St. Luke’s Breast Cancer Support Group — A safe, supportive place to share and learn

By Andrea Busche

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be frightening and completely overwhelming. While friends and family can lend a kind ear and provide support in a variety of ways, it can be helpful to talk to a group of people who have walked the cancer journey themselves.

The St. Luke’s Breast Cancer Support Group is a free resource for those fighting breast cancer. Patients’ loved ones are also welcome to attend. The group is open to anyone — not just St. Luke’s patients.

“Everyone is considerate and upbeat,” said Tina Roberts, the group’s facilitator. “They rejoice along with you in the good times, and are supportive in the difficult times. It’s possibly the most uplifting group you’ll ever know.”

Professional Support

Roberts is a social worker for the St. Luke’s Cancer Center, and has worked for St. Luke’s for 36 years. In her regular role, Roberts helps provide direction and support to those diagnosed with all types of cancer. But the breast cancer support group has become a large part of her job, too.

“The support group was started in 2002 after we realized there was a big void,” Roberts said. “We’ve been doing it ever since. It’s been hugely welcomed and was utilized right away.” helping breast cancer patients, the St. Luke’s Breast Cancer Support Group is perhaps more important than ever.

Roberts shared that the group — which is held the first Monday of every month from 6-7:30 p.m. in the first-floor lobby at Duluth’s St. Luke’s Lakeview Building, 1001 E. Superior St. — is typically attended by about six to eight people, but sometimes up to 15. Registration is not required, and there is no commitment to return or obligation to speak.

“Some people come consistently, and some intermittently,” Roberts said. “I would encourage people to consider it.

“Peggy Anderson (Circle of Hope’s founder) has always been a great champion for us,” Roberts said. “We would welcome anyone coming to us from Circle of Hope with open arms.” the first Tuesday of the month from 3:305 p.m. on the fourth floor of the St. Luke’s Lakeview Building.

Inspiring Hope

While participating in a support group can make cancer patients feel less alone, Roberts shared that it can also inspire feelings of hope.

learn new skills,” she added. “You can make connections, learn from others, and it helps people feel less isolated. It’s a very close group. There’s a genuine affinity for one another.”

You can make it what you want it to be — you can share or not share. Everybody is welcome.”

Other Resources

In addition to the traditional support group setting, where breast cancer patients can openly, and confidentially, share their stories, there are occasional guest speakers, too.

“We’ve had health psychologists, physicians, nurses, a physical therapist (to discuss lymphedema) and staff from Heide’s Mastectomy Shop,” Roberts said.

While the group isn’t able to provide financial support, they can help patients connect with a variety of other resources if needed. And with the recent closure of Duluth’s Circle of Hope, a nonprofit organization dedicated to

In addition to the Breast Cancer Support Group, St. Luke’s also offers a support group for those dealing with all other types of cancer. This group meets on

“It’s so helpful to talk to other people,” she said. “These groups bring people so much hope.

“The support group is a safe place to talk, share your emotions and feelings, and even

To learn more, visit slhduluth.com/eventscalendar/event-details/?event=7501. Tina Roberts can also be reached directly at 218249-5468.