Who We Are
Who We Are
- We are a volunteer-run, not-for-profit Support Group for prostate cancer patients, survivors and their families.
Our group is run by prostate cancer survivors to help other men diagnosed with, and living with, this disease. - We provide fellowship, understanding and hope to prostate cancer patients and their families through one-on-one peer counseling and open, honest discussion and sharing in a group setting.
- We provide a forum for medical experts and other healthcare professionals to inform us about treatment options, new developments and recommended lifestyle activities to enhance recovery and quality of life.
Our Meetings
Zoom videoconferencing may not be ideal but, at times like these, it allows us to get together, see old friends, listen to guest speakers, and share our successes and our concerns. One definite benefit of group meetings by Zoom is that it breaks down geographical barriers and lets us join in meetings and listen to expert speakers elsewhere in Ontario and across the country. See Other Support Groups and join our mailing list to see what’s available to you.
When the Covid-19 pandemic is behind us, we will revert to meeting every month in the friendly, confidential, no-pressure environment of Wellspring Birmingham-Gilgan House. Always on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7pm. Whether you want to come once or on a regular basis, please know that visitors are always welcome and the group is there for you, ready with experience, encouragement, understanding and support.
Thank You to Wellspring Birmingham Gilgan House for your support and for providing the facilities for our meetings.
Talk to someone Who’s Been There
All attendees of our meetings respect the confidentiality of the medical condition of others. “What is discussed here, stays here.”
Our support group leaders and members will not provide medical, mental health or any other type of health service or advice. We provide non-medical peer support, news and awareness information about prostate cancer. Support group members are always advised to seek professional services from licensed physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists and health care professionals, if and when necessary. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of any communication or interaction received from our volunteer group or members.
Meetings are always free and require no advance registration. You will be warmly welcomed.
New attendees are welcome to introduce themselves and express their concerns or ask questions or you may prefer to just sit and listen. If you want to talk with someone who has the same issues or has gone through the same treatment you are considering, we can arrange one-on-one mentoring sessions.
We have members who are willing to meet with you and offer their help.
Spouses or partners are welcome to attend any of these meetings. Note that we openly discuss prostate cancer, treatments, urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and other matters that would not be appropriate for younger children.
Our members have been where you are and we think we can help you.
We try to get the right blend of discussion and information in our meeting schedule to meet the needs of our members. Either through presentations from professional guest speakers or in peer support discussions, where members share their experiences and address questions from other participants.
Education and Information
Our guest speaker meetings have featured various health care professionals: urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, researchers, geneticists, physiotherapists, dietitians, and others.
What If I Don’t Want To Go To a Support Group Meeting?
We understand that not all men are comfortable in a group setting and having to speak about their symptoms and side-effects in a room full of other men.
If that’s you (or your loved one), we are happy to arrange one-on-one, confidential discussions with another member who shares, and can understand, your issues with prostate cancer. Please get in touch.
