Neuro-Oncology (Brain and Spinal Tumors)

Patient Programs, Events, and Resources

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The Division of Neuro-Oncology is pleased to offer a variety of programs to help support our patients and families while they navigate the treatment journey. We recognize that your mental health is equally as important as your physical health. You can find all upcoming support groups and workshops in the Neuro-Oncology Calendar. Please note that to join a support group, you must first complete the appropriate registration form.

For questions or more information, please contact Neuro-Oncology Social Worker Nicole Ross at nlr2143@cumc.columbia.edu.

Young Adult Brain Tumor Support Group

  • Description:
    • This is a weekly group for young adults with brain tumors to connect with one another for emotional support. This is a positive space to express your thoughts and feelings related to living life with a brain tumor. Discussion topics include body image, infertility, anticipatory grief, dating and relationships, and scanxiety.
  • Eligibility:
    • Who may join: Young adults ages 18-35 with a primary brain tumor who receive treatment at Columbia.
    • Registration required. After completing the registration form, a social worker will be in touch with you to complete the registration process. You will then receive a Zoom link for the next upcoming session.
    • You must be physically located in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania to attend.

Brain Tumor Caregiver Support Group

  • Description:
    • This is a weekly group for caregivers of patients with brain tumors at Columbia. We meet for 10 weeks at a time in multiple cycles throughout the year. Caregivers are invited to share their honest thoughts and feelings about taking care of their loved ones. Guest speakers are invited to present on various topics related to what caregivers may experience, including burnout and anticipatory grief.
  • Eligibility:
    • Who may join: Caregivers of brain tumor patients who receive treatment at Columbia.
    • This is a closed group that occurs in cycles. Registration required. After completing the registration form, a social worker will be in touch with you to complete the registration process. You will then receive a Zoom link for the next upcoming session.
    • Must be physically located in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania to attend.

Primary Brain Tumor Support Group

  • Description:
    • This is a monthly group for anyone with a primary brain tumor. Patients are invited to share their honest thoughts and feelings related to living life with a brain tumor. Discussion topics have included child or grandchild rearing while on treatment, Medicare enrollment, managing treatment-related side effects such as “chemo brain,” and coping with one’s diagnosis.
  • Eligibility:
    • Who may join: Anyone with a primary brain tumor (not brain metastases) who receives treatment at Columbia.
    • Registration required. After completing the registration form, a social worker will be in touch with you to complete the registration process. You will then receive a Zoom link for the next upcoming session.
    • You must be physically located in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania in order to attend.

Bereavement Group

  • Description:
    • This is a biweekly, online support group for those who have lost someone to brain cancer or another chronic neurological disease, such as ALS or Parkinson’s disease. In each session, we will discuss a different topic related to grief with the hope that participants will find unique ways to honor their loved one’s memory. Your loved one must have received treatment at Columbia to join this group.
  • Schedule:
    • Our Spring 2025 group will be meeting on the following dates:
      • Session 1: April 14, 2025
        Session 2: April 28, 2025
      • Session 3: May 5, 2025 (adjusted for Memorial Day)
      • Session 4: May 19, 2025 (adjusted for Memorial Day)
      • Session 5: June 16, 2025
      • Session 6: June 30, 2025
      • Session 7: July 14, 2025
      • Session 8: July 28, 2025
      • Session 9: August 11, 2025
  • Eligibility:
    • Caregivers of those who suffered from a chronic, long-term neurological disease such as glioblastoma, ALS, or Parkinson’s disease
    • The death occurred one month before joining but not more than 1 year
    • Commitment to joining at least 6 sessions out of 9 total
    • Registration is required. After completing the registration form, a social worker will be in touch with you to complete the registration process. If you apply once the group has begun, we will place you on the waitlist for the next upcoming cycle.
  • Facilitators:
    • Nicole Ross, LMSW, OSW-C
      Neuro-Oncology Social Worker
    • Linda Golding, MA, BCC
      Multifaith Chaplain at Columbia University Medical Center

Access to Care Orientation

  • Description:
    • "Will my insurance cover transportation?" "Should I apply for disability?" "What else can I do to plan ahead?" If you are asking yourself these questions, you are not alone. In this workshop, you’ll learn more about applying for disability, accessing transportation, what your health insurance does and does not cover, and other resources for families affected by neurological illness. This monthly workshop is facilitated by a licensed social worker who specializes in neurology.
  • Orientation:
    • When: Second Wednesday of each month, 1-2pm
    • Where: Virtual workshop via Zoom.
  • Meeting Information:
    • Meeting ID: 969 2820 4317
  • For more information, visit our Events page.