Our outstanding Cancer Care services possess specific strengths that set us apart from our competitors and offer unique and vital services to our community. 

In 2011, we were accredited by the American College of Surgeons.  The accreditation is given only to those facilities that provide the highest level of quality cancer care and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review.

Dedicated Oncology Unit

When many hospitals across the country closed their specialty units and consolidated specialty care into general Medical and Surgical units, we retained our Cancer Care services in a discrete unit of the hospital. This allows us to offer our patients exceptional expertise and care in a safe, peaceful, and nurturing environment.

• Our nurses have received specific training and national certification in oncology care from the Oncology Nursing Society, one of the largest organizations in the country dedicated to oncology nursing.

• Our oncology nurses must go through additional training and certification to be qualified to administer chemotherapy to our patients.

• Our team includes a dedicated group of oncology physicians and a hospitalist to ensure patients receive the best care available.

• Our private rooms offer a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.  In addition, we offer family-oriented rooms with couches and sleeper chairs so family members can stay with patients around-the-clock.

Cancer Support Groups

Our support groups are open to anyone in the community, including loved ones of individuals diagnosed with cancer and healthcare providers. The following support groups take place in our Reflection House located at 300 Doyle Park Drive, Santa Rosa.  All groups are free to the public on a space available basis. 

Please contact the support group leader for specific information and before attending any group.

Support for individuals newly diagnosed with cancer: 

This group allows individuals to share and talk openly in a safe environment about their fears and hopes and provides support  for individuals coming to terms with the reality of a cancer diagnosis.   It also provides a platform for individuals to discuss possible treatment options and tools to help individuals cope.  In most cases, the group focuses on non-metastatic cancers. 

Support Group Leader:  

Betsy Hall, PhD, MFT 
(707) 481-2130
betsyhallw@aol.com

Support for individuals with all stages and types of cancer:

This group provides a safe environment for individuals dealing with all cancers at any stage.  Participants may be newly diagnosed, may have just experienced a recurrence, or may have lived for many years with a cancer diagnosis, and more. 

Support Group Leader: 

Betsy Hall, PhD, MFT 
(707) 481-2130
betsyhallw@aol.com

Support for individuals living with advanced-stage cancer: 

This group meets monthly and is limited to individuals with advanced staged, metastatic cancer. 

Support Group Leader: 

Betsy Hall, PhD, MFT 
(707) 481-2130
betsyhallw@aol.com

Support for caregivers, family and friends: 

This group is open to all family and friends as well as professional caregivers wanting a safe, supportive environment to openly share the complex  feelings that arise when accompanying someone through a cancer diagnosis.  It includes coping strategies and the sharing of additional community resources. 

Support Group Leader: 

Betsy Hall, PhD, MFT
(707) 481-2130
betsyhallw@aol.com

Support for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma patients and families:

This group is open to patients and caregivers and is sponsored by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  The group meets regularly on the third Thursday of each month, from 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.  

For more information, contact:

Michele Kane, RN
(707) 525-5300, ext. 6196
michele.kane@stjoe.org

Susan Beutler, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
(415) 581-1164

Support for individuals diagnosed and living with prostate cancer:

This group offers information, support and opportunity to meet and share experiences with men who are living well with prostate cancer.  Wives/significant others/partners are welcome to attend.    The group meets every Tuesday evening, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

For more information, contact:

John Nidecker
(707) 537-6785
jnidecker3@gmail.com

Additional Resources

Family & Friends— When Someone You Love Is Sick

This supportive drop-in group is provided for free by St. Joseph Hospice Services for family and friends of someone with a life-threatening illness. Members share experiences of coping with a loved one’s illness, learn self-care techniques and receive information about community resources.

Support groups are available in Petaluma (at Hospice of Petaluma on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month from 4-5 p.m.) and in Santa Rosa (at Memorial Hospice on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from 4–5 p.m.). 

For more information, contact:

Hospice of Petaluma
(707) 778-6242

Memorial Hospice
(707) 568-1094