Back to articles

Adventist Health Tillamook Announces Re-Start of Grief Support and Cancer Support Groups

News, Cancer

Beginning this June, grief support and cancer support groups facilitated by Adventist Health Tillamook are restarting after a long COVID-19 safety-related hiatus. These support groups provide a necessary community benefit to all residents in Tillamook County that Adventist Health Tillamook and are available free of charge.

Grief Support Group

Grief is a normal response to a loss during or after a traumatic event which can happen in response to a loss of life, as well as to drastic changes to daily routines and ways of life. Recent research states that under normal circumstances, 10 percent of bereaved people would be expected to develop prolonged grief, which is unusually intense, incapacitating and persistent. For COVID-related grief, that proportion may be higher because the pandemic has been associated with many risk factors.

Starting June 9, 2022, board-certified chaplain and bereavement specialist Pam Strachan facilitates an in-person grief support group. Pam has extensive experience supporting adults dealing with grief and loss. If you or someone you know is struggling with difficult and unexpected emotions from shock, anger, disbelief, guilt and sadness from grief, please consider joining this support program.

RSVP and/or questions: Pam Strachan, strachea@ah.org or call 503-815-2411.

  • Adventist Health Tillamook
    Conference Room D, Third Floor
    1000 3rd St., Tillamook
    4–5 p.m., 2nd and 4th Thursday monthly
     
  • Manzanita Calvary Bible Church 
    Fellowship Room 560 Laneda Ave., Manzanita
    11 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1st and 3rd Tuesday monthly

Cancer Support Group

Our cancer support group provides a safe space for those affected by cancer to share their experiences and emotions with others who have cancer. People in stressful situations benefit from having a good social support system, and a cancer support group can be part of this support system. Apart from having to cope with physical and medical challenges, those with cancer face many worries, feelings and concerns unique to their situation.

Beginning June 21, the oncology care manager, Karen Layzell, will be facilitating our cancer support group at Adventist Health Tillamook. Sessions will focus on getting to know fellow participants and sharing what they have been doing to help them get through this difficult time in their lives. Refreshments are included and special speakers will be frequently attending.

RSVP and/or questions: Karen Layzell, layzelk@ah.org or call 503-815-7564. Space is limited to 10–12 group members per session.

  • Adventist Health Tillamook
    Conference Room D, Third Floor
    1000 3rd St., Tillamook
    1–2:30 p.m. Third Tuesday of each month