Support for you and your loved ones, when you need it most.

Frederick Health offers a comprehensive cancer treatment support program providing practical assistance, counseling, and supportive services to patients and their families during cancer treatment. Services are provided by licensed social workers directly and in conjunction with various community agencies and programs. Support is available during our treatment hours of 8a.m. through 4:30p.m. and by appointment.


Support Services may be contacted directly by calling or emailing:

Breast Cancer Support Services

Oncology Financial Counseling

Patient Support and Counseling Services

Psychosocial support and counseling is helpful for issues related to adjustment in lifestyle, dealing with emotions, coping with side effects of treatment, changes in body image, effects of cancer on sexuality and relationships, managing stress, and communication with family, friends, and co-worker. Patients have access to Oncology Social Workers on treatment days or by appointment throughout the duration of radiation and/or chemotherapy treatment. An appropriate referral will be made for patients whose needs are more extensive than the medical setting can provide. Information and referrals are provided for various support and educational programs and services available within the surrounding community and on the Internet.

Financial Counseling

Assistance is provided to address financial concerns of patients during treatment. Financial counseling and referral services are available at the James M Stockman Cancer Institute to help patients apply for appropriate programs that they may qualify for to cover medical expenses. These may include Medical Assistance, Social Security benefits, COBRA, and various programs to help with medications and treatment related services. Contact Irene Hollis, Financial Counselor, at 240-566-4337 for more information.

Breast Cancer Support Group at Frederick Community College

Co-sponsored by the Anne-Lynn Gross Breast Cancer Resource Center and Frederick Health, the Breast Cancer Support Group meets the 2nd Thursday of the month at 7:00pm in the FCC Classroom/Student Center, H-106D. All breast cancer survivors, from newly diagnosed to long-term remission/survival are encouraged to attend. For more information contact the Anne-Lynn Gross Breast Cancer Resource Center, 301-846-2483 or visit www.frederick.edu/adultservices.

Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN)

The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network provides direct support for bladder cancer patients and their loved ones through the BCAN connection. More information is available at bcan.org.

Dietary Consultations for Cancer Patients

A dietary consult is available at the Frederick Health cancer treatment at no cost for patients treated at the James M Stockman Cancer Institute upon request and by appointment. Contact the nursing staff, social worker, or physician to arrange an appointment.

Cancer Education Programs

Programs of education and support for cancer patients and those who provide support to them are held throughout the year and are open to the general public. Programs meet at the James M Stockman Cancer Institute. Contact Support Services @ 240-566-4100, Option 5 then Option 1 for upcoming events.

Cancer Support Group

Cancer support group for cancer patients, survivors and family members providing the opportunity for a safe place for sharing, encouragement, and fellowship. Facilitated by a local psychologist. Meets every Friday from 10:00am to 11:30am at Monocacy Valley Church, 9861 Old National Pike, Ijamsville, MD 21754. For more information please contact mvc@mvcnow.org or 301-865-9100.

Frederick Prostate Cancer Support Group

Prostate cancer support group for both patients and family members is co-sponsored by Frederick Health and the American Cancer Society. The group meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm at the James M Stockman Cancer Institute. Contact Bert Hauver at (240) 566-4715.

Frederick Health Cancer Patient Assistance Fund

Available to income qualified cancer patients who need financial help paying for medicine, dietary supplements, and durable medical supplies until a more permanent solution can be found. The Cancer Patient Assistance Fund is dependent upon the generosity of the Frederick community. For more information contact Support Services at 240-566-4100, Option 5 then Option1.

Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Support Group

Support group for women with genetically predisposed breast and ovarian cancer. An opportunity for participants to process feelings and receive fellowship. Facilitated by Pat Rice, CRNP. Group meets quarterly at the James M Stockman Cancer Institute on the 2nd Tuesday of January, April, July and October from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Register at price@fmh.org.

Look Good, Feel Better for Women

This program assists female cancer patients in coping with changes in appearance related to side effects due to cancer treatment and is co-sponsored by The American Cancer Society and Frederick Health. The programs are held monthly at the James M Stockman Cancer Institute and the Frederick School of Cosmetology. For details and/or to register, contact Support Services at 240-566-4100, Option 5 then Option 1.

Lymphedema Therapy

A specified massage therapy for this common but troublesome side effect of breast cancer. Contact Lymphedema Specialist at (240) 215-1425 for more information.

Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Support Group (SPOHNC)

The local chapter of Support for People with Oral, Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC), Inc. holds monthly meetings offering information, support and encouragement to newly diagnosed patients, survivors, and caregivers in a friendly and non-threatening forum. Meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 2-3:30pm at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church Parish Center on Rt. 75/Church St. in Libertytown, MD. For information or to register to attend please contact Judith Churco at 301-631-8159 or email at judyduster@aol.com. Please call to register for each meeting.

Ovarian Cancer Support Group

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Frederick Chapter. Please contact Cathie Duncan at 301-788-5348 or Frederick@ovarian.org for more information.

Road to Recovery Transportation Services

Volunteer drivers for the American Cancer Society provide transportation assistance for cancer patients to and from cancer treatments. Patient must be ambulatory. Contact the American Cancer Society at (888) 227-6333, or Support Services at (240) 566-4100,

Option 5 then Option 1, for additional information.

Survivors Offering Support (SOS)

SOS is a support program that pairs informed and trained breast cancer survivor volunteers with newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. SOS volunteers are matched with new patients by similarities of age, lifestyle and stage of breast cancer. Volunteers share their personal breast cancer experiences and provide insight and emotional support to new patients. To speak to a mentor or to learn more about this important program, contact Denise O’Neill, SOS Volunteer Coordinator at 301-418-6766 or by email at doneill@fmh.org.

You may also fill out this form to request a mentor. Click here to download.

Transitions To Wellness Program (SOS)

Want a jumpstart into addressing the challenges of becoming a new breast cancer survivor? This is a workshop held quarterly designed as a toolkit to assist you in the important transition from treatment to life as a breast cancer survivor. Please contact Denise O’Neill at 301-418-6766 or by email at doneill@fmh.org.

Wig Assistance

A wig/fitting is available to women with a cancer diagnosis via the Frederick Health Cancer Patient Assistance Fund who meet income qualification guidelines. Contact Support Services at (240) 566-4100, Option 5 then Option 1, for more information.