 805.542.6234 or email [email protected]

Acompáñanos para conectarse con otras personas que viven con cáncer y hablar de temas de cómo combatir la enfermedad. Esta oportunidad puede ayudarle a sentirse menos solo(a).

Mission Hope Cancer Center, SM
8 ENERO, 12 FEB, 12 MAR; 4:00 PM
Plática General

Reservaciones requeridas. Por favor llame a 805.219.HOPE (4673) para registrarse.

Apoyo y Educación para Personas con Cáncer

Virtual/Zoom Meeting
Llame a Eloisa al 805.786.6130

Our newest breast cancer support group addresses the unique challenges women/men face. Our support group provides a variety of topics and activities to help cope with this stage of life.

Mission Hope Cancer Center, SM
JAN 26; FEB 23; MAR 30; 4:00 PM

Reservations required; call 805.346.3405.

Our newest breast cancer support group addresses the unique challenges women/men face. We provide resources, support and education. 

Mission Hope Cancer Center SM 

Call for more details 805.346.3405 to RSVP 

Women gather to share valuable information and resources to manage the challenges a breast cancer diagnosis can bring while forging meaningful friendships.

Mission Hope Cancer Center, AG

JAN 6, 20
FEB 17
MAR 3, 17

4:00 PM

Virtual/Zoom Meeting
Reservation required; please call 805.474.5302 to register

FEBRUARY 3; 4:00 PM
Quarterly in-person meeting location TBD. Please call to register.

JAN 13
FEB 10
MAR 10

5:45 PM

Get together with those who understand their concerns, share helpful strategies and lend support.

Mission Hope Cancer Center - Santa Maria

Support Group for Caregivers and Family
Facilitated by Katie Crafton, OSW-C, LCSW

When your spouse or loved one is diagnosed with cancer, roles shift, expectations change, and oftentimes stress increases. Caring for someone enduring a serious medical diagnosis requires selfless service and can drain your battery. Come meet with others who are also navigating a similar journey as we discuss the challenges of being a caregiver and brainstorm ideas for how to best take care of ourselves while also being the best support to our loved one.

Class will use the book shown here which features practical exercises to teach caregivers the importance of self-care as they care for others.

Wednesdays: January 7, February 4, March 4 • 11:00 a.m. (in-person)
Mission Hope Cancer Center, Arroyo Grande
Matthew Will Building, 850 Fair Oaks Avenue, Third Floor

Wednesdays: Jan. 21, Feb. 18, March 18 • 11:00 a.m. (via Zoom)
Please call to register: 805.474.5303

(Spanish Support Group)

Usted no está sola(o) en la lucha contra el cáncer. Si usted o alguien de su familia sufren de cáncer, acompáñenos para discutir temas de cómo combatir y sobrevivir la enfermedad.

Viviendo con Cáncer 

Acompáñanos para conectarse con otras personas que viven con cáncer y hablar de temas de cómo combatir la enfermedad. Esta oportunidad puede ayudarle a sentirse menos solo(a). 

Mission Hope Cancer Center, SM
Jueves 10 de Julio a las 4 pm 

Platica General 
Jueves 14 de Agosto a las 4 pm 

Platica General 
Jueves 11 de Septiembre a las 4 pm 

Platica General 
Llama 805.346.HOPE (4673) En Español 

Gynecologic Cancer Support Group

Individuals with gynecologic cancers share experiences and establish a support system.

Mission Hope Cancer Center - Santa Maria (Zoom)
2nd Tuesday; 4:30 PM
Call
805-346-3441 to register

This support group offers a safe place to explore the emotional aspects of cancer by providing a forum to share and work through feelings and challenges. All types of cancer diagnoses are welcome.

Mission Hope Cancer Center, SM
JAN 21, FEB 18, MAR 18
8:30–9:30 AM

Walk-ins welcome. For details, call 805.219.HOPE (4673)

This group is specifically designed for the unique needs of metastatic cancer patients.

Mission Hope Cancer Center - Santa Maria

3rd Wednesday; 1PM

Option for zoom or in-person; call 805-346-3405 to RSVP

1st and 3rd Tuesdays; 4PM

Please call 805-346-3402 to register

This exciting and informative class combines nutrition advice with practical exercise tips to support your health throughout your treatment and beyond.

Mission Hope Cancer Center, SM

JANUARY 13; 2:00 PM
Topic: Kick Off the New Year by Building Healthy Habits

FEBRUARY 10; 2:00 PM
Topic: Help Prevent Cancer Through Nutrition and Exercise

MARCH 10; 2:00 PM
Topic: Reduce Colorectal Cancer Risk Through Nutrition and Exercise

Reservations required, please call 805.219.HOPE (4673)

Virtual support groups are available in English and Spanish for children, teens and parents.

Virtual/Zoom Meeting

Please call 805.219.HOPE (4673) or 805.786.6130 (Español) for details

SPOHNC, Santa Maria/Arroyo Grande hybrid in-person and online meeting.

Regaining Strength and Mobility for the Neck and Upper Body
Guest Speaker: John Malinowski, ACSM-CPT, CET, EIM

Our guest speaker, John Malinowski, Cancer Exercise Specialist from Mission Hope Cancer Center, will demonstrate basic neck and shoulder stretches and exercises suitable for a home exercise program for Head and Neck cancer patients.

Regaining and maintaining range of motion and strength can be a significant challenge following Head and Neck cancer treatments. Learn common stretches and strengthening exercises that can help you maintain active range of motion and strengthen muscles to support proper posture.

Tuesday, February 17 • 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Mission Hope Cancer Center, Arroyo Grande
Matthew Will Building, 850 Fair Oaks Avenue, Third Floor

To register to attend the meeting onsite or connect by Zoom, please call Mission Hope at 805.219.HOPE (4673)

Support group facilitated by Gina Rotondo, MS, CCC-SLP, Speech Language Pathologist

Support for the specific needs and concerns of patients with advanced, recurrent or metastatic cancer.

JAN 21, FEB 18, MAR 18; 5:15 PM
Virtual/Zoom Meeting

Please call HCRC at 805.542.6234 or email [email protected]

SELF-HELP PROGRAMS

Exercising in water reduces the impact on joints by 50% and the properties of water allow you to do more than you can on land. Benefits include more range of motion, joint flexibility and pain reduction. 

Allan Hancock College, SM 
RSVP and assessment required 

  • JAN 23, 30
  • FEB 6, 20, 27
  • MAR 6, 13, 27

Call John Malinowski at 

805.346.3413 (Santa Maria) or 
805.474.5334 (Arroyo Grande) 

It’s important to carve out time for self expression and creativity to add balance and fun to your life. Mission Hope offers art workshops that use varied art materials and techniques to help boost self expression and promote relaxation. Materials supplied; no experience necessary.

Mission Hope Cancer Center, SM

Practice Calligraphy with Linda
JANUARY 13; 9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Jewelry with Susan Johnson
JAN 14, FEB 11, MAR 11;
9:00–11:00 AM

Neurographic Art with Cheryl Kelly
Birds on a Wire

JANUARY 21; 1:00–3:00 PM

Watercolor Lovebirds with Linda
FEBRUARY 4; 9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Neurographic Art with Cheryl Kelly
Independent Projects
FEBRUARY 18; 1:00–3:00 PM

Acrylic Painting with Linda
MARCH 4; 9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Neurographic Art with Cheryl Kelly
Neurographic Exploration
MARCH 18; 1:00–3:00 PM

Held onsite, class seatings are limited. Reservations required; please call 805.219.HOPE (4673)

Mission Hope Cancer Center, AG

Practice Calligraphy with Linda
JANUARY 14; 1:00–4:00 PM

Watercolor Lovebirds with Linda
FEBRUARY 3; 1:00–4:00 PM

Acrylic Painting with Linda
MARCH 3; 1:00–4:00 PM

Held onsite, class seatings are limited. Reservations required; please call 805.474.5302


Classes de Arte

En cada clase aprenderemos una nueva actividad para crecer nuestras habilidades artísticas y darnos animo. ¡Todos los materiales son próvidos y experiencia no es requerida!

Mission Hope Cancer Center, SM

19 ENERO, 16 FEBRERO,
16 MARZO; 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Reservaciones requeridas. Por favor llame a 805.219.HOPE (4673) para registrarse.

In this workshop, Heidi Lee L.Ac., will guide participants in learning how to apply acupressure to acupuncture points on the ear for self care. You are invited to join us for a fun time of learning and practicing ear acupressure.

July 11; 10am Arroyo Grande 

July 11; 1:30pm Santa Maria 

Call 805.219.HOPE (4673) RSVP

Barre is a low impact fitness practice that is suitable for all ages. Combining classic ballet dance movement with yoga and Pilates, it increases strength and flexibility through a series of stretching and micro movements.

Mission Hope Cancer Center, AG 
July 17
August 7, 14, 21, 28
September 4, 11, 18, 25 

Call 805.474.5334 to RSVP 

Schedule an appointment in our center to regain a renewed sense of self, strength and confidence. Learn skin care tips, the art of applying make-up, hats and wigs!

MHCC, SM
Call
805.219.HOPE (4673) for details 

A 12-week program which includes group strengthening and aquatic exercise. Each participant meets one-on-one with our Certified Exercise Trainer to develop personal fitness goals which are tailored to your specific needs and abilities for an individualized program.

Marian Health & Wellness Center, SM Mission Hope Cancer Center, AG

Reservation and assessment required; please call 805.346.3413 (Santa Maria) or 805.474.5334 (Arroyo Grande)

A 10-week supervised exercise program for first year survivors and those within 2 years post treatment. Physician medical release required. 

Avila Bay Athletic Club & Spa 
Call 805.595.7600 x 122 

Paso Robles Sports Club 
Call Kathy at 805.610.6486

Circuit training is a form of exercise that involves both aerobic and anaerobic exercises done in a circuit, one exercise after another which targets strength building and muscular endurance. The intensity level will be modified to fit your needs. A fitness assessment and medical release required for this class.

Marian Health & Wellness Center, SM
EVERY WEDNESDAY
Reservation required; call 805.346.3413.

Patient, family and caregiver counseling offered by Cancer Support Community—CA Central Coast.

Call 805.238.4411 

Certified practitioners help promote relaxation, decrease stress and enhance well-being while encouraging the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

JAN 26, FEB 23, MAR 23; 11:00 AM
Virtual/Zoom Meeting

Please call HCRC at 805.542.6234 or email [email protected]

If you are experiencing symptoms such as peripheral neuropathy in the feet or generalized muscle weakness don’t wait until you have fallen to do something about it. Participants gain the knowledge to reduce the risk of falls in addition to conditioning the muscles to battle muscle fatigue and gain strength.

Marian Health & Wellness Center, SM
EVERY FRIDAY
Reservation and assessment required; call 805.346.3413 for dates/details

Mission Hope Cancer Center, AG
MOST THURSDAYS 
Reservation and assessment required; call 805.474.5334 for dates/details

In this relaxing class we perform static stretching which means we gently move our body through a range of motion that causes a slight pull on the intended muscle group we are targeting—no pain involved. With a consistent stretching routine you should feel less stiffness and enjoy a greater range of motion.

Mission Hope Cancer Center, AG
EVERY MONDAY
Reservation and assessment required; please call 805.346.3413

Experience healing energy and calmness with a gentle guided meditation session.

JAN 5, FEB 2, MAR 2; 4:30 PM
Virtual/Zoom Meeting

Reservations required; please call HCRC at 805.542.6234 or email [email protected]

First and most importantly is to have fun. The music will help you in this one hour class to enjoy raising your heart beat with slow and low impact movement to renew your energy level, lifting weights for gaining back your strength, and finishing the hour with gentle but feel good stretches. Remember, as you participate in the exercises to listen to your body and modify or rest when it tells you to.

Mission Hope Cancer Center, Arroyo Grande
Every Thursday
Matthew Will Building, 850 Fair Oaks Avenue, Third Floor, Suite 320

Meet your instructor: Debi Napzok
Debi Napzok is a Cancer Survivor and has been a fitness instructor for seven years. She invites people of every fitness level to join in on the fun.

To sign up, please call John Malinowski at 805.474.5334

Note: A fitness assessment is required before participation.

The group meets on a 12-hole, par 3 portion of the golf course to learn the basics of golf.

MARCH 11, 25

Please call 805.346.3413 for details

Line dancing is an interactive and fun exercise for both the mind and body that will have you smiling. Come enjoy yourself while improving balance, strength, endurance, coordination, and memory through line dancing. This is a low-impact class for absolute beginners—no previous experience required. Participants will learn basic steps and terminology while dancing to various genres of music. Wear tennis shoes and comfortable clothing.

Every Thursday

Mission Hope Cancer Center, Arroyo Grande
Matthew Will Building
850 Fair Oaks Avenue, Third Floor, Suite 320

To sign up or for more information, call John Malinowski at 805.474.5334

Note: Meetings are limited to 8 spots per class. A fitness assessment is required before participation.

This free service is offered for patients in treatment or those who have recently finished. Facilitators Yolanda Ramos and Renée Swan help patients with appearance related issues including makeup (cosmetic kit included), wig styling and head coverings.

Mission Hope Cancer Center, SM
JAN 8, FEB 5, MAR 5
10:00 AM–12:00 NOON

Reservations are required; please call 805.219.HOPE (4673)

¡DISPONIBLE EN ESPAÑOL!

Favor de llamar para una cita a 805.346.3410

Designed for breast cancer survivors and those with chronic conditions, these therapeutic exercises can play a role in helping to avoid the onset of lymphedema.

Marian Health & Wellness Center, SM
EVERY TUESDAY
Reservation and assessment required; call 805.346.3413 for dates/details

Mission Hope Cancer Center, AG
EVERY MONDAY
Reservation and assessment required; call 805.474.5334 for dates/details

One-on-one phone and in-person consultation with a Registered Dietitian. Appointment required. 

MHCC, SM/AG 
SM call 805.346.3413 
AG call 805.474.5334

This class benefits men with issues such as urinary or fecal incontinence, weak core muscles and/or general deconditioning.

Marian Health & Wellness Center, SM
JAN 9, 23; FEB 13, 27; MAR 13, 27

Reservations required; please call 805.346.3413 for details

TRX is a form of suspension training that uses body weight exercises to develop strength, balance, flexibility and core stability.

Mission Hope Cancer Center, AG
MOST THURSDAYS 
Reservation and assessment required; call 805.474.5334

All experience levels are welcome to join. Instructions, needles and yarn are provided.

Mission Hope Cancer Center, SM
JAN 5, 12, 19
FEB 2, 9, 16, 23
MAR 2, 9, 16, 23; 2:00 PM

Call 805.219.HOPE (4673) to register

Our gentle yoga class is geared specifically for those new to yoga or who prefer a gentle practice. This program incorporates simple flowing sequences to warm up the body, as well as slower paced movements focusing on alignment, strength, balance, and flexibility. May help combat the uncomfortable side effects of treatment and reduce anxiety and stress. No experience required; please bring a yoga mat.

Mission Hope Cancer Center, AG
EVERY MONDAY
Reservation and assessment required; call 805.474.5334 for dates/details

This course is filled with discovering, writing, and sharing your own remarkable life stories as well as reflecting on why your story matters. No writing experience is necessary. 

Mission Hope Cancer Center - SM
1st and 3rd Thursday; 3PM 

Reservations required; please call 805-219-4673