Support Groups

The Ostomy Support Group provides fellowship among people who share a common experience. At each month’s meeting, we cover a variety of topics and have a certified wound ostomy nurse present to answer any questions you have about your ostomy. The meetings are open to all ostomates in our community and their families and friends. The monthly meetings are held on the last Thursday of each month (except December) at 3 p.m. in the Education Classroom. For more information, call the Wound and Ostomy Center at 618.391.5941.

"Cancer - everyone dreads that word. When you hear it for yourself, you just “sink.” When you have colorectal cancer, and in my case, rectal, you have additional anxieties, as you know the treatment more than likely will involve a life-altering surgery. In my case, it meant a complete removal of my large intestines, rectum and anus - an ileostomy. A definite life-altering event. But - it doesn’t have to be negative! One of the best things that I did early on, after the diagnosis and treatment plan were set prior to surgery, was to start attending the Ostomy Support Group at Anderson Hospital. The ostomy nurses run the group meetings, so you get a medical and physiological perspective and information. You find out what is physically going to happen to your body. But even more important than that, you get to interact with people who live and function in what will be your new world. Getting to hear the perspective and actual life experiences of people who lived what was going to happen to me was invaluable. After attending meetings, listening to ostomy patients, asking my own questions...I realized my life will physically be different, but it didn’t have to be scary. You can survive cancer! You can have a normal and active life with an ostomy! Obviously, your best defense against colorectal cancer is regular screening. But sometimes it still happens...you get the scary diagnosis of cancer. If this happens to you, I strongly encourage you to reach out to the ostomy nurses and get connected to the support group. You will realize YOU CAN DO THIS!"

- Anderson Hospital Ostomy Support Group Attendee and Patient

Air Link is a support group for individuals with pulmonary and cardiac-related conditions. The group meets once a month in April, July, and October at various locations. For more information and meeting dates, please call: 618.391.6715.

The Living Well with Diabetes Support Group is for individuals living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Members share information, find understanding, and give and receive emotional support. If you are looking to connect with others that face some of your same struggles and enjoy some fun company along the way, this may be the group for you. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month except December at the Maryville Wellness Center. For more information or to be added to the meeting reminder list, call our Diabetes Care and Education Specialist at 618.391.6711.

The Anderson Grief Support Group is a six-session bereavement support group designed to help participants navigate their grieving experience. Sessions are held twice per month on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Anderson Hospital Chapel. Each session focuses on a different topic or concept that includes discussion, sharing, and personal reflection. There is no obligation to share, and all sharing is held in confidence within the group. All who are grieving the loss of a loved one are welcome. If you have questions, you can contact Bill Dempsey at 618.391.6456 with questions.