Mayo Clinic support groups in Florida

Support and bereavement groups

Support and bereavement groups may play an important role in the emotional well-being of patients and their families as they are confronted with serious illness. Mayo Clinic encourages you to seek support from credible groups that can provide you with information, advice and understanding from peers and medical professionals. This website is designed to provide basic, objective information about support and bereavement groups.

Defining support and bereavement groups

Support groups are for people with a disease or their relatives who want to share their concerns with others and learn how to address disease-specific problems. Bereavement groups allow those who have lost a loved one to share their struggles with others who have experienced a similar loss.

Most support groups are “peer” groups, made up of people who have the same or a similar disease. A layperson or health professional may lead the group and, often, the moderator is a disease survivor. Some groups meet in a hospital setting, within a community agency, at a person's home, over the telephone or in online chat rooms. Bereavement groups also are peer-oriented, with those participating having lost a loved one.

Support groups can be structured in various ways. Some are organized based on the specific disease, while others are designed according to what stage of disease a person has. Some offer a focus such as therapy, education or coping skills, while others feature a less structured environment where members provide direction. Bereavement groups may be organized based on the relative a person has lost — child, parent or spouse. Those participating have had the same experience.

Benefits of support groups

Some people who have participated in support and bereavement groups say the experience gave them an emotional connection when they felt isolated from friends and family. A group can provide and share information ranging from disease research and new medications to how a bereaved person can cope during the first year after a loved one's death. People involved say this exchange of information is one of the most valuable elements of participating in a support or bereavement group. Moreover, support and bereavement groups offer people the opportunity to release powerful emotions they may otherwise keep to themselves. Health care providers say support groups can improve a participant's mood and decrease psychological distress.

When a support group isn't enough

Sometimes people with a disease, their loved one or a person who has lost a family member or friend may require help beyond a support group. If a support group isn't providing the help you need, contact your care provider to discuss your situation.

Mayo Clinic support groups in Florida

Sharing your story or expressing your concerns can help to make a difference — for you and for those who are fighting the same disease.

The support groups at Mayo Clinic's campus in Florida welcome survivors and their caregivers for a time of sharing and encouragement. The meetings are free and open to the public.

ALS Support Group (Zoom)

Third Monday of each month from 2 to 3 p.m., Eastern time.
Preregistration required.
Call 904-953-0332 for more information.

AYA (Adolescents and Young Adults) Support Group (Zoom)

Are you 18-39 years old? Got cancer? You’re not alone!

First Thursday of each month from 8 to 10 p.m., Eastern time.
To register and get the Zoom invite, email Melody Griffith at griffith.melody@mayo.edu.

BMT (Bone Marrow Transplant) Support Group (Teams)

First Wednesday of each month from noon to 1 p.m., Eastern time.
Contact Abbie Demirbulakli at demirbulakli.abbie@mayo.edu.
You will receive an invite one week prior to the meeting.

Breathwork and Meditation at Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Hope Lodge (in-person)

Open to patients, caregivers, the community and Hope Lodge residents)

Reflection Room, Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Hope Lodge, 4593 Worrall Way, Jacksonville, FL 32224.
Mondays at 4 p.m. Eastern time.
Contact the front desk at 904-674-6640.

Caring for the Caregiver Support Group (Zoom)

Open to all caregivers.
Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon Eastern time.
To receive the Zoom link to join the discussion, email preusler.eric@mayo.edu or call 904-956-3085 to leave your email address.

*This group is for caregivers, so we respectfully ask that patients not attend.

Colorectal Cancer Liver Transplant Support Group (Zoom)

Support group for patients and their caregivers when the patient is listed for a transplant or has received a liver transplant due to colorectal cancer at any Mayo Clinic campus.

First Thursday of each month from 11 a.m. to noon, Eastern time.
Preregistration is required.
Zoom registration required prior to group meeting.
Contact Sally Blackwell at Blackwell.Sally@mayo.edu or 904-956-3205 for information and to register.

Compass Connect (Zoom)

Support group for patients with a primary brain tumor and their caregivers.

First Tuesday of each month from 2 to 3 p.m., Eastern time.
Preregistration is required.
Contact Kim Nelson at nelson.kimberly3@mayo.edu for information and to register.

Cystic Fibrosis Adult Patient Support Group (Zoom)

Third Tuesday of each month from 11 a.m. to noon and 6 to 7 p.m., Eastern time.
Preregistration is required.
Contact Carl (Bob) Goodholm through Mayo Portal.
Zoom registration required prior to group meeting.

Family First: Cancer Education and Support (In-person)

Family First is a two-hour workshop designed for families impacted by cancer. This program uses creative expression and education to help patients, their partners or spouses, and their children navigate the emotional and practical challenges of a cancer diagnosis.

Families attend together, but the workshop encourages peer-to-peer discussions and art-based activities to foster communication and reduce feelings of isolation that are common during this journey.

Open to families across the First Coast.
In-person at the Mangurian Building on Mayo Clinic Florida Campus, 4500 San Pablo Road South, Jacksonville, FL 32224.
Registration required (rolling registration; minimum of 3 families to host)
Mondays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Eastern time.
Rolling registration with a minimum of 3 families required to host a session.
Contact Emaline Johnson at 904-953-0785 or johnson.emaline@mayo.edu for more information.
Complimentary family-style dinner served at the start of each session.

GYN Support Group – Women of S-Teal Jax (Zoom)

For newly diagnosed, receiving treatment or in surveillance. This group provides education and support to patients diagnosed with NETs (gynecological cancer). All patients and their caregivers are welcome to attend.

Second Monday of each month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Eastern time.
The Zoom link is posted on Mayo Connect prior to the meeting.
https://mchealth.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUpcumqrjspG9fMELiP7SZzpF_vPDfkhNuz.
Open to the community. Patients and caregivers welcome.
Maximum of 50 participants. Early registration on Zoom is required and recommended.
Contact Oncology Social Work at 904-953-6831.

Heart/VAD Transplant Zoom Support Group (Zoom)

Open to Mayo Clinic heart transplant/VAD patients and their caregivers. Patients can be currently in evaluation, awaiting transplant or post-transplant.

Tuesdays from 1 to 2 p.m., Eastern time (except for major holidays)..
Contact Christen Mayr, M.S.W., L.C.S.W for more information: mayr.christen@mayo.edu.
Zoom registration required prior to group meeting.

Holding Hope: Metastatic Breast Cancer Support (Zoom)

MBC Patient Circle is a supportive community space group for people living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Designed to help patients connect with one another, share experiences, emotional support, practical insights for daily life, and a sense of hope and empowerment from peers who truly understand the journey.

The goal for the group is to reduce isolation, build connection and offer shared strength through shared experience as part of a broader network of MBC resources and support services.

Online support for MBC breast cancer patients at Mayo Clinic in Florida.
Fourth Tuesday of every month at 6 to 7 p.m., Eastern time.
Register in advance for this meeting on Zoom.

Hope in Mind: A Support Group for the Low-Grade Brain Tumor Experience (ZOOM)

Third Thursday of every month from noon to 1 p.m., Eastern time.
Contact Jenny Anderson at Anderson.Jennifer33@mayo.edu for more information and to register.
Zoom registration required prior to group meeting.

Kidney Education/ Support Group (Zoom)

This group is for Kidney Transplant waitlisted and post-transplant patients.

Fourth Wednesday of each month from 2 to 3 p.m., Eastern time.
Preregistration required.
Invitation will be sent through Mayo Portal.
Zoom registration required prior to group meeting.
Contact Kidney Social Workers at 904-956-3292 with questions.

Liver and Liver/Kidney Transplant Support Group (Zoom)

The objective of this support group is to share information and provide support to pre and posttransplant liver and combined liver/ kidney transplant patients.

Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to noon, Eastern time.
Preregistration required.
Invitation will be sent through Mayo Portal.
Contact Sally Blackwell at Blackwell.Sally@mayo.edu or 904-956-3205 for more information.
Zoom registration required prior to group meeting.

Lung Transplant Support Group (Zoom)

Weekly informative and supportive group for pre and post lung transplant patients and caregivers.

Tuesdays from 1 to 2 p.m., Eastern time.
Preregistration required.
Contact: Bea Flores through Mayo Portal.
Zoom registration required prior to group meeting.

Mayo Clinic Connect

Mayo Clinic Connect is an online community where you can share your experiences and find support from people like you. You can also read Mayo Clinic expert blogs and take part in educational events. Connect is managed by a team of community moderators, who keep the community safe and welcoming. They also support a volunteer group of patient mentors who share their stories, assist in connecting members and build community.

Discover your support network on Connect today.

Mindfulness Meditation: A Community Sit (in-person)

St. Jude Hall, Cannaday Bldg. 1050, Mayo Clinic in Florida.
Mondays at 11 a.m., Eastern time (except federal holidays).
No registration required.
Contact: Kristin Lothman (Lothman.Kristin@mayo.edu) for questions.
There is no option to attend this session virtually.

Moving Forward, Staying Present: Online Resiliency Group (Zoom)

Designed for people transitioning out of active treatment and are ready to embrace a new chapter of their lives. Focused on mindfulness and lifestyle improvements, this group offers a safe space to explore practices that foster mental clarity, emotional healing and holistic well-being. Through guided discussions, mindfulness-based skills and practical tools, members are encouraged to thrive beyond survival by adopting healthier habits, reducing stress and cultivating a sense of presence in their daily lives.

Whether you’re looking to reconnect with your body, build resilience or simply find peace in the present moment, this group is here to support your journey after being touched by breast cancer.

Online support for breast cancer survivors, including those with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

Second Tuesday of every month from 6 to 7 p.m., Eastern time.
Register in advance on Zoom.

Oncology Chair Yoga for Cancer Survivors and Caregivers (in-person)

St. Jude Hall, Cannaday Bldg 1050, Mayo Clinic in Florida.
Mondays at 10 a.m., Eastern time (except federal holidays).
Consult your physician before attending.
Contact: Kristin Lothman at lothman.kristin@mayo.edu to register.
For online options see Free Oncology Yoga Class Calendar | CPF.

Muscular Dystrophy Support Group (Zoom)

First Monday of each month from 1 to 2 p.m., Eastern time.
Preregistration required.
Call 904-953-0332 for more information.

Neuroendocrine Tumor Support Group – NE FL Neuroendocrine Cancer Zebras (Zoom)

First Thursday of each month from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Eastern time.
The Zoom link is posted on Mayo Connect prior to the meeting. https://mchealth.zoom.us/meeting/register/vpUqdeGvrzksvBPx9kW8518Rtp8_vzMoEg
Open to the community. Patients and caregivers welcome.
Maximum of 50 participants. Early registration on Zoom is required and recommended.
Contact Oncology Social Work at 904-953-6831.

Outpatient Dialysis Support Group (Zoom)

Meets the last Thursday of each month from 5 to 6 p.m., Eastern time.
Provides support for those patients in the Mayo Clinic Outpatient Dialysis Center.
Contact dialysis social worker to participate: DeGeest.Samuel@mayo.edu.

Rising Above Breast Cancer: Online Support (Zoom)

A breast oncology nurse navigator and an oncology social worker are available to answer your questions and help you stay connected as you navigate cancer care at Mayo Clinic in Florida. This group also provides a valuable opportunity to meet other cancer survivors, share experiences, solve problems and exchange helpful information.

Online support for people with breast cancer who are newly diagnosed or in active treatment at Mayo Clinic in Florida.
First and third Tuesday of every month from 6 to 7 p.m., Eastern time.
Register in advance on Zoom.

Stroke Support Group (Zoom)

Interactive group that provides a supportive environment for stroke survivors and their caregivers with topics focusing on stroke-related health.

First Tuesday of each month from 11 a.m. to noon, Eastern Time.
The meetings are virtual and held on Zoom.
No registration needed, though contact us to receive an email reminder, which contains the Zoom link and meeting topics.
Contact: flastrokesupportgroup@mayo.edu or 904-953-7102.