The BMT program staff recognizes that patients and family members need support in different ways at different times throughout the transplant process. In an effort to meet patients’ and family members’ needs, the BMT Program Social Workers provide a variety of groups that focus on providing support and education related to BMT.

BMT Support Group
Location: Hope Lodge
2500 University Ave SE, Minneapolis
(Free Parking; Open Lot Attached)

Tuesday September 7th
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM (breakfast provided)
Returning to activities/work life/school/volunteering after transplant

BMT Social workers will present information and ideas on how to become more active after transplant. We will look at different options for involvement – work, volunteering, returning to school, and others.  Please plan to bring your questions and experiences to share.

Tuesday September 21st
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM (dinner provided)
Patient and Caregiver Experiences

This will be an informal opportunity to talk about your personal BMT journey. It will also be a time to share coping strategies that have helped you and to learn from others. Please plan to bring your ideas and questions.

BMT Support Group Hosts:
Eleanor Leary          612.273.2964 eleary1@fairview.org
Leah Otterlei            612.273.2902 lotterl1@fairview.org
Katie Schoeppner   612.273.3518 kschoep2@fairview.org

BMT Caregiver Support Group
Wednesday afternoons, 2:00-3:00pm
Family Lounge: BMT Unit 4B
Facilitator: BMT Social Workers

This group provides an opportunity for BMT caregivers to share and receive mutual support with other caregivers. Caregivers are encouraged to join with others to discuss various topics and coping strategies, in a relaxed, positive and supportive group. Refreshments are provided.

Post-BMT Outpatient Support Group
Hope Lodge
2500 University Ave, SE Minneapolis
Intersection of 25th and University Ave
(Ask your social worker for updated dates and times) 
     
This group offers an opportunity for BMT patients to talk with others who may be having similar experiences post-transplant. This is a group where patients can share and receive support. We discuss a variety of topics, articles and coping strategies in a relaxed, positive and supportive group.

Post-BMT and Graft-Versus-Host-Disease (GVHD) Education and Support Group
Hope Lodge
2500 University Ave, SE Minneapolis
Intersection of 25th and University Ave

1st Tuesday of the month, 9:30-11:0am  Breakfast provided
3rd Tuesday of the month, 5:30-7:00pm  Dinner provided
Facilitator: BMT Social Worker

You will have the opportunity to talk with other people who may be experiencing similar types of issues and concerns. BMT physicians and other health care professionals speak at the group on a regular basis. Click this link for a schedule of topics and speakers.

Look Good, Feel Better Program
Offered once a month
Hope Lodge
2500 University Ave, SE Minneapolis
Intersection of 25th and University Ave
(Ask your BMT social worker for specific dates and times)

These groups are supported by the American Cancer Society. The groups are open to adult and adolescent female oncology and BMT patients.  Participants receive support and training focused on coping with the appearance changes related to treatments.  Participants will receive a cosmetic kit with a value of over $250.00. For more information go to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Web site.